This project is focused on removing invasive plant species and restoring the area with native, pollinator-friendly habitat.
Many sections of the Trezona Trail corridor are heavily impacted by invasive species. This restoration effort is being conducted in partnership with the North St. Louis Soil and Water Conservation District as part of a broader initiative to improve habitat quality throughout the area over time.
Funding for this work was provided through the Conservation Partners Legacy (CPL) Grant Program, which supports conservation projects that restore, enhance, and protect forests, wetlands, prairies, and habitat for fish, game, and wildlife throughout Minnesota. The CPL Grant Program is funded by Minnesota's Outdoor Heritage Fund, created by the people of Minnesota.
Visitors may notice that the restoration area appears brown or dormant this year. This is expected and is the result of a selective herbicide application used to target invasive species and turf grass before restoration begins. Once invasive plants have been successfully controlled, the site will be seeded this fall with a diverse native pollinator seed mix containing a variety of wildflowers and grasses.
The restored habitat will provide important benefits for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. Native prairie plants typically spend their first years developing extensive root systems before significant above-ground growth becomes visible. As a result, it may take one to two years before the full effects of the restoration can be seen.
In total, this project will restore approximately 90,000 square feet—just over two acres—of land to native vegetation.
We hope to engage local volunteers in the ongoing maintenance and stewardship of this site. Anyone interested in getting involved is encouraged to contact Lucy Soderstrom at the Ely Folk School. Further questions or inquiries can be directed to Planning and Zoning Administrator Scott Kochendorfer at 218-365-3224 Ext. #3.
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