Nehl's Yard
After seeing the success at Timber Lakes Commons, the Nehls decided to take on a similar project at their own property. Over several years, they’ve worked to restore their lakeshore and create a healthier, more natural landscape.
Habitat Restoration: The project started with removing nearly an acre of invasive buckthorn. From there, turf and traditional garden beds were replaced with native plantings that support birds, pollinators, and other wildlife.
Water Management: To help keep runoff out of the lake, the Nehls installed drain tile and rain gardens. Along with native plant buffers, these features slow down, soak in, and filter stormwater before it reaches the shoreline.
Ongoing Support: This work has been supported by cost-share grants in 2009 (DNR) and again in 2024 through the Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District (RPBCWD) and the City of Eden Prairie—showing how long-term care and support make a difference in private land stewardship.
After seeing the success at Timber Lakes Commons, the Nehls decided to take on a similar project at their own property. Over several years, they’ve worked to restore their lakeshore and create a healthier, more natural landscape.
Habitat Restoration: The project started with removing nearly an acre of invasive buckthorn. From there, turf and traditional garden beds were replaced with native plantings that support birds, pollinators, and other wildlife.
Water Management: To help keep runoff out of the lake, the Nehls installed drain tile and rain gardens. Along with native plant buffers, these features slow down, soak in, and filter stormwater before it reaches the shoreline.
Ongoing Support: This work has been supported by cost-share grants in 2009 (DNR) and again in 2024 through the Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District (RPBCWD) and the City of Eden Prairie—showing how long-term care and support make a difference in private land stewardship.
Timber Lakes Commons is a great example of what can happen when neighbors work together to care for their shared lakeshore. In 2006, the Mitchell Lake Association (MLA) formed to improve lake health and chose this site as a demonstration project. At the time, more than 160 feet of “lawn-to-lake” shoreline contributed to runoff and offered little habitat. Restoration: With support from a 2008 DNR grant, volunteers replaced mowed turf with native plantings, creating a shoreland buffer. These deep-rooted plants help soak up and filter stormwater, hold soil in place, reduce runoff, and provide habitat for pollinators and wildlife. Recovery: After severe flooding in 2014, the site needed additional work. Restoration and stabilization were supported by funding from the Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District (RPBCWD) and the City of Eden Prairie, with project management by Natural Shores Technologies. Outcome: Today, the native plantings are well established and thriving. The shoreline is more stable, wildlife has returned, and the site continues to serve as a practical example of what an HOA-led project can achieve.
After
Before
After
Before
Tour of Timber Lakes Commons and The Nehl's Yard
July 23 at 6:30 pm
Save the Date: Join us Saturday, July 18th, from 9 am – 12 pm, for Lawns to Legumes Garden Tour Day!
Lawns to Legumes coaches, previous participants, and other DIY wildlife gardeners can host neighborhood native garden tours across Minnesota. Get inspired and connect with folks who are planting for pollinators in your area! For a list of gardens on the tour, click here. Tour locations include co-residents Marilynn Torkelson in Eden Prairie and Rochelle Arviso in Maple Plain.
Tour of Bex's Garden
Brooklyn Center
June 25th at 6:30 pm
Bex, a master naturalist, owns a home with a postage-stamp-sized suburban lot in a first-ring suburb. In 2023, the entire front yard was converted into a tallgrass prairie with support from Lawns to Legumes.
As part of a community-organized project, Bex installed a wildlife pond in 2024. It was built to function without a pump, using native wetland plants as the filter. The next year, Bex was awarded a grant by Save The Frogs!, an amphibian conservation organization, to build a dry stream for stormwater redirection to the pond, a wetland overflow from the pond, and to plant sedges around the pond. The wetland's excavated soil was mounded to create a future ground-nesting habitat. Currently, the mound is being prepped for a fall bunch grass planting. There is a bug hotel made of wooden pallets, filled with natural materials donated by multiple community members. Currently, the pocket forest has been seeded and is in its first season after a year of soil prep, while the other half is being smothered for fall seeding and to establish some native bushes. There are bat houses and tree swallow houses on the property to mitigate mosquito populations. This summer, the chimney tops will be taken off in hopes that chimney swifts will make a home in them. Moving forward, the backyard will continue to have the turf turned into native prairie that attracts hummingbirds. A stack of flat rocks near the pond creates a cool, wet habitat for amphibians and salamanders. So far, the only frog Bex has observed in the pond during its first season is a gray tree frog. They look forward to many more residents.
