Natural Area Restoration

A scoring method for resource prioritization was utilized. Eight criteria were developed to rank priorities, including: 

• Ecological quality of natural area (based on MN DNR MLCCS data).
• Size of natural area within site (not including open water or cattail wetland).
• If the area is located within a MN DNR Conservation Corridor.
• Presence of rare natural feature(s).
• If the site is located within vulnerable population area (Hennepin County designation).
• Public access and use.
• Improvement/expansion of existing management efforts.
• Volunteer participation within the park.

Goals for this work were developed by building upon the goals of the MN River Valley Natural and Cultural System Plan (2018), and through discussions with City staff, the Sustainability Commission and others. The goals for prioritization and management of City of Bloomington public land include:

• Maintain and enhance existing ecological community restoration/management accomplishments.
• Increase the thoroughness and acreage of natural areas restoration and management.
• Increase the quality of natural areas to increase biodiversity.
• Foster the growth of desirable native species.
• Improve connectivity between natural areas.
• Reintroduce beneficial natural disturbances.
• Provide engagement, awareness, and participation opportunities.

The city is restoring 1.2 acres of Brookside Park, 10000 Xerxes Avenue South,  into native prairie and savanna habitat. The area being restored has previously been managed as one of Bloomington’s reduced frequency mowing areas; being mowed only 3-4 times per year. 

This process will further increase sustainability of the site by reducing mowing even more while also providing more aesthetic value, pollinator habitat, wildlife habitat, and improved water quality around the pond. 

UPDATE JUNE 28, 2022

Brookside Park was seeded on June 28, 2022.  The site was planted using a no-till drill to minimize soil disturbance and erosion.  A Short Upland Dry seed mix was used throughout the site. This diverse mix contained 36 different native grasses and forbs.   

UPDATE JUNE 30, 2023

Why does the City mow down flowers blooming in new seedings?

Mowing is part of the establishment process of prairie restoration. Mowing during the first three growing seasons is an accepted practice for the establishment period of native plantings. Although these flowers are aesthetically pleasing and part of the native seed mix planted on the site, they can become weedy and be detrimental to the overall health of the prairie.

• Mowing these dense stands of flowers increases the amount of light that reaches the ground and allows for other native seedlings to establish. 
• Annual weeds grow in these areas and are best managed by mowing.
• Although it seems counterintuitive, the overall health of the prairie will increase, and biodiversity of the planting will improve as each season progresses. 
• More flowers and grasses will fill in over the next few years, allowing more blooms for the entire growing season. 

Source: MN BWSR

More information about establishment can be found on the Minnesota Board of Water & Soil Resources website, and in this useful guide from Prairie Moon Nursery. 

Central Park Woodland Restoration

The City is partnering with Hennepin County to perform woodland, savanna, and prairie restoration on 13 acres of land located in Central Park northwest of the intersection of W 106th St and Humboldt Ave S.  The work began in November 2023 and is expected to be completed in fall 2025. 

Primary Project Goals and Objectives

• Reduce cover and occurrences of woody and herbaceous invasive plant species.
• Increase abundance, occurrence, and diversity of native dry/mesic oak savanna, mesic forest, and prairie species.
• Improved oak savanna, mesic forest, and prairie habitat structure.
• Improve habitat structure and suitability for rare features like kitten-tails and monarchs.

This project is broken up into three sections based on the habitat being restored. Oak woodland covers a majority of the eastern portion of the project area, while mesic forest is to the north and savanna on the western ridge. 

Savanna restorations often require removal of mature trees. This is necessary for the overall benefit of the restoration area. For this project, the savanna habitat being restored is the ridge top that was historically more open than the area surrounding it, as evidenced by historical aerial photos and observation of different age groups of trees growing in adjacent areas. Populations of state threatened kitten-tails (bessya bullii) currently growing on the ridge are declining due to lack of sunlight.  Restoring kitten-tail habitat was a major reason for choosing this area for restoration. 

What is the need? 

