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
Saturday, July 13th
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
Saturday, July 13th
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..
drive 3 miles to
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.
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.
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
Meet at
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
Meet at
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.
