Natural Resources 

Invasive species, like garlic mustard and common buckthorn, are causing problems in our natural areas. They choke out native trees, eliminate wildflowers and cause soil erosion. We’re working on invasive species control, but volunteers are needed to help with the long-term management of the many restoration sites. We’re looking for volunteers to help cut and treat small buckthorn and monitor and pull garlic mustard from your designated site.  

Qualifications

• Ability to control smaller buckthorn 
• Ability to safely use hand tools (saw, loppers, weed wrench) 
• Ability to treat the stump with herbicide and leave the cut buckthorn on the ground to naturally decompose 
• Commit to adopting an area for at least two years 
• Commit to a minimum of one workday in the spring and two workdays in the fall

Time Commitment

Own pace/Time commitment

Apply now to Adopt-a-Woodlot!

Storm drains located on our roadways, drain directly to local ponds, rivers and lakes without any pre-treatment. When  hazardous materials are dumped down storm drains or residents use poor yard care practices, it contributes  to local pollution. Storm drain stenciling helps educate, through painted stencils next to drains. Volunteers also hand out door hangers in the area they work that explains the project and how to dispose of hazardous waste properly.  

Qualifications 

• Stenciling can be done as an individual, family, or group
• Kids under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
• A request form should be submitted at least two weeks prior to when you would like to stencil

Time Commitment 

Stenciling can be scheduled between June 1 – September 30

Submit a project request form

Help us keep our streets clean! Let us know you’re interested and we’ll work with you to select a great spot. Streets residential in nature and those which are routinely cleaned by adjoining property owners are not eligible.

Qualifications

• Group representative must sign an agreement on behalf of your entire group. All participants must review the safety information before every pickup
• Participants ages 12 – 17 must have adequate adult supervision
• Groups shall arrange pickup dates in advance with our Public Works team. Work may not be allowed on or near holidays
• Groups shall leave filled trash bags along the roadside

Time Commitment

Two years, pick up three times a year 

Adopt-a-Street Contract (PDF)

Adopt-a-Street Terms and Conditions (PDF)

Interested in adopting a street? Give our engineering team a call at 952-895-4463

Volunteers in the Metropolitan Council's Citizen-Assisted Monitoring Program (CAMP) monitor eight Burnsville lakes, including Crystal, Keller, Lac Lavon, Alimagnet, Sunset Pond, South Twin, Earley and Wood Pond. Volunteers collect water samples and information like water clarity and temperature.  

Find more program information and how to get involved on CAMP’s website.

Dakota County's Wetland Health Evaluation Program (WHEP) is made up of volunteers who visit local wetlands to gather data about the plants and critters that live there. Volunteers work as a group and are trained on all the steps. 

Visit the WHEP website to learn how you can become part of the Burnsville WHEP team.