Indian Mounds Park Stewards program launched

The Indian Mounds Park Stewards (students from Harding High School Earth Club) stopped for a photo in front of the pile of brush they removed from the site, piece by piece.

Photo: Erika Frost/FMR

One of the most photographed river scenes in the metro area is about to become even more beautiful.

The Indian Mounds Park Stewards recently began a project to restore the Carvers Cave overlook at Plum Street in Mounds Park. The group, students from the Harding High School Earth Club working with staff from FMR and St. Paul Parks and Recreation, will be involved with the project until May 2012, experiencing the process of prairie restoration from start to finish.

Students first visited the area in September to learn more about restoration and the impact of invasive species at the site. FMR worked closely with Saint Paul Parks and Recreation to coordinate the application of herbicide and the cutting of invasive plants, shrubs and trees at the overlook. In October, the student group returned to the site to haul brush. One student explained, its hard work, but it makes you proud of what you did.

In May, the Earth Club will return with FMR and parks and recreation staff to help plant approximately 50 species of native plants, enhancing the bluff habitat, improving water quality and bolstering community pride. Students are excited to see the results and to share this beautiful place with others.

Community members interested in becoming involved in the project will have the chance to join the Indian Mounds Park Stewards for a public volunteer restoration event and tour this coming spring. Look for announcements in future Mississippi Messages!

This project was made possible through a grant from the McNeely Foundation.