Restore Saint Paul: September 2013

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.

Contributing Authors

Saint Paul Parks and Recreation--Natural Resources Division:

It would be impossible for us to maintain and improve Saint Paul's natural areas to the high standards that we are used to without the coordinated efforts of our many partner organizations and volunteers. In addition to Saint Paul's Natural Resources employees, the following groups will be contributing to the content of this blog as they work hard to keep Saint Paul "the most livable city in America."

Conservation Corps of Minnesota:

The Conservation Corps provides meaningful work for young people in conserving energy, managing natural resources, responding to disasters and leading volunteers. Not only do they provide training in resource management, safety, job-readiness and technical skills, they help young people develop personal responsibility, a strong work ethic and greater awareness of environmental stewardship. CCM has been a valuable partner in maintaining Saint Paul Parks natural areas for years.

Eco Ranger Acadamy:

The Environmental Services EcoRanger Academy is an educational summer job program for youth interested in plants, wildlife and the natural environment. Youth work throughout the City in forests, lakes and prairies on restoration projects. They perform tasks such as invasive species removal, planting and mulching. The program covers plant anatomy and identification, trees, entomology, water, soils and ecology. Youth that successfully complete the summer program graduate with a certificate and references from their crew leaders.