Buckthorn-Busting Volunteer Named Maple Grove Days Parade Grand Marshal

A Maple Grove resident is teaching others about a shrub that’s proving be a thorn in Mother Nature’s side.

Mary Parenteau is helping to lead an effort to rid nature of buckthorn. The invasive shrub spreads easily, choking out native plants.

Parenteau doesn’t want to see it take over forested areas. It’s why it has been a big focus of hers in Parenteau’s more than three decades of service on the Maple Grove Arbor Committee.

Those efforts ultimately led to a nice surprise.

Earlier this year, Parenteau received the Maple Grove Rotary Club’s Community Service Paul Harris Award.

“When they first started talking, and I thought ‘oh, that’s pretty cool.’ And then I found out it was me!” smiled Parenteau.

Mary Parenteau helps look for buckthorn at a Maple Grove park.

But the surprises didn’t end. Due to her volunteer service, Parenteau was named grand marshal of the Maple Grove Days parade.

When asked why she does what she does, Parenteau said it’s important to find something you’re passionate about.

“I’ve always thought volunteering is really important,” said Parenteau. “And it helps people. It helps the environment. And so anybody who can volunteer, whatever their passion is, that would be wonderful.”

Maple Grove