Shakopee and Master Gardeners Offering Invasive Species Classes

The Shakopee Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department and Carver-Scott Extension Master Gardeners are collaborating for a series of classes on invasive species this fall.

The first class, Buckthorn Bonanza, will teach participants how to identify common and glossy buckthorn and how to fight it. Buckthorn is on the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's restricted noxious weed list. It is illegal for anyone to sell, transport without a permit, or intentionally plant. 


Buckthorn Bonanza is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 28 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Shakopee Public Utilities, 255 Sarazin Street. After the indoor lecture, participants will have the option for a hands-on learning experience through a volunteer opportunity at Memorial Park.

“The goal of this class is to both teach residents to identify and eradicate buckthorn on their own properties, but also to ultimately take care of it on Shakopee city property via the network of educated and concerned citizens that hopefully come out of this,” said Shakopee Natural Resource Technician Jacob Busiahn in a city news release.

Class participants must be at least 10 years old or older. An adult must accompany youth under the age of 16.

Registration is available online, or call Busiahn at (952) 233-9511.

Reservations are required. A second date for the class will be scheduled for Oct. 5 if necessary.

Related Blog: Buckthorn Bonanza, Carver-Scott Extension Master Gardners