As part of a community-organized project, Bex installed a wildlife pond in 2024. It was built to function without a pump, using native wetland plants as the filter. The next year, Bex was awarded a grant by Save The Frogs!, an amphibian conservation organization, to build a dry stream for stormwater redirection to the pond, a wetland overflow from the pond, and to plant sedges around the pond. The wetland's excavated soil was mounded to create a future ground-nesting habitat. Currently, the mound is being prepped for a fall bunch grass planting. There is a bug hotel made of wooden pallets, filled with natural materials donated by multiple community members. Currently, the pocket forest has been seeded and is in its first season after a year of soil prep, while the other half is being smothered for fall seeding and to establish some native bushes. There are bat houses and tree swallow houses on the property to mitigate mosquito populations. This summer, the chimney tops will be taken off in hopes that chimney swifts will make a home in them. Moving forward, the backyard will continue to have the turf turned into native prairie that attracts hummingbirds. A stack of flat rocks near the pond creates a cool, wet habitat for amphibians and salamanders. So far, the only frog Bex has observed in the pond during its first season is a gray tree frog. They look forward to many more residents.
Eden Lake Gardens
Come explore our thoughtfully designed native landscapes. Join us for a walking tour of Eden Lake Gardens, the home of Joe and Jane Zweber, who have spent 40 years putting down roots — literally — in this special place.
Working in collaboration with Designer Melissa Wilsford, owner of Rustic Hills Garden, Joe and Jane brought to life a vision: a garden inspired by the principles of Planting in a Post-Wild World: Designing Plant Communities for Resilient Landscapes. With approximately 75% native species thoughtfully woven together with productive fruit and vegetable gardens, Eden Lake Gardens is a living example of what's possible when we design with nature — not against it.
This approach goes beyond simply planting natives. It's about creating layered, resilient plant communities that support local ecosystems while remaining beautiful and functional for the people who live among them.
Joe is a founding member of Wild Ones Prairie Edge and brings a genuine passion to every corner of this garden. You'll come away with real inspiration and practical ideas for your own yard, whether you're drawn to native plantings, edible gardening, or both.
June evenings in Eden Prairie are a perfect time to visit, when many natives are starting their summer bloom and buzzing with pollinators, birds, and butterflies — and the edible gardens are well on their way for the season.
What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and your curiosity!
This is a rare chance to walk the grounds with the people who made it — don't miss it!
Tour of Jan and Rick Neville Residence and Neill Lake Restoration
Wednesday August 13th
Jan and Rick’s native plant adventures began in 2018 when Jan created a raingarden in their
yard as her capstone project in the Water Steward program. Since then, they have added a
second raingarden, now capturing all the runoff from their house roof into the two raingardens.
Two years ago, they had the large garden in their front yard redesigned with native plants by
Andy Scott, of ReWild Native Gardens. Now their gardens bloom with beautiful native plants
spring through fall.
Jan and Rick have also “adopted” about an acre of land directly behind their home. The land,
which is owned by The Preserve, was filled with invasive plants. They had the invasive species removed and then
planted with native grasses and forbs, creating a small prairie. It’s been rewarding to see the
insects and wildlife – such as butterflies, bees, fireflies, snakes, wood ducks, turtles, and frogs.
The tour will also include the shoreline restoration along Neill Lake which is behind Jan & Rick’s
property. Over 800 feet of shoreline was cleaned up and planted with natives by Natural Shore
Technology.
One Evening- 2 New Native Landscapes
+ Bonus Edible Landscape
Featuring the designs of Melissa Wilsford of Rustic Hill Gardens
Tuesday July 22, 2025
Holdman, Klein, McCarthy
Climate Resilient Landscape
Monday July 7th
Mary was turned on to the idea of creating a place for native plants in my yard through my climate work.
She was exposed to Doug Tallamy’s, Homegrown National Park movement, [email protected] a grassroots call to action to promote biodiversity by replacing monoculture turf lawn with native pollinator friendly plants.
