Ready for CITO Season? Cache In Trash Out® Event

The City of Minnetonka would like some help in the new Cullen Preserve. Geocachers will be assisting the city’s restoration specialist in removing buckthorn as part of a long-term habitat restoration project in this newly acquired piece of property.  This event is set up for geocachers

We will work in a woodland that was formerly oak savannah. You will be participating in the beginnings of restoration that will go on for a number of years. The 30-acre parcel includes wetland with two islands and uplands with knolls and ravines. 

Please meet at the locked entrance gate on Oakland Road at 9:30 a.m. We will walk to our work area after collecting release forms and signing in.

It is not necessary to stay for the entire time, but if arrive at the start you will know where we are working.  If you arrive late check the cache page and I will post a note for where to find us.

What will be provided:

* A limited number of tools

* Loppers, hand saws, hand pruners

* Tarp, trash bags

* First aid kit

* Snacks

What to wear:

* Layered work clothes that may be shed if necessary

* Sturdy boots laced tight for uneven terrain

What to bring:

* Work gloves (thicker is better when working with buckthorn)

* Water bottle

* Safety glasses are recommended

* Tools if you wish: hand pruner, loppers, hand saw (labeled with your name)

* Optional: A backpack or a 5-gallon bucket is helpful to carry tools and water

What we will do:

* Cut buckthorn 1-2 feet from the ground

* Separate branch-ends with berries if found; bring to tarp for the trash

One or more:

* Stack brush for pick-up

* Lop branches into sections that will condense into small piles and/or

* Stack neat piles perpendicular to the downslope in designated areas

Possible hazards:

* Uneven ground with stumps, holes or logs

* Old fencing, posts, barbed wire, or debris pile(s)

* Wet, slippery, snowy/muddy ground

* Buck-thorns & cutting tools

Cullen Preserve (2510 Oakland Rd.)

Saturday, March 30, 2019

9:30 am to 12:30 p.m.