Monday, September 23, 2013

Hidden Potential



 Post contributed by Katie from Conservation Corps Youth Outdoor Crew 1:

The Conservation Corps is back in action with St. Paul Parks! We have spent the last week working at one of our favorite parks in the city; a real hidden gem, Hidden Falls Regional Park. This park runs along the Mississippi River and is part of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. Hidden Falls Park allows the visitor a beautiful view of the Mississippi River Gorge, which was carved through sandstone by the Mississippi River over thousands of years.




Getting the job done!

If you have visited Hidden Falls Park recently, you may have noticed some new views of the gorge. The Conservation Corps crews have been clearing out invasive plant species like buckthorn to open up views of the cliff along the path. The Dry Sandstone Cliffs that run along the gorge make up a very unique ecosystem. Hopefully by clearing some of the non-native species out of the way, the native species will be able to really develop and thrive. Our work is one of several restoration efforts in place to preserve the unique geology featured in the Mississippi River Gorge.

Friday, September 20, 2013

Como Park Bluebird Trail Update: September 19, 2013

Post contributed by Sharon, volunteer Bluebird Trail monitor,


Bluebird nesting season is over.  All boxes were removed September 8.

Totals for 2013:  29 bluebirds, 12 chickadees, 7 tree swallows, and two broods of wrens (perhaps 12?).

See graph for a comparison of numbers of birds fledged over the years. 

In 2008, there were 9 boxes.  In 2009-2011, there were 11.  And in 2012-2013, there were only 10.