Ford Park restoration aligns with the city's Natural Resources Master Plan. Invasive species, such as buckthorn, dominate the site and there is little regrowth of oaks and other native trees occurring. As part of this restoration, the city will remove invasive species, thin less desirable trees and plant a diverse range of native trees. Increasing biodiversity on the site will ensure a healthy oak forest for future generations.

Work is completed in partnership with Hennepin County which provides labor, through a job training program, and the trees for planting.

Project updates

March 18, 2024

Small scale buckthorn removal has been ongoing since January. Teams will bring in the forestry mower in the coming weeks to mow down and mulch buckthorn. A large scale planting event is anticipated in May.


Project schedule

 Activity

 Estimated Date

 Entity providing labor

Tree marking Winter-Spring 2023  Minnetonka 
Tree and buckthorn removal Winter-Spring 2023 Hennepin County
Forestry mowing buckthorn and seed forest floor Spring 2024
Minnetonka, Hennepin County
Additional site preparation (herbicide, debris clean-up and tree removal) Fall 2023 - Spring 2024 Minnetonka, Hennepin County
Tree planting with volunteers May 2024 Minnetonka, Hennepin County
Bi-annual maintenance (herbicide spot spray, potential seeding) 2024 - 2026 Minnetonka, Hennepin County

 

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