Special places: Habitat restoration and land protection sites

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April 7, 2022

This former railyard is now a restored prairie on the Mississippi River in North Minneapolis. Along with the pollinator demonstration garden, Ole Olson Park adds vital habitat to our urban corridor and a beautiful riverfront spot for residents. >>

Prairie, Mississippi River, person, and Minneapolis Skyline

Vermillion River Linear Park

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April 6, 2022

Located along the Vermillion River and the Greenway trail in Hastings, this park's connection to the river and historical roots as a prairie have led us to work with local students and partners to restore its diverse habitats. Read more

Gray-headed coneflowers in a prairie at Vermillion River Linear Park

Waḳaƞ Ṭípi

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March 4, 2022

Beside riverfront railroads and beneath blufftop Dakota burial mounds, this St. Paul natural area is a sacred place. We're partnering with Native-led Wakáŋ Tipi Awaŋyaŋkapi to restore its habitat. Read more

Old Mill Park

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January 27, 2022

Part of a habitat corridor through the heart of Hastings, this 10-acre park is home to the first mill on the banks of the Vermillion River, an important tributary of the Mississippi. Visitors can find mill ruins and restored oak savanna and prairie. Read more

River Oaks Park

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December 3, 2021

A tiny 2-acre remnant bedrock bluff prairie in Cottage Grove holds mighty habitat diversity and offers stunning 180-degree views of the Mississippi River and its surroundings. >>

Camel’s Hump Park and Open Space

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May 28, 2021

Since 2012, we've been restoring the woods, savanna and remnant prairie still growing on the sandstone bluffs of Camel's Hump Park and Open Space, a 60-acre Cottage Grove park with a vantage that gives expansive views of the Mississippi River Valley. >>

Hampton Woods Wildlife Management Area

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May 11, 2021

The only forest among miles of farmland in all directions, Hampton Woods WMA is a 200-acre haven for wood thrush, ovenbirds and other woodland wildlife near the Vermillion River in Dakota County. We helped permanently protect this area in 2017, and now we're working to restore its oak forest. >>