WHAT: Join us for bareroot tree planting to help restore the Mississippi River floodplain forest! Volunteers will use dibble bars to plant trees—expect stooping, bending, and walking across uneven terrain in a beautiful floodplain setting. Bring drinking water, work gloves (if you have them), and a desire to make a positive environmental impact.
For more information, you can contact Jared Nance from US Fish & Wildlife: (573) 754-2431
WHEN: 9:00am start time on May 7, 8, 9 & 10.
Volunteer check-in is flexible—come and go as your schedule allows.
US Fish & Wildlife Service staff will be onsite from approximately 8:30am to 3:00–5:00pm daily.
WHERE: Rockwood, Illinois. We’ll be meeting onsite just off Rockwood Island Road, outside Rockwood, IL. GPS coordinates: 37.83666, -89.70338. exact location here
Update:
The long range river and weather forecast is look favorable for tree planting next week! We are still planning on meeting onsite around 9am Wednesday May 7th - Saturday May 10th or until we run out of trees to put in the ground. Come whenever and leave whenever, you don't have to be there at 9am or stay the whole day. Location is Rockwood Island Division of the Middle Mississippi River NWR. It is off Illinois Route 3. You will turn onto Rockwood Island Road from Route 3 in the town of Rockwood. Don't try to come in from the levee from the south, the road will be bad coming in that way. Rockwood Island Road is an unmaintained county road. As soon as you turn off Route 3 you will go under a railroad trestle, then across a bridge, past our sign, and will see our vehicles. Coordinates are: 37.83666, -89.70338
WHY: Help improve the health and diversity of the Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge! We’re transforming a monotypic cottonwood stand into a diverse, 15-species bottomland forest to better support native wildlife and provide long-term benefits for future generations.
WHAT TO WEAR:
Dress for the weather
Clothes that you don't mind getting dirty
Closed-toe shoes
WHAT TO BRING:
A filled bottle of water - we recommend reusable!
Your own work gloves/tools if you prefer - otherwise, they will be provided
Sunscreen
Bug/tick spray
REGISTRATION NOTES:
The annual OS-STL liability waiver must be signed and approved before a volunteer can register for this opportunity. To see if you have met this qualification, please view your profile here.
Pre-registration is encouraged, but walk-ups are always welcome.
Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
