As Jim and Mary Hammill searched for a new home in Minnetonka a few years ago, they spotted people walking along a trail near an apartment complex. The trail led them into Meadow Park and, eventually, down a path filled with new friendships and the rewards of volunteering in their new community.

“I personally have a long history of volunteering because it offers as much back to me as I give to it,” said Mary.

The Hammills are just two of the more than 1,000 people who volunteer each year with the city. Nearly half of them work on ecological restoration by helping re-establish the native landscapes historically found across Minnetonka’s prairies, wetlands and forests. Jim and Mary work through Friends of Minnetonka Parks, a nonprofit organization that coordinates volunteer events with the city.

“The Friends’ opportunity to participate in buckthorn events came along, and I found that, despite my balance issues, I could sit on the ground to do what I needed to do,” Mary said.

Whether sitting, standing or walking, removing buckthorn takes a certain level of commitment. Volunteers also sow seeds and help with native plantings.

“When we started, it was pretty uphill and it looked like an impossible job,” said Jim. “But when you clear an area, it looks so much better that it inspires you to keep going."

The Hammills credit the city’s natural resources employees who inspire and guide the work of the volunteers.

“It’s been so helpful to learn from them,” said Jim. “They are always there whenever we have questions.”

For the Hammills, the biggest reward of all is simply being in nature. A few weeks ago, they saw their first barred owl while walking in an area of Purgatory Park recently cleared of buckthorn by a forestry mower.

“It was absolutely breathtaking,” Jim said. “We are very hopeful that a lot of other people will be able to see a marvelous sight like that.” 

 See a list of volunteer opportunities at minnetonkamn.gov/volunteer.

 Video: Jim and Mary: Forces of Nature