What's Happening to Our Woodland Understories?
By: Paul Kortebein
July 13, 2020
Category: Resource Management
Forests in the Twin Cities area are under siege. Many factors are to blame, including land fragmentation and overuse and invasive, non-native pests.
Sugar maple-basswood forest understories have been hit particularly hard. In these forests, the lack of plant life has essentially led to ecological deserts in the understory (the stuff that grows underneath the canopies of mature trees).
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6 Wildflowers to Look for this Spring and Where To Find Them
By: Angela Grill
Three Rivers Park District is home to some special spring wildflowers, some of which have a very short above-ground life. Learn about six of these flowers and where to find them.
Why and How Three Rivers Manages Deer
By: John Moriarty
Deer can be fun to see in the parks, but too many of them can be detrimental to the environment and dangerous to drivers.
What's in a Seed? Why Prairie Seed Collection Matters
By: Erin Korsmo
Prairies are the most threatened habitat in Minnesota. Some species that depend on prairies are now on endangered and threatened species lists. Read on to learn about the important role volunteer seed collectors play in saving the prairies and the creatures that inhabit them.
When you mention mosquitos, most people cringe while others involuntarily start scratching. Mosquitos are a nuisance to humans and in some cases can carry diseases that are harmful to humans and animals.
But, they are also an important part to the ecosystems and there are many species of animals that depend on mosquitos, both adults and larva, for food.
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Fun Facts About Dragonflies
By: Angela Grill
Dragonflies are one of the most ancient insects and were one of the first species of winged insects to evolve. Learn more about their dual lives in the water and on land and the best places to find them in the parks.
Species Spotlight: The Magic of Fireflies
By: Miranda Jones
Fireflies evoke a sense of childlike wonder and delight. Learn what makes them glow, the threats to their population, and what you can do to protect them.
Pollinators: The Great Monarch Migration
By: Elaine Tucker
Have you ever wondered what a monarch tag is or why we tag monarch butterflies? Read on to discover more about these beautiful insects and their incredible 2,000-mile migration.
Help Shape Future Diamond Lake Regional Trail Route
July 01, 2020
Three Rivers Park District is beginning the master planning process for future development of a new north-south regional trail through the western portion of Hennepin County.
Identified as the Diamond Lake Regional Trail, it will travel 20 miles through Dayton, Rogers, Corcoran, Medina, Long Lake, Orono and Wayzata. The vision for the trail is a 10-foot-wide paved, multi-use trail that will connect natural areas, other regional trails in the Three Rivers system and local parks and trails. Trail uses will include biking, hiking, dog walking, running and in-line skating.
Whether you are going camping, are headed to the cabin or planning an adventure in your own backyard, cooking over a fire is a great way to make a meal!
To start, there is some basic equipment you should have to cook over a fire, including: a hot mitt or leather gloves to handle hot pots, long-handled tongs and/or a spatula for moving things around, and a bucket of water nearby to put out the fire or any stray sparks.
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Gimme S'more! New Takes on the Classic Summer Dessert
By: Andrea Breitung
Saturday is National S'mores Day! Read on to find fun takes on the classic camping dessert, alternatives for dietary restrictions and ways to celebrate with Three Rivers.
6 Ways to Spend an Evening in the Parks
By: Mary Christine Kane
When the sun is starting to fade over the horizon, it could be the beginning of a great, new adventure. Skip the sunburn, beat the crowds and enjoy a magical part of the day by visiting the parks in the evening or at night.
Why September Is Sweeter at the Farm Market
By: Tim Reese
Early fall is peak harvest time in Minnesota. Learn why some vegetables taste sweeter later in the season, how to store them during winter, and when to stop by Gale Woods Farm in Three Rivers to stock up on the season's bounty.
Dragonfly Programs
Ongoing | Eastman
Learn all about dragonflies and help us collect important dragonfly data!
Art of Nature Camp
July 27-28 & July 30-31 | Richardson
Drop off your child (ages 8-10) to explore art and nature. Campers will explore painting, drawing, nature printing and more.
Family Journey to Minnesota
Ongoing | The Landing
Discover the stories of immigrant families from the past who built a new life in Minnesota.
Carrots: The Good, The Bad and The Deadly
By: Missy Anderson
June 22, 2020
Category: Resource Management
The carrot family (Apiaceae) is an amazingly diverse and interesting group of plants. While some of these plants are grown in gardens to eat, others are both invasive and poisonous. Learn how to identify these plants, which ones to avoid and what measures Three Rivers is taking to control them.
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The Wild Parsnip Problem
By: Paul Kortebein
Wild parsnip is an invasive species that can be a very real human health hazard. Learn how to identify wild parsnip and ways to prevent and slow its spread.
Hold the Mustard, Please!
By: Missy Anderson
Learn why mustard plants can be harmful to native plants, how to identify them and what you can do to help keep our forests healthy.
How You Can Stop the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species
By: Angie Smith
Boating is a great way to maintain social distance and breathe in some fresh air. Before you get out on the water, here's a quick refresher on how you can prevent aquatic invasive species from further impacting Minnesota's waterways.
