City of Minnetonka, MN
Home MenuFord Park Habitat Restoration and Maintenance
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 |