Natural Resources

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.  

• In winter 2024, staff collaborated with staff from the City of Minnetonka to utilized its wood mill and saw the cedar logs into usable lumber. The boards from this collaboration will be used as material for park improvements throughout the City. 

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. 

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 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.   

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

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

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

The site was seeded in fall 2024. Following seeding: 

• 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.  

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. 

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.

In November 2022, two acres of Haeg Park, 8301 Penn Ave. S., began conversion of turf into native oak savanna. The areas being restored were previously managed as reduced frequency mowing--mowed three to four times annually. 

Nord Myr Park: Phase 2 - 8601 Normandale Blvd. S. 

During the winter months in early 2025, Park Maintenance staff are performing natural area restoration activities at Nord Myr Park. The work focuses on removal of buckthorn around the marsh edge, thinning out stands of box elder and ash trees, and preserving larger native trees and oaks (see map below).  

Following woody species removal, the area will be seeded with a native seed mix to: 

• Promote diverse ground layer vegetation establishment.
• Introduce native vegetation to out-compete invasive species and volunteer trees.
• Increase suitable habitat structure for the many birds, pollinators, and mammals that frequent the site. 

In addition to seeding, native tree and shrub species will also be planted in select locations. 

This work expands on restoration efforts conducted in 2020 during which staff performed three acres of buckthorn and volunteer tree removal. The areas that contained dense buckthorn stands were seeded following initial removal and that action has successfully suppressed buckthorn with minimal required staff intervention and management.  

This project continues improvement for Bloomington’s valuable natural resources. Nord Myr Park is listed as a top priority for restoration work as recognized in the Natural Resources Prioritization Plan. 

In June of 2022, the City began conversion of 3.5 acres of Running Park, 9501 12th Avenue South, into native prairie and savanna habitat. The area being restored was previously 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 infiltration 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.

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 infiltration, 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.

Following the seeding in August of 2024, the city hosted a volunteer group from 9 Mile Brewing to plant 1400 native plugs into the restoration area.  The planting of these plugs will provide increased diversity and establishment.

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
• 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.        

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.