Cullen Nature Preserve
Tuesday, June 17 2025
Tour Guide: Heather Holm, co-founder of the Friends of Cullen nature Preserve
Ann Cullen Smith placed her 32-acre Minnetonka property into a permanent conservation easement through the Minnesota Land Trust in 2004. She sold her property for about half its value to the City of Minnetonka so the City could operate it as a nature preserve. After her passing in 2015, at the age 106, Ann's property was transferred to the City.
The Friends of Cullen Nature Preserve have done extensive work in keeping with Ann's vision for the property so that it can provide important woodland, savanna, and wetland habitat for wildlife, public education, nature observation, study, and quiet reflection.
For more information or to join in the restoration efforts go to their website: www.cullennature.org
For a more detailed property history: https://www.cullennature.org/legacy.html
For the Habitat Makers video, A Legacy of Stewardship, produced by Jerrold Gershone interviewing Heather (both co-founders of Friends of Cullen) about the property.
Tuesday, June 17 2025
Tour Guide: Heather Holm, co-founder of the Friends of Cullen nature Preserve
Ann Cullen Smith placed her 32-acre Minnetonka property into a permanent conservation easement through the Minnesota Land Trust in 2004. She sold her property for about half its value to the City of Minnetonka so the City could operate it as a nature preserve. After her passing in 2015, at the age 106, Ann's property was transferred to the City.
The Friends of Cullen Nature Preserve have done extensive work in keeping with Ann's vision for the property so that it can provide important woodland, savanna, and wetland habitat for wildlife, public education, nature observation, study, and quiet reflection.
For more information or to join in the restoration efforts go to their website: www.cullennature.org
For a more detailed property history: https://www.cullennature.org/legacy.html
For the Habitat Makers video, A Legacy of Stewardship, produced by Jerrold Gershone interviewing Heather (both co-founders of Friends of Cullen) about the property.
August 2023
Nine Mile Creek Watershed District's
Discovery Point
12800 Gerard Dr, Eden Prairie, MN 55346
Gael Zembal, Education & Outreach Coordinator for NMCWD will lead the Friday daytime tour.
For those who can't make a daytime tour, we'll have a second tour on Monday evening, sharing the same information.
The 5-acre, wooded site is located in a residential neighborhood in Eden Prairie overlooking the Cardinal Creek Conservation Area. Discovery Point provides visitors with direct and memorable experiences with stormwater management and conservation–in both residential and commercial settings. Working stormwater structures and artful landscape features provide opportunities to learn while enjoying peaceful surroundings.
The land and original home on the site were donated to the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District by Barbara Kaerwer, a longtime Eden Prairie resident. The District renovated and added to the house and began operating there in late 2014. Barbara dedicated her life to protecting the natural environment. Through her tremendous act of kindness, Discovery Point has become a place for all visitors to learn how to be good stewards of the land.
At Discovery Point, through an ongoing process, we are restoring native plant communities and removing invasive species, such as buckthorn, non-native honeysuckle, burdock, and garlic mustard. In February 2017, the first phase of restoration began on the southeastern portion of the property.
August 2024
George and Bernice Watson's Residence in Lakeville
When we moved here in August of 1987, it was a bare lot. Since then, we've have added
over 40 trees to the canopy and subcanopy. Progressing from the front yard to the back, the
percentage of natives in a garden increases as more recent additions are in the back. The rear of the property abuts the Foxborough Conservation Area. It a blessing to enjoy the wildlife, but also a struggle to minimize
browsing by deer and rabbits.
George and Bernice Watson's Residence in Lakeville
When we moved here in August of 1987, it was a bare lot. Since then, we've have added
over 40 trees to the canopy and subcanopy. Progressing from the front yard to the back, the
percentage of natives in a garden increases as more recent additions are in the back. The rear of the property abuts the Foxborough Conservation Area. It a blessing to enjoy the wildlife, but also a struggle to minimize
browsing by deer and rabbits.
