Archives
Fall 2024
Quick Look at a Successful 2024
Restoration efforts at Marsh Lake Park and Olson Schools Nature Area continued to transform these sites. The hard work of
removing significant amounts of invasive plants as well as overly prolific trees offered glimpses of the potential of these sites.
Marsh Lake Park Photos
Volunteer and city efforts beginning to the glimpses of what the restored area will look like. First year of significant native grasses and flowers growth.
Over the summer, the city mowed the area to support the growth of the native vegetation and help prevent weeds from crowding out the recently seeded areas (as well as last year’s areas planted by volunteers).
Buckthorn removal efforts continued to the south and west, revealing remnant native plants and new views.
Olson Schools Nature Area Photos
Volunteer and District efforts combined to dramatically remove large amounts of buckthorn and invasive honeysuckle. We are at nearly 90% removal.
Winter saw large dead tree removal through donated services. Spring saw the planting of more than 1,000 native grasses, sedges, and flowers.
Forest Glen Park (Ike’s Creek) Photos
Growing partnership with the City resulted in significant buckthorn cutting, stacking, and treating.
Nine Mile Creek - NEW
The City’s restoration planning kindled a partnership with BNNN to assist with the continuing restoration efforts started by the County last year. Talks are occurring for growing this effort.
Kennedy Courtyard Project - NEW
BNNN’s partnership with Kennedy High School Green Club, teachers, administrators, and staff grew into a new project of restoring the internal courtyard into a sustainable, nature rich, multipurpose of space (environment education being the priority).
Concept plan work began with construction expected to begin in 2025.
Tree planting efforts
Kennedy High School (KHS) Photos
The KHS Green Club along with BNNN members, and school staff planned, created and coordinated a very successful school-community Tree Fest Event focused on gaining input on the types and locations of new trees to be planted at KHS, as well as tree education. Tree Trivia was a major hit at the event and the city paid for Pizza Luce!.
Utilizing the input gained from the event, they developed a spring planting plan that resulted in 63 new trees planted at KHS.
If you live near KHS and would be interested in assisting in summer tree watering, please let us know. Contact Us
TreeCovery Program Photos
Neighborhood volunteers came together to plant more than 30 trees in 3 different city parks (Valley View, Maplewood, and Barthel’s Pond).
If you live near any of these parks and are interested in assisting in summer tree watering, please let us know. Contact Us
Winchester Pond
The restoration of the 102nd Street side saw significant progress, with dead tree and invasive brush removal, as well as well weeding and expansion of native plantings areas.
2025 - Looking Ahead
2025 will grow current efforts and be the springboard for new projects.
Kennedy High School Courtyard Project
The school-based work group will finalize a concept design proposal for District leadership approval. Once approved, we will move to develop and implement a work plan.
We are expecting a Summer of site prep, a Fall of site regrading and path install, and a Spring 2026 planting of natives plants.
Olson Schools Nature Area
Spring of 2025 will see the planting of native flowers, grasses, sedges, and shrubs and trees.
Kennedy High School Tree Planting
Join us in water the new trees planted by the Kennedy High School Green Club.
Marsh Lake Park
2025 will see even more great views and restored areas as we expand the restoration area further south and west. Come and check it out!
Remember restoration/construction is messy and takes time to transform, but it will, and it will be spectacular. (Join us at an upcoming Second Saturday event, occurring monthly throughout the year.) Events
Winchester Pond
Summer 2025 - Focus on 102nd Street side. Removing stumps and invasive plants followed by native plantings.
City looking to assist in containing the growth of the invasive cattails/
Fall 2023
BNNN Kick-Off Event
Great turnout in the Minnesota River Valley, on September 9, 2023, to learn about and celebrate Bloomington Neighbors
Nurturing Nature (BNNN). Event featured a walk with Restoration Ecologist Stephen Thomforde highlighting the rich natural
resources in the Minnesota River Valley.
Words from Stephen
Recent News
October is becoming a great month for trees in Bloomington.
BNNN’s partnership with Bloomington Public Schools District was awarded two Hennepin County Tree Canopy Grants to fund Two new projects:
TreeCovery Program
Would your neighborhood park benefit from new trees?
The City recently received a grant from Hennepin County to partner with residents to plant trees in select parks east of France Avenue. Get involved and help plant trees as part of the resident-led Park TreeCovery Program!
What kind of trees will be planted?
The trees typically have 1 to 1 ½ inch trunks. Varieties will include River Birch, American Linden, Imperial Locust, Bur Oak, White Oak, Prairie Expedition Elm, Kentucky Coffee Tree, and several more.
How many trees will be planted?
There are a total of 45 trees available on a first come, first served basis. Two to eight trees will be planted in each park, depending on park size.
Where will the trees be planted?
- Northcrest Park, 3500 West 81st Street
- Penn Lake Park, 1925 West 86th Street
- Barthel’s Pond, 2700 West 93rd Street
- Dupont Playlot, 8807 Dupont Avenue S.
- Valley View Playfield, 9000 Portland Avenue S. (near Bloomington Family Aquatic Center)
- Maplewood Park, 131 East 95th Street
- Gene Kelly Playfield, 185 East 102nd Street (southwest corner of park)
- Eight Crest Park, 8836 18th Avenue S.
- Wright’s Lake Park, 8501 17th Avenue S.
- River Ridge Playlot, 8715 River Ridge Road
When will tree planting take place?
- October and November 2023
What role will volunteers play?
- Plant the trees.
- Commit to watering and caring for the trees for two years.
- The program seeks to identify 2-4 volunteers per park.
Never planted a tree before, this is a great opportunity to learn.
What role will the City play?
- Deliver the trees.
- Provide mulch.
- Dig the planting holes.
- Provide tree watering buckets.
- How can residents get involved?
If you are interested in participating,
