More than 3,000 native prairie plants will be planted along the north side of the Mill Pond in Austin, June 2, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Izaak Walton League is heading up this project with the following partner organizations: Austin Park and Recreation Department, Austin High School Environmental Science students, Cedar River Watershed District, and Spruce-Up Austin.

Last year over 3,100 native plants were planted next to the bike path near the north footbridge. A 1.5 acre area was also seeded with native prairie.

Mill Pond is a popular recreation area for Austin residents. The rain garden plantings will contribute to the natural beauty of the Mill Pond and serve as a buffer strip along the Cedar River. Buffer strips play an important role in reducing rain run-off and sediment flow into waterways.

Volunteers are welcome. For more information, call Dave Cole at 507-433-4654.