Natural landscapes are diverse and cannot simply be summed up by the word "woodland".  There is more to wooded areas than trees. They are dynamic systems that require a wide variety of flora and fauna to remain resilient, which is what restoration work aims to assist with. This project area has been invaded with species that are detrimental to the health of the surrounding area, causing:

• Increased erosion

• Loss of biodiversity

• Decreased pollinator habitat.  

This project area includes a high number of mature red cedar trees (Juniperus virginiana). Though native to the area, they can become locally invasive in prairie and savanna habitats. Natural disturbances (fire, grazing) that once kept cedar populations in check have been removed, allowing cedars to overtake the area. 

Cedars create a canopy that is so dense that light is unable to reach the ground level vegetation.  With no roots in the ground to stabilize the soil, erosion becomes a problem, especially on steep slopes like those in the project area. Part of this restoration is to restore or mimic natural disturbances to return the savanna conditions that existed in the past. 

What is being done with the trees?

The wood from the removed cedars is being repurposed to reduce waste.  

• Some of the cedar trees are being utilized as erosion logs, where they will be laid out across the slope to slow soil loss.

• Cedar boughs are being used in this same manner.  

• Wood From The Hood has been contacted about reclaiming wood generated from this project. It is a local business that sustainably uses logs from urban trees to make unique lumber and handcrafted wood products. 

In spring 2024 a review will be conducted to determine if further need for erosion control exists. If so, temporary cover crop may be needed.  

Who is doing the work? 

Hennepin County is the lead agency on this project. The City of Bloomington provided Hennepin County with a right of entry to conduct work in the project area. Hennepin County hired Resource Environmental Solutions, LLC (RES) to perform the work. RES is the nation’s largest ecological restoration company. Its mission is to restore land and water with ecological integrity and innovation and support the rehabilitation and stewardship of nature’s resources alongside responsible human progress. Hennepin County is monitoring wildlife populations as part of this project.

Summary

• Cedars are being removed to allow establishment of ground level vegetation and restore the area to its historical dry/mesic savanna habitat.
• This project will enhance habitat for state threatened kitten-tails
• This restoration aims to help mitigate the obvious erosion issues in the project area.
• Hennepin county is monitoring wildlife populations as part of the project.
• The entire project is being conducted in accordance with the Natural Resources Prioritization and Management Strategies for Bloomington Parks plan developed in July 2022. 

During the 2024 growing season the Park Maintenance Division of the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department will conduct natural area restoration work at Countryside Park, 10240 Bloomington Ferry Road. 

The goal of this multi-year restoration is to turn low-use turf areas into more sustainable native vegetation that will:

• Reduce maintenance improvements over time.
• Create better habitat for pollinators.
• Improve park aesthetics. 
• Create a properly established and diverse natural area.

The project timeline begins in spring 2024 with chemical treatment of restoration areas to remove existing stands of turf and weeds. 

• Initial treatment will eliminate existing vegetation.
• One or two follow-up treatments will further deplete the weed seedbank. 
• The area will be seeded approximately two weeks after the final treatment. 
• Plug planting will also be done in selected areas.

Soon after seeding, the site should green up as the cover crop begins to grow. Native seedlings are much slower to establish. The site may be mowed throughout the summer to aid in establishment of the native seed. This practice will continue into the second growing season as the native seedlings grow. 

City crews will periodically spot treat weeds. Weekly mowing maintenance will still occur along property lines and impermeable surfaces to maintain a clean edge. 

Questions?  Contact Wade Yunker, Natural Resources Specialist, at wyunker@bloomingtonmn.gov. 

One and a half acres of East Bush Lake Park, 9140 E Bush Lake Rd, are being restored into native oak savanna. The area being restored was formerly maintained as a general turf area and is located toward the north end of Bush Lake Beach. 

Site seeding took place in November 2022 as a fall dormant seeding using a no-till drill. A Shortgrass Savanna seed mix was used throughout the site.

The seed mix was partially funded by a generous donation from the Bush Lake Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America. 

