Park Projects
Montissippi Park
Type: Forest Thinning
Description: In March of 2008 the Pine forest in Montissippi Park will undergo a major change. Over the past 10 years the health of this forest has deteriorated, many of the Jack Pines have died, and the Red Pines have become overgrown. To manage concerns the Parks Department worked on a thinning plan with the Department of Natural Resources. The plan calls for thinning of the red pine plantations in the park, one in every three rows of Red Pine will be removed as will adjacent forked, dead and broken trees. The Jack Pine stands, which make up the main portion of the trees in Montissippi Park, will be clear cut. Areas of Jack Pine that are mixed with Red and White Pines will only have the Jack Pine removed, while leaving the healthy Red and White Pines. The area will look very different, but in the long term the health of the forest will be improved. Once the harvest is complete, natural regeneration will occur in some areas of the park. Park staff and volunteers will also work on replanting desirable tree species.
Collinwood Park
Type: Lakeshore Restoration
Description: Collinwood Lake Landowner Training and Native Planting Collinwood Regional Park 17251 70th Street SW Cokato, MN 55321 September 13, 2008 at 10am-4pm Description: Landowners and their families are invited to join Great River Greening, Wright County Parks, Mid-Minnesota Mississippi River RC&D and Wright Soil and Water Conservation District for a special day of lakeshore restoration training and planting at Collinwood Lake Regional Park. For the first part of the day, attendees will visit hands-on activity stations and learn about native plantings, invasive species removal, erosion control and more. Through demonstrations and participation, landowners will gain knowledge on land restoration techniques and will actively restore native plants and stabilize eroding shorelines in Collinwood Park in an effort to enhance water quality within Collinwood Lake. Through this event, participants will be empowered to implement these practices on their own property. Support for this project has been provided by Wright County Parks, Mid-Minnesota Mississippi River RC&D, Great River Greening, and Wright Soil and Water Conservation District. Individuals of all ages, families, community and corporate groups are welcome to participate in Greening’s restoration events. Residents of nearby communities will be given priority for this event. Lunch will be provided for pre-registered volunteers, so sign up today! Please register by September 1, 2008. You will receive a confirmation one week prior to the event with directions and event details. Register online at www.greatrivergreening.org under “Volunteer” or contact the Greening Volunteer Program and Event Manager at volunteer@greatrivergreening.org or 651-665-9500 ext. 11. We are also looking for a few individuals or a small group to help with other tasks like registration or parking. Join us and be part of important work to restore land!
Ney Park
Type: Trails and Plantings
Description: During 2008 and 2009 137.5 acres at Ney Park will be reclaimed with native prairie and hardwood tree plantings. Also new trails will be created on this 137.5 acres that was purchased in 2005.
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