The Friends of Rydell and Glacial Ridge Refuges Association (FRGRRA) will host their annual Holiday Tree Cutting Event on Saturday, December 1, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., at the south-central portion of Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge (formerly the Lee Nursery) on Highway 32. Signs will be up along the highway, marking the event location. Participants will
need to stop at the Glacial Ridge Project Office, located 3 miles south of U.S. Highway 2 on Highway 32, (5.5 miles west of Mentor) to register and get a map to the tree cutting site. The FRGRRA will have coffee, hot apple cider, and cookies available at the check-in station for this fun, family event. Please ensure that children are dressed appropriately for the weather. Volunteers will be available at the site to assist with tree cutting and tie-down if requested. This is a one-day event and no special arrangements will be made for cutting trees during other times or at other locations. Gates to the tree cutting area will close at 4:00 p.m. sharp!
A variety of conifers, including long-needled pine and short-needled spruce trees, will be available for hand cutting only. Bring a hand saw (no chainsaws allowed) to cut your own tree. A few hand saws will be available for use, for those who do not have their own. Tree sizes range from small to tall – something for everyone! This activity is part of an ongoing effort to remove non-native trees from a portion of Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge. The reduction of planted conifer stands is an important Refuge management objective. These areas will eventually be restored to their historic tallgrass prairie habitat.
FRGRRA’s mission involves promoting a better understanding, appreciation, and accessibility of both Glacial Ridge and Rydell National Wildlife Refuges, for people of all ages and abilities.
In case of a winter storm on December 1, the tree cutting will be held the following Saturday, December 8, with the same hours. If necessary, a decision to reschedule the event will be made no later than noon on November 30. For more information on this event, call 218-687-2229 extension 10.
For more information please contact:
Loren (Punky) Johnson
President, FRGRRA
218-280-0729; et1johnson@q.com
