Three River’s 27,000 acres of parkland includes 43 lakes, more than 30 miles of rivers and streams and over 8,000 acres of wetlands.

Three Rivers is committed to restoring the environment, including planting forests. Most native forests in the region were cleared for agriculture by the turn of the twentieth century. Three Rivers is working to restore these plant communities.

Three Rivers Park District is the largest manager of prairie habitat in the Twin Cities area and has restored approximately 1,600 acres in the metro area.

Three Rivers maintains wildlife populations through habitat management, reintroductions and management of species of special concern, population control and general monitoring.

From rain gardens, to pollinator gardens, native landscapes, to public gardens, the horticulture program contributes to the health and beautification of Three Rivers properties and the education of park users. 

Three Rivers rapidly responds to the challenges of invasive species through early detection and prevention, guided by an Invasive Species Plan.

Environmental stewardship is a long-standing hallmark of the Three Rivers Park District’s mission. In 2009, the Board of Commissioners approved sustainability targets for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), waste generation and groundwater use.

Learn how climate change is impacting wildlife, recreation and more in Three Rivers.

Chronolog is a citizen science tool that allows park visitors to document environmental changes through photos, creating time-lapse sequences to track restoration efforts, engage the community and support park stewardship.