February 10, 2025 Update:The contractor has completed all forestry mowing of buckthorn, cut/stump treatment, as well as ash removal. The targeted ash trees were all removed and chipped into a stockpile on the north end of the prairie trail. They also hand-cut and stump-treated a lot more of the mature buckthorn than they originally anticipated, which we are very pleased with. A walk through this Spring to check on the status of regrowth, and see what understory plants are emerging, etc. will be conducted. The next task will be a foliar spray as a method of continued buckthorn control that will take place this Fall.
Starting in January 2025, Great River Greening, in conjunction with the City of Medina, began conducting natural resource management activities in Medina Lake Nature Preserve. You may see and hear machinery as this work occurs.
Invasive species management is being utilized to maintain the health of the forest that has established over the years on this property. This work is part of a larger ecosystem restoration effort to bring back open woodland dominated by native plant and animal species in the City of Medina Park system. Mesic hardwood forest systems are some of the rarest plant communities in Minnesota. These plant communities were here historically and restoring native habitat is important for maintaining our natural heritage.
The main goal is to remove the non-native, invasive shrub buckthorn. This initial work will be occurring in the winter to reduce the impact to the ground, native plants and animals. Most native species are unharmed by the work that will occur. Animals will either take shelter in a ground burrow, high up in a tree, or simply leave the area ahead of the work. Plants are not actively growing at this time and will regrow in the spring. We will be continuing our efforts in the following years to continue the removal of buckthorn and the establishment of native understory species. Overall, land management helps wildlife by creating better habitat in the long term.
If you have any NON-Emergency questions, concerns, or requests about the work, please contact the project managers below as soon as possible. Please note that during the work the property may be temporarily closed to the public to maintain safe working conditions.
Evie Moran, Twin Cities Metro Project Manager, Great River Greening – emoran@greatrivergreening.org
Steve Scherer, Public Works Director steve.scherer@medinamn.gov
Lisa DeMars, Public Works Assistant lisa.demars@medinamn.gov
Funding for this project was provided from the City of Medina as well as the Outdoor Heritage Fund which works to restore, protect, and enhance Minnesota’s wetlands, prairies, forests, and habitat for fish, game, and wildlife. Click here to read an excerpt from the September 3, 2024 meeting where the City Council entered into the grant agreement.
This website will be updated periodically, please check back to learn more about this project!