District 12

‘Buckthorn busters,’ they’re back!

If you’ve strolled along Robbins Avenue in St. Anthony Park lately, you may have spotted yellow ribbons tied around some oddly pruned trees.

That’s not a forgotten art project — it’s part of a neighborhood effort to reclaim the area’s urban woods from one of Minnesota’s most aggressive invasive species: common buckthorn.

These small trees and shrubs may look unassuming, but they wreak havoc on our local ecosystems, pushing out native underbrush and altering soil chemistry.

That’s why the District 12 Community Council’s Environment Committee, known affectionately as the “Buckthorn Busters,” has returned to the site this summer with loppers, saws and a plan.

“Buckthorn doesn’t give up easily,” said committee member Kerry Morgan. “But we’re using a technique called critical period cutting to keep it from growing back.” The team strips the buckthorn of its leaves during the peak growing season, robbing it of the energy it needs to survive winter.

The process is repeated over two years — no herbicide needed.

“It’s slow work,” added Reyd Jordan, another committee regular. “But by spring 2027, we’re hoping to restore this area with native shrubs and pollinator-friendly perennials. It’s about bringing balance back.”

Thanks to the work of dedicated volunteers, the future of this little patch of green looks a whole lot brighter — and more biodiverse.

Interested in environmental issues or volunteering? The SAPCC Environment Committee meets the fourth Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome. Visit sapcc.org to learn more.

Thank you 4th in the Park team!

A special note from the District 12 team and family: “This year’s 4th in the Park celebration was unforgettable, and we’re so grateful to the amazing team of organizers and volunteers who made it all happen.

Whether you were wrangling kids, tossing candy, guiding neighbors down the parade route, setting up sound or proudly holding your group’s banner — you helped bring joy to hundreds of neighbors.

Thank you for keeping this beloved tradition full of heart and hometown pride. We’re lucky to live in a place where folks show up for each other, year after year. See you next July, neighbors!

Fall Community Garage Sale

The District 12 Community Garage Sale is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Sept. 5 and 6. Neighbors are invited to register early for what promises to be a great weekend of treasure hunting and community connection.

To register your garage sale or to get more information about the event, visit sapcc.org/sale.

Speed limit reminder

As you go through summer and fall, remember that city speed limits are 20 mph on all side streets, and most of the streets with traffic signals in Bugleland are 25 mph, including Como, Raymond and Cleveland avenues.

Only the largest and busiest streets, like University or Larpenteur avenues, are higher than that (30 or 35 mph).

Upcoming District 12 meetings

District 12 encourages neighbors to attend monthly committee meetings, available in-person and online. Learn more and get involved at sapcc.org.

• Land Use Committee: 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 7

• District 12 Board: 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 14

• Transportation Committee: 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 26

• Environment Committee: 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 27

• Equity Committee: 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 27

Submitted by District 12 executive director Zev Radziwill.