Prairies

MNL’s engagement with Engstrom’s Wildflower at Lake Elmo commenced in 2015, focusing initially on site preparation. Buckthorn and other weedy vegetation were cleared from natural areas. From the fall of 2015 through the spring of 2017, various sections of the site were seeded with multiple native seed mixes, creating a mosaic of diverse habitats, including wetland, emergent, mesic prairie, dry prairie, savanna, and woodland. There was a significant emphasis on cultivating diverse pollinator habitats. MNL diligently managed the site for invasive species throughout the 2016 and 2017 growing seasons. We eagerly anticipate witnessing the maturation of this project over the years.

This project consists of 5 large parking lot islands that MNL has converted to wildflower dominated prairie areas. Each prairie island is bordered by low-mow fescue to maintain sightlines around roadways and parking lot edges. This project began in 2012, and was burned in 2015.

The restoration project kicked off in 2006 with the clearance of buckthorn and other invasive tree material across acres earmarked for future development. Since then, the project has involved extensive work, encompassing grading, seeding, sodding, planting, and ongoing meticulous maintenance of upholding a very high standard across wetlands, prairies, woodlands, shorelines, outlots, and roadside swales.

White Oaks Savanna™ is an exceptional, design-driven housing community, our development comprises 30 home sites nestled within a prairie landscape currently undergoing restoration by MNL. The homes are being constructed on 5 to 7 acre lots, primarily maintained as prairie and oak savanna natural areas. The developers sought MNL’s expertise for restoration after previous efforts resulted in poor establishment and an abundance of invasive species. In 2022, MNL prepared the site for additional seeding in the fall, just before the snowfall. Ongoing work in 2023 and beyond will actively promote the establishment of native prairie species.

This project is part of an ongoing relationship between the Nature Conservancy and MNL to harvest Bluestem Natural and Scientific Area’s native prairie to propagate around the Agassiz beach ridge in Northwestern Minnesota. This SNA is revered booming ground for the disappearing Prairie Chickens that once burgeoned this area. It is because of Bluestem’s unique protection that allows plant species of special concern to remain thriving in this subtly diverse ecosystem.