RELEASE: Willow Reserve, a hidden gem in the North End

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 8, 2016

Contact:
Clare Cloyd
Saint Paul Parks and Recreation
clare.cloyd@ci.stpaul.mn.us
612-760-5074 (c)

 

Willow Reserve, a hidden gem in the North End

Saint Paul – Neighbors and local leaders have been in discussions for more than a decade about restoring Willow Reserve in Saint Paul’s North End.  In April 2016, the City of Saint Paul, Capitol Region Watershed District, the District 6 Planning Council, and Ward 5 City Councilmember Amy Brendmoen completed a three-year natural resource restoration plan for the reserve with input gathered during community meetings.  Work is nearly underway and everyone is excited to see this project move forward.

Willow Reserve restoration activities may begin in late summer or early fall of 2016.  The most noticeable changes are likely to occur in the winter of 2016-2017 when invasive plants and trees are removed to make room for native species.  Native plants provide a better source of food and shelter for wildlife such as birds and pollinating insects.  In 2007, a natural resource inventory and habitat assessment were completed in the area.  Researchers identified thirty-six species of birds at the reserve.  It is particularly critical for migratory birds following the Mississippi River Flyway. 

Local organizations, leaders and residents have been an integral part of developing plans to restore Willow Reserve. "Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD) is pleased to be a part of this important project, which will benefit residents and urban wildlife as well as protect one of the District’s last remaining wetlands," said Mark Doneux, Administrator, CRWD.

"District 6 Planning Council and the North End neighborhood is excited about the Willow Reserve Restoration. Its historic significance is a part of the history of St. Paul’s North End. The City, Councilmember Brendmoen, Capitol Region Watershed District, and the North End are creating a natural neighborhood amenity out of the preserve and are grateful for the recognition of this urban gem," said Kerry Antrim, Executive Director, District 6 Planning Council.

"The Willow Reserve is a unique, natural amenity for the neighborhood and should be preserved. For too long, it has sat untended and has become the target of illegal dumping," said Amy Brendmoen, Councilmember, Ward 5. "This restoration will protect the wetland and offer a community benefit. Combined with a single family housing development and additional place-making initiatives in the area, the Willow Reserve restoration will aide in the revitalization of the Maryland Ave. corridor in the North End." 

To learn more about upcoming changes, please join us on August 22 from 4:30 – 6 pm for a family-friendly event at Maryland and Western Avenues.  Project partners will be available to answer questions. COMPAS, a community program in the arts working on a public art installation under a railroad bridge in the same area, will be providing a fun, hands-on project for children. Habitat for Humanity will also be available to answer questions about the planned housing development along Maryland Avenue.

For more information, please visit www.capitolregionwd.org or follow the project at www.facebook.com/CapitolRegionWD

About Saint Paul Parks and Recreation
Saint Paul Parks and Recreation is a nationally accredited and gold medal award-winning organization that manages over 170 parks and open spaces, AZA-accredited Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, 25 city-operated recreation centers, more than 100 miles of trails, an indoor and two outdoor aquatic facilities, a public beach, a variety of premium sports facilities, municipal golf courses, and Great River Passage – which is the new identity for all proposed public development along Saint Paul’s more than 17 miles of Mississippi riverfront. For more information on Saint Paul Parks and Recreation, visit www.stpaul.gov/parks.

 

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