Fenlason Park - 7901 1st Avenue South

Fenlason Park is undergoing a half-acre prairie restoration that began in August 2023. The goal of this project is to restore low-use turf areas and reduced-frequency mowing areas into more sustainable native vegetation that will improve water quality, reduce chemical usage, reduce maintenance inputs, provide pollinator and wildlife habitat, and improve park aesthetics. 

Initial site preparation took place in fall 2023 but planting was delayed due to drought conditions. Ultimately, Fenlason Park was seeded in early July 2024 with a mix designed to attract pollinators and provide optimal pollinator habitat. This flower-heavy seed mix will benefit pollinators feeding on nectar, but the grass component of the mixture also provides habitat for other beneficial insects.

What happens next?

• After seeding, the site will green up as cover crop establishes and seedlings begin to germinate. 
• An influx of annual and biennial weeds is expected due to soil disturbance from planting. 
• During the first few years of establishment it is normal for crews to mow the seeding area (see video) multiple times throughout the season.  This is intended to give the slower growing seedlings more access to resources, increase species diversity, and manage the pioneering weeds. 
• Crews will be spot treating weeds as needed throughout the establishment period.

The process of restoring native areas generally takes three years until desirable establishment of vegetation is obtained. During the establishment years the site will look less than desirable. Patience is key. Please refer to the Restoration Plan: Step-by-Step on this page for more information on the process.

Two acres of Haeg Park, 8301 Penn Ave S, are being restored into native oak savanna.  The areas being restored were previously managed as reduced frequency mowing areas which were mowed three to four times per year.

The site was seeded in November 2022 as a fall dormant seeding using a no-till drill.  A Shortgrass Savanna mix was used throughout the site.

In August 2023, a vendor hired by the Park Maintenance Division of the Parks and Recreation Department will begin grazing goats in and around Harrison Park, 1701 West 100th Street. 

Goat Dispatch is based in Faribault and specializes in land management via goat grazing, which is an effective, eco-friendly method for mitigating invasive and exotic species such as buckthorn and garlic mustard in the woodland.

What will happen?

• City staff will be clearing a trail approximately 3-6 feet wide through the woods to allow room for fencing to be installed.
• For the containment of the animals and protection of the public, Goat Dispatch will install two sections of temporary, non-electric fence around the grazing area. This fence will be removed at the end of the project.
• The public is prohibited from entering the fenced areas or otherwise approaching, feeding or petting the goats.
• Goats will be monitored, fed, watered, sheltered and cared for by Goat Dispatch staff.
• Grazing will take place on each paddock for approximately 1-3 weeks, or until sufficient invasive plant removal has been achieved.
• Grazing will not kill all existing plants, but instead will reduce competition from invasive and exotic species, giving native plants a better chance to reestablish.

If you have questions or would like more information about this project, please contact the Park Maintenance Division at 952-563-8760 or maintenance@bloomingtonmn.gov.

FAQ

 Will the existing standing buckthorn be removed?

• Over the years, City staff from Public Works, Park Maintenance, and the Sustainability Commission have hosted a number of volunteer Buckthorn Bust events. Another such event is anticipated to take place in fall 2023 to remove existing standing buckthorn that remains after the grazing is complete. 

Why did the goats eat all the vegetation? Did they kill everything? 

• Goats are relatively non-selective grazers and will consume everything if left long enough on a grazing unit. This is done intentionally to reduce garlic mustard rosettes, weaken buckthorn, and eliminate some of the seed bank of the invasive plants. This will give native species a better chance of reestablishing and everything will green up again in time.

What if a goat escapes or I need to contact someone for another reason?

• First, call the Goat Dispatch main line at 507-333-5959.
• Next, call Goat Dispatch personnel directly. Dave: 507-338-3429 or Jake: 507-210-4685 
• Finally, call the Bloomington Police Department's non-emergency line at 952-563-4900

Will this eliminate all the buckthorn and garlic mustard?

• It will reduce and weaken populations but follow up management will still be necessary.  Especially for larger buckthorn and new garlic mustard seedlings that sprout in the following season.

