Renown for its 14 rare plant and animal species as well as its blazing fall colors, the Sand Coulee offers a glimpse of what much of Minnesota looked like before European civilization.

This event has reached capacity. To be added to the waitling list, please email Erika at efrost[at]fmr.org or call 651-222-2193 x23. Also, please consider registering for the Pine Bend Bluffs Habitat Restoration Event on October 29. 

Enjoy a hands-on seed identification and collection training while enjoying a rare example of a sand-gravel prairie. Volunteers will be working in the newest addition to Sand Coulee Scientific and Natural Area. Seed will be used for further habitat restoration. Large quantities — of volunteers and seed alike — needed!

Previous seed collection is not required — all abilities and groups are welcome. This activity is very detail-oriented, and generally best suited for teenagers and up.

About the Coulee
Home to 14 rare plant and animal species, FMR helped this Hastings-area gem earn SNA or Scientific and Natural Area status from the Department of Natural Resources — affording it the highest level of protection in the state.

The site is home to pussytoes, prairie smoke, blue-eyed grass, Carolina puccoon, and toadflax to name just a few native plant species, and is renown for its bird population, including larksparrow, loggerhead shrike, and many other species who depend upon such rare patches of native habitat.

To learn more about the Sand Coulee, please visit our Sand Coulee profile feature and our Sand Coulee project page.

Photos from last year's seed collection event at the coulee are available on FMR's Flickr page. 

This event is also part of the Vermillion Stewards program, which involves volunteers in hands-on stewardship and educational programs throughout the unique Vermillion River watershed.