By Wayne Zimmerman

Barsness Buckthorn Brigade

The fall of 2024 was a busy time for Barsness Park. Many enjoyed the fall colors and walking the main trails. The more recently developed primitive trails also gained in popularity. The disc golf area has been redesigned with many improvements. It hosted a successful regional tournament. The bike trails have gained in popularity and are becoming a destination for regional riders. The work for the second $50,000 grant has been completed and work on the third grant has begun. The goats completed their work and will be returning next year. The number of goats will be increased as the number of acres needing to be managed has nearly doubled.

The Buckthorn Brigade volunteers hosted a regional meeting of staff from the Department of Natural Resources, Soil and Water Conservation, and private land management companies.

The group toured the work done by volunteers and the City. They also discussed “Best Practices” and long term management of buckthorn. Other volunteer activities included;

* Claire Fletcher led a nature walk focusing on the many uses of native plants found in the park.

*A second small prescribed prairie burn was successfully completed.

*Volunteers worked several mornings each week cutting buckthorn from areas not suitable for mulching with heavy equipment.

*Mulching was contracted in the area adjacent to 5th St SE and then volunteers prepared the area for restoration.

*Volunteers collected seeds from native plants to help in restoration work.

* A ½ mile multi-use trail was roughed-in and will be ready for cross country skiing.

* Volunteers spent nearly a week documenting the location and condition of ash trees in the city of Glenwood.  The inventory will be used to help with a strategy for emerald ash borer response.

Fall is a great time for the work being done by the volunteers. Buckthorn leaves remain on the tree much longer than other trees which makes it much easier to find the seed bearing trees in areas being managed and in areas that are not heavily invested. A large tree will have thousands of berries and each berry will have 3 to 4 seeds. Getting rid of seed bearing trees is a priority. Mild temps and not having mosquitoes are an additional plus for fall work. Volunteers will continue their work during winter months as weather permits. The park is a great place to spend time in all four seasons. 

If you are interested in volunteering, call the City of Glenwood at 320-634-5433 with your contact information . A volunteer will contact you to answer any questions and provide additional information.