Is the City going to graze goats anywhere else?

• Grazing is only happening on the 8 acres at Harrison Park for now. 

Will predators attack and kill the goats?

• It is a possibility, but the fencing is in place to prevent this from happening. The contractor is experienced in grazing goats in wild areas and understands the variables associated with this activity. If you see that this has occurred, please contact Goat Dispatch at 507-333-5959.  

Pond Dakota Oak Woodland Restoration

The City has received a Conservation Legacy Partners grant through the MN DNR to perform a 20-acre oak woodland restoration project adjacent to Pond Dakota Mission Park and the historic Gideon and Agnes Pond House at 401 East 104th Street.

This significant project helps continue the work outlined in the 2018 Minnesota River Valley Strategic Plan and will tie together two previously restored woodlands on the east (Parker’s Picnic Grounds) and west (Hopkins Farm Park) boundaries, creating a 60-acre corridor of oak woodland and oak savanna. 

In addition, the initiative will focus on several other important tasks including:

• Preservation of ancient Bur oak trees
• Providing bluff top views of the Minnesota River
• Increasing native plant diversity
• Protecting cultural heritage areas. 

This work will occur between fall 2023 and summer 2026.  

The City is restoring three and a half acres of Running Park, 9501 12th Avenue South, into native prairie and savanna habitat. The area being restored has previously been managed as one of Bloomington’s reduced frequency mowing areas; being mowed only 3-4 times per year. 

This process will further increase sustainability of the site by reducing mowing even more while also providing more aesthetic value, pollinator habitat, wildlife habitat, and improved water quality around the pond.

UPDATE JUNE 29, 2022 

Running Park was seeded on June 29, 2022. The site was planted using a no-till drill to minimize soil disturbance and erosion. A Short Upland Dry seed mix was used in areas that receive full sun throughout the day.  A Shortgrass Savanna seed mix was used in areas under tree canopy or that are shaded for part of the day.  The seed used contained a diverse mix of 36 native grasses and forbs.

UPDATE JUNE 30, 2023

Why does the City mow down flowers blooming in new seedings?

Mowing is part of the establishment process of prairie restoration. Mowing during the first three growing seasons is an accepted practice for the establishment period of native plantings. Although these flowers are aesthetically pleasing and part of the native seed mix planted on the site, they can become weedy and be detrimental to the overall health of the prairie.

• Mowing these dense stands of flowers increases the amount of light that reaches the ground and allows for other native seedlings to establish. 
• Annual weeds grow in these areas and are best managed by mowing.
• Although it seems counterintuitive, the overall health of the prairie will increase, and biodiversity of the planting will improve as each season progresses. 
• More flowers and grasses will fill in over the next few years, allowing more blooms for the entire growing season. 

Source: MN BWSR

More information about establishment can be found on the Minnesota Board of Water & Soil Resources website, and in this useful guide from Prairie Moon Nursery. 

West Bush Lake Park: Shelter #1 - 9401 West Bush Lake Road

The area near Shelter #1 at West Bush Lake Park is undergoing a 1-acre woodland restoration that began in August 2023. The goal of this project is to restore low-use turf areas and reduced-frequency mowing areas into more sustainable native vegetation that will improve water quality, reduce chemical usage, reduce maintenance inputs, provide pollinator and wildlife habitat, and improve park aesthetics. 

Initial site preparation took place in fall 2023 but seeding was delayed due to drought conditions. The area was seeded in early July 2024 using a woodland seed mix that should mimic the surrounding woodlands. 

What is happening? 

• After seeding, the site will green up as cover crop establishes and seedlings begin to germinate. 
• An influx of annual and biennial weeds is expected due to soil disturbance from planting. 
• During the first few years of establishment it is normal for crews to mow the seeding area (see video) multiple times throughout the season.  This is intended to give the slower growing seedlings more access to resources, increase species diversity, and manage the pioneering weeds. 
• Crews will be spot treating weeds as needed throughout the establishment period.