July 2024
A tour of Two Carver County Residences
Judy's Prairie in the Country
Judy is a U of M Extension Master Gardener and prairie enthusiast whose property consists of 15 acres of bluffs/woods and previously farmed open space. Over the past 9 years, she has created 5.5 acres of full sun prairie habitat using neary150 species of native forbs and grasses. A native of Iowa, Judy has an association with the University of Northern Iowa’s Tallgrass Prairie Center and has taken their Botany Beginner classes on Native Forbs, Grasses, and Weed identification. With the recent rains the newest prairie planted in June 2023 is now germinating.
Water issues have developed over the past 5 years - related to the high water table on the property, resulting in newly established ‘wetlands' with Native bog plants emerging. Judy notes that the Prairies are always changing and evolving..
A tour of Two Carver County Residences
Judy's Prairie in the Country
Judy is a U of M Extension Master Gardener and prairie enthusiast whose property consists of 15 acres of bluffs/woods and previously farmed open space. Over the past 9 years, she has created 5.5 acres of full sun prairie habitat using neary150 species of native forbs and grasses. A native of Iowa, Judy has an association with the University of Northern Iowa’s Tallgrass Prairie Center and has taken their Botany Beginner classes on Native Forbs, Grasses, and Weed identification. With the recent rains the newest prairie planted in June 2023 is now germinating.
Water issues have developed over the past 5 years - related to the high water table on the property, resulting in newly established ‘wetlands' with Native bog plants emerging. Judy notes that the Prairies are always changing and evolving..
Doreen's Suburban Sanctuary
Chaska MN
Doreen converted her lawn to natives around 12 years ago and continues to add
new species. Recent additions include fringed puccoon (Lithospermum incisum),
Blue-stemmed goldenrod (Solidago caesia) which tolerates shade and is not
aggressive, and Pale Corydalis (Corydalis sempervirens). Another try at Wood
Lily (Lilium philadelphicum) resulted in 2 blooming plants this year. Her favorite
miniature plants include Fame Flower (Talinum parviflorum and T. rugospermum),
Longleaf Bluets (Houstonia longifolia) and Lavendar Oxalis (Oxalis violacea).
Doreen is keen on garden decor, using it to add a semblance of order to robust
natives that constantly move about.
Chaska MN
Doreen converted her lawn to natives around 12 years ago and continues to add
new species. Recent additions include fringed puccoon (Lithospermum incisum),
Blue-stemmed goldenrod (Solidago caesia) which tolerates shade and is not
aggressive, and Pale Corydalis (Corydalis sempervirens). Another try at Wood
Lily (Lilium philadelphicum) resulted in 2 blooming plants this year. Her favorite
miniature plants include Fame Flower (Talinum parviflorum and T. rugospermum),
Longleaf Bluets (Houstonia longifolia) and Lavendar Oxalis (Oxalis violacea).
Doreen is keen on garden decor, using it to add a semblance of order to robust
natives that constantly move about.
To continue your Carver County Exploration, proceed to the Carver County Government Building at 600 E. 4th St. Chaska. There are some native plantings in front but the majority of the plantings are in back of the building by the shoreline of Courthouse Lake.
June 2024
Wildlife Food Supermarket Tour
Co-hosted by Wild Ones Prairie Edge and Writers Rising Up
at
Richard T. Anderson Conservation Area
18700 Flying Cloud Drive
Eden Prairie, MN
Prairie Edge Vice President, Shelly Stanchfield, will lead us on a hike that explores the 6 distinct biomes of the park and identifies plants that support the dietary needs of local fauna. Minnesota is home to over 2000 known bird, fish amphibian, reptile and mammal species that rely on insects for food. A primary cause of species decline is loss of quality habitat due to destruction, degradation, and fragmentation. Shelly will be pointing out the many plants available through the native plant nursery trade that you can grow in your yard. Prairie Edge will have copies of Attracting Birds to Your Garden with Native Plants and Attracting Butterflies to Your Garden with Native Plants on hand to give away to participants.
Please wear sturdy footwear and dress for the weather. The hike will take place in the event of light rain.
Bloomington Tour of Two Residences
Peggy Thomsen's
Bloomington, MN
In this 1960s neighborhood the "Palmer Prairie" stands out with a front yard of 100% native plants.
Peggy transformed the neglected property in Fall 2022 with native plugs, shrubs, trees, and a dry short-prairie seed mix.
