Forestry Management works to restore, enhance and manage the Park District's native woodlands and develop appropriate landscapes for interpretive and developed recreation areas by planning, implementing and maintaining reforestation and landscape plantings throughout the park system. This section is also responsible for the operation of Noerenberg Gardens.
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Plant Propagation
Forestry Management operates a 50-acre plant materials nursery at Crow-Hassan Park Reserve that produces herbaceous and woody plants native to Hennepin County and its immediate surrounding locations.
Reforestation and Landscaping
Our annual reforestation efforts include collecting and sowing native tree and shrub seeds, clearing fields of exotic grasses to allow natural succession, and planting seedlings and large bare root trees. We maintain trees and shrubs in active use areas to enhance associated amenities.
Tree Disease and Insect Control
Our tree disease and insect program is designed to monitor and/or combat problems such as Oak Wilt disease, Dutch Elm disease and Gypsy Moth infestations. All eradication plans are implemented in accordance with the Three Rivers Park District Pesticide and Fertilizer Use Policy.
Shade Tree Maintenance
Forestry Management operates a Shade Tree Management program that involves maintenance of newly planted shade trees to promote the tree’s health, identification and correction of hazard trees, and tree trimming.
Plant Protection from Animal Predation
Our plant protection program includes efforts to lessen landscape damage by deer through population control, installation of high-tensile electric deer fences and application of deer repellent. We are continuing to pursue viable options for preventing meadow vole population outbreaks, which can cause severe tree damage.
Exotic Plant and Pest Control
We work to suppress or eradicate exotic plant pests, as budgets and staffing allow, particularly more aggressive species such as European buckthorn, black locust and Siberian pea shrub.
Leaf Mulch Program
In the fall, leaves collected from neighboring municipalities are spread around recently planted trees. The resulting plant mulch decreases or eliminates the need for supplemental watering, prevents weed invasion and subsequent vegetation competition, increases organic matter and mineral availability, and promotes tree survival and growth.
Forests Forever
Forests Forever is a donation-based tree-planting program operated through Three Rivers Park District Forestry Management.
