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.   

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. 

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.

Harrison Woodland Planting

The City is restoring a 7,000 square foot section of woodland located at Harrison Park, 1701 West 100th Street. After mowing operations ceased beneath this small pocket of trees, the area has been maintained only to manage invasive species. The site will be restored into a native woodland through seeding and planting. This will provide aesthetic beauty, stabilize the soil, and reduce runoff into the creek.

Site preparation began in the spring of 2022 by Park Maintenance staff, along with volunteer groups from Nine Mile Brewing Company, Aptera Motors, and the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District. Planting will take place on June 11 with more collaborative volunteer efforts from Nine Mile Brewing Company.

Volunteers pulling buckthorn and cleaning the site. 

Site after cleaning was completed. 

Site prepped for seeding and planting.

UPDATE JUNE 11, 2022 

The Harrison site was seeded and planted on June 11, 2022 in collaboration with volunteers from 9 Mile Brewing Company.  A native woodland seed mix and 654 native plugs were planted on the site. 

The Marsh Lake Park Restoration Project is a joint initiative between the City of Bloomington and a group of dedicated resident volunteers. The goal of the project is to restore Marsh Lake Park into a healthy and naturally functioning ecosystem for all to enjoy.

Phase I of this multi-phase, volunteer-led initiative will focus on the following strategies and tactics:

• Develop plan for a sustainable restoration
• Remove invasive plants and excess vegetation debris
• Stabilize and regenerate healthy soils
• Plant native vegetation (grasses, flowers, shrubs, and trees)
• Ensure ongoing and appropriate maintenance

Phase I

The initial phase focuses on the Oak Savannah Hill and Willow Swamp areas of the park.

Phase I Project Schedule

Phase I Resources

Get Involved!

Volunteer to help improve Marsh Lake Park and have some fun in the process! You can play a crucial role in the success of this initiative by:

• Participating in events. There’s something for everyone!
• Recruiting neighbors and friends
• Stepping up to lead a part of the project

For more details on how you can volunteer to take part in this worthwhile project, contact the City of Bloomington Park Maintenance Division at maintenance@BloomingtonMN.gov.

Marsh Lake Park in Pictures

(click to enlarge)

Parker's Picnic Grounds - 10401 Columbus Road

Scope and timing of improvements:

• The City received a State of Minnesota Legacy grant in the amount of $134,000 to conduct a restoration of 20 acres in the Minnesota River Valley Below Parkers Picnic Grounds.

• Project will take 2-3 years and involve returning area back to its native landscape and allow native plants and trees to grow

• Much of the work has been accomplished with reducing the tree canopy, removal of invasive plant species such as buckthorn, and preparing the area for seeding and planting of native grasses and flowers.

• Project completion is anticipated in June 2022

• This is a continuation of similar projects already completed in the river valley. 

For questions regarding the project, contact Mark Morrison, Recreation Supervisor at 952-563-8693 or mmorrison@BloomingtonMN.gov

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.

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: Public Works

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.