Having no prior knowledge of MN natives or landscaping, Peggy relied on a professional landscape architect, Nathalie Shanstrom of Pasque Ecological Designs, for a plan to suit the site conditions which include very sandy soil. The landscape also had to be tolerable to Peggy's husband who was more inclined towards a perfectly manicured turf lawn.
Hear how this project came about with the help of a cost-share grant from the Lower Minnesota River Watershed District, grading features employed to protect fresh water resources, site preparation, success and challenges.
From the Palmer Prairie we will walk or drive .3 miles to the Dagiau's native plantings. Last fall the Dagiaus started native plantings and installed a different type of raingarden up by the house, and a native shade garden under their maple tree. Oak trees are also being planted.
Wildlife Food Supermarket Tour
Co-hosted by Wild Ones Prairie Edge and Writers Rising Up
at
Richard T. Anderson Conservation Area
18700 Flying Cloud Drive
Eden Prairie, MN
Prairie Edge Vice President, Shelly Stanchfield, will lead us on a hike that explores the 6 distinct biomes of the park and identifies plants that support the dietary needs of local fauna. Minnesota is home to over 2000 known bird, fish amphibian, reptile and mammal species that rely on insects for food. A primary cause of species decline is loss of quality habitat due to destruction, degradation, and fragmentation. Shelly will be pointing out the many plants available through the native plant nursery trade that you can grow in your yard. Prairie Edge will have copies of Attracting Birds to Your Garden with Native Plants and Attracting Butterflies to Your Garden with Native Plants on hand to give away to participants.
Please wear sturdy footwear and dress for the weather. The hike will take place in the event of light rain.
Bloomington Tour of Two Residences
Peggy Thomsen's
Bloomington, MN
In this 1960s neighborhood the "Palmer Prairie" stands out with a front yard of 100% native plants.
Peggy transformed the neglected property in Fall 2022 with native plugs, shrubs, trees, and a dry short-prairie seed mix.
Having no prior knowledge of MN natives or landscaping, Peggy relied on a professional landscape architect, Nathalie Shanstrom of Pasque Ecological Designs, for a plan to suit the site conditions which include very sandy soil. The landscape also had to be tolerable to Peggy's husband who was more inclined towards a perfectly manicured turf lawn.
Hear how this project came about with the help of a cost-share grant from the Lower Minnesota River Watershed District, grading features employed to protect fresh water resources, site preparation, success and challenges.
From the Palmer Prairie we will walk or drive .3 miles to the Dagiau's native plantings. Last fall the Dagiaus started native plantings and installed a different type of raingarden up by the house, and a native shade garden under their maple tree. Oak trees are also being planted.
July 2023
Tour of Three Residential Properties on the South Shore of Duck Lake
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August 2023
Thursday August 3rd
Open House Landscape & Eco Tour
Eden Prairie, MN
Open House Landscape & Eco Tour
Eden Prairie, MN
Tour a midsummer garden with 3 rain gardens, boulevard plantings, a shoreline restoration and hedgerows. Electrify Everything Minnesota will attend to share information about switching your home and appliances from using gas to clean electricity. Electrify Everything helps residents complete home electrification projects by answering questions and connecting residents to financing, utility rebates, and high-quality contractors. The initiative is a collaboration between the cities of Eden Prairie, Edina, St. Louis Park, & Minneapolis. On site we have an air source heat pump for heating and cooling. Also Talk with Tom about all electric vehicles, especially his 2021 Ford Mustang Mach E GT.
Tuesday August 8th
Tour The Preserve
The Preserve's current journey into supporting native plants and pollinators began in 2018. Built on farm land beginning in 1972, The Preserve has always honored the existing natural environment. It was just recently that our focus turned to suppression of invasive species and reducing the areas of turf grass that had been planted. The Preserve has over 175 acres of land divided between forested areas, walking paths, recreational areas, traditional gardens and native prairie plantings. Thanks to our Board of Directors and grants from Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District, our native areas account for over 8 acres currently and they are increasing every year. BRING YOUR WALKING SHOES! The tour will include an optional 2 mile loop around Neil Lake to see the additional native plantings accomplished through the work of Wild Ones members Jan and Rick Neville.
