Burnsville's Neighborhood Buckthorn Pickup Program: Combating Invasive Plants Together
BURNSVILLE, MN - Residents of Burnsville have a unique opportunity to combat the invasive buckthorn plant, which poses significant environmental challenges. The Neighborhood Buckthorn Pickup Program, spearheaded by the City of Burnsville, is encouraging residents to band together to remove buckthorn from private properties in their neighborhoods. Applications for this program are due by July 31st.
Buckthorn invades natural ecosystems, quickly outcompeting native woodland plants for light, water, and nutrients. Unlike native plants, buckthorns have no natural insect or animal predators here to keep their population under control. This invasive plant prevents the regeneration of native trees and, over time, turns a healthy forest into a shrubby thicket of buckthorn. With little else able to grow beneath it, buckthorn exposes forest soils to erosion. Additionally, its berries can be very messy.
This is an example of what invasive Buckthorn can do to the natural ecosystems over time. Provided by the City of Burnsville.
By removing buckthorn, residents can enhance the usability of their woods, protect local wildlife, and prevent erosion. The City of Burnsville is offering a special incentive for participating neighborhoods: free pickup of cut buckthorn. To qualify, a neighborhood must apply and be approved, with a minimum of three homeowners participating in the removal project. This program aims to facilitate large-scale buckthorn removal, making it easier for residents to manage this invasive species. Individual property owners with large lots may also be eligible for the free pickup service, providing flexibility and support for those tackling extensive buckthorn growth on their land.
Interested residents can find more information and apply for the program by visiting Burnsville’s official nomination page. Resources are available on Burnsville's buckthorn information page for those looking to learn more about identifying buckthorns and effective removal techniques Burnsville's buckthorn information page.
Written by: Will Wight
