THE BUCKTHORN MENACE
The Buckthorn Menace, a large scale sculpture installation by artist Jim Proctor (St.Olaf ’92), pursues a novel alliance between art and environmental restoration by rendering the wood and roots of the invasive plant species buckthorn into forms resembling gargantuan dandelions in full seed. Constructed on the site of two buckthorn infested areas in Northfield –one in “The Upper Arb” of the Cowling Arboretum and one down slope from the new Science Center at St. Olaf College– this installation is part of a wider community education effort to raise public awareness about the environmental damage caused by buckthorn and other invasive plant species in Minnesota’s natural landscapes and wilderness areas.
The installation will stand for a full year to allow viewing over the four seasons. It will be dismantled in October 2008, and the site landscape restored by the planting of indigenous trees and shrubs.
This community service project provides a hands-on opportunity to learn about the problems caused by invasive plant species in Minnesota, and to be a part of the only possible solution to those problems – constructive community action!
Information about the partner project at Carleton College can be found here:
apps.carleton.edu/campus/gallery/buckthorn/
PROJECT DATES:
Project Launch
St. Olaf College: Thurs., Sept. 20, 7 - 8:30 p.m. 305 Dittmann Center, Jim Proctor, Prof. Jim Farrell (American Studies), Prof. Matt Rohn (Art & Art History) and Prof. Kathy Shea (Biology)
Installation Construction by Volunteers
September 20 - October 12
Student and community volunteers are needed to work on-site with artist Jim Proctor (’92) to help clear buckthorn and to construct the art installation. The tasks are easy and no previous experience with art or outdoor work is required. Recruitment of campus volunteers is being led by The St. Olaf Environmental Coalition and facilitated by The St. Olaf Student Volunteer Network. To volunteer e-mail TheBuckthornMenace@gmail.com.
St. Olaf Homecoming/Reunion, Community Service Activity
Saturday, September 29, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Opening Celebration
Wednesday October 10, 3:30-4:30 p.m. on the St. Olaf installation site.
Directions to St. Olaf Installation site
The Buckthorn Menace installation site is located on the south slope of the campus below the new Science Center, and to the right of the paved pedestrian path that leads down from “Old Main” to W. 2nd Street.
This project is co-sponsored by Carleton College and St. Olaf College, in association with the Environmental Quality Commission of the City of Northfield.
