Missouri River Relief is joining hands with Living Lands and Waters, a non-profit environmental organization, and 3M employees to plant native trees and grass in the Overton Bottoms. The project will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
The project is being funded by 3M, who has been a long time sponsor of Living Lands and Waters, and is part of an effort to help restore the wetlands in the Overton Bottoms North Unit of the Big Muddy National Fish & Wildlife Refuge.
Prairie cordgrass, a tall native wetland grass, will be planted along with bur oak, pecan and sycamore trees.
Missouri River Relief program manager Steve Schnarr said these species were chosen because they're native to the Missouri River and have a high flood tolerance.
Volunteers are needed to help with the planting project; gloves and shovels will be supplied. Participants will receive a T-shirt, and 3M will provide lunch.
"We're probably looking for another 20 volunteers," Schnarr said. "Pre-registration is required so that we can make sure to provide enough lunches."
Pre-register at www.riverrelief.org. If you have questions or trouble registering, call Missouri River Relief at 573-443-0292.