Overview

Multi-year habitat restoration on 49-50 acres surrounding The Trailhead in Theodore Wirth Park. Includes woodland, prairie, and savanna habitat restoration; buckthorn and invasive species removal; conservation mowing; reseeding and native plantings; prairie burns and turf grass conversion.

Current Status

Status: Active restoration through October 2025; reconvening spring 2026

Restoration phase 1 completed October 28, 2025. Phase 2 will reconvene in spring 2026. Project continues through fall 2027.

Timeline

• Summer 2025: Restoration begins
• October 28, 2025: Phase 1 restoration complete
• Spring 2026: Phase 2 reconvenes
• Fall 2027: Expected completion

Funding

Grant: $500,000 Conservation Partners Legacy (CPL) Grant from Minnesota DNR

Contractor: Minnesota Native Landscapes ($448,875)

Project Scope

Habitat types:

• Woodland restoration
• Prairie restoration
• Savanna restoration

Key activities:

• Buckthorn removal (invasive species control)
• Invasive species management
• Conservation mowing
• Reseeding with native species
• Native plantings
• Prescribed prairie burns
• Turf grass conversion to native vegetation

Volunteer Component

Weekly volunteer opportunities:

When: Tuesdays 5:30-7:00 PM

Where: The Trailhead (1221 Theodore Wirth Parkway, Golden Valley, MN)

Activities: Invasive species removal, planting, restoration work

Partners

• Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB): Land owner and oversight
• Green Cities Accord: Conservation and climate action partnership
• Minnesota DNR: CPL grant funding
• Minnesota Native Landscapes: Implementation contractor

Importance

Habitat restoration in Theodore Wirth Park improves biodiversity, supports native wildlife, creates climate resilience, and enhances visitor experience. The project demonstrates public-private partnership in urban conservation.

Monitoring

Tracking items:

• Quarterly MN DNR CPL grant reports
• Restoration acreage completed
• Volunteer hours and participation
• Phase 2 milestones (spring 2026)
• Completion date (fall 2027)

External Sources

• Loppet Foundation — Official organization information
• Green Cities Accord Partnership — Partnership details and updates
• MN DNR Conservation Partners Legacy Grants — Grant program information