The process of restoring native areas generally takes three years until desirable establishment of vegetation is obtained. During the establishment years the site will look less than desirable. Patience is key. Please refer to the Restoration Plan: Step-by-Step on this page for more information on the process.

Wright’s Lake Park - 8501 17th Avenue South

Wright’s Lake Park is undergoing 1.5 acres of prairie restoration in three separate sections of the park that began in August 2023. The goal of this project is to restore low-use turf areas and reduced-frequency mowing areas into more sustainable native vegetation that will improve water quality, reduce chemical usage, reduce maintenance inputs, provide pollinator and wildlife habitat, and improve park aesthetics. 

After being delayed from planting in the fall of 2023 due to drought conditions, Wright’s Lake Park was seeded in early July 2024 with a mix designed to attract pollinators and provide optimal pollinator habitat. This flower-heavy seed mix will benefit pollinators feeding on nectar, but the grass component of the mixture also provides habitat for other beneficial insects.

What happens next?

• After seeding, the site will green up as cover crop establishes and seedlings begin to germinate. 
• An influx of annual and biennial weeds is expected due to soil disturbance from planting. 
• During the first few years of establishment it is normal for crews to mow the seeding area (see video) multiple times throughout the season.  This is intended to give the slower growing seedlings more access to resources, increase species diversity, and manage the pioneering weeds. 
• Crews will be spot treating weeds as needed throughout the establishment period.

The process of restoring native areas generally takes three years until desirable establishment of vegetation is obtained. During the establishment years the site will look less than desirable. Patience is key. Please refer to the Restoration Plan: Step-by-Step on this page for more information on the process.

Objective: To assess current and past site conditions in order to make a decision on how to proceed with restoration.

• Current and past land usage.
• Soil type.
• Topography.
• Current vegetation.

Objective: Preparing the seed bed to reduce competition from non-desirable plant species for optimal native seed germination.  (2-4 weeks)

• Remove undesirable vegetation from the site.
  • Herbicide use may be necessary.       
• Allow weeds to regrow, then remove to further deplete seed bank.
• Disturb the soil as little as possible to prevent erosion.

Objective: Get the native seed into the soil. (1-2 days)

• Utilize a no-till native seed drill to plant seed at optimal depth in soil and minimize erosion.
• Plant cover crop to further reduce erosion.
• Broadcast forbs on top of soil if necessary.

Objective: Maintain site in optimal condition for germination of seed and establishment of plants. (1-3 seasons post-seeding)

• Mow site one to three times the following season after seeding to allow sunlight to hit the seedlings and reduce annual/biennial weeds.
• Remove any perennial noxious weed species that appear using IPM.
• After the first season, mow as needed to further reduce weed competition.
• Monitor for successful growth of native species; reseed areas as needed.

Objective: Maintain the biodiversity and success of the newly established restoration. (After establishment)

• Dormant mow during spring or fall to reduce weed species and woody plants.
• Prescribed burns where allowed.
• Continue monitoring for noxious weed species and remove using IPM
• Inter-seed or plant plugs for more biodiversity. 

Department: Parks and Recreation

Division: Park Maintenance

Purpose: Bloomington Park Maintenance staff actively monitors and maintains natural areas within the city’s park system. These non-turf areas consist primarily of: prairies, wetlands, rain gardens, and shoreline buffers. The primary reasons for managing natural areas are to provide wildlife habitat, economic and environmental benefits through reduced maintenance requirements, erosion control, and aesthetic value.

Best Management Practices: The City of Bloomington believes that it is in the best interest of the residents and the city to assume the responsibilities of maintaining natural areas.  The City will provide such service in a cost-effective manner keeping in mind safety, budget, personnel, and environmental concerns.  The City will use city employees, equipment, and private contractors to provide this service. Maintaining these areas requires consideration of biological processes, human impacts and multiple uses of the landscape. Since these impacts and uses change, maintenance also requires changing or refining methods. Methods are chosen depending on the plant community, weather, time of year, and the invasive plant in need of control. The Park Supervisor or designee is responsible for the scheduling of personnel and equipment.