Cherokee Regional Park Woodland Enhancement

The Cherokee Regional Park Woodland Enhancement project will enhance 61 acres total, including southern mesic oak-basswood forest (MHs38), wet-mesic hardwood forest (MHs49), and 0.37 acres of remnant dry prairie (UPs13) along the Mississippi River bluff within Cherokee Regional Park. Enhancement of these remnant native plant communities will be accomplished through invasive species management, prescribed burning, and revegetation efforts. The project will include the restoration of two acres of turf and two acres of bluffland to mesic prairie (UPs23)/southern oak savanna (UPs13). The Minnesota Biological Survey has classified the project area with moderate biodiversity significance. This project will focus on a land parcel in the Mississippi River Critical Area, within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (MNRRA) and the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge Important Bird Area. Work will be guided by the Great River Passage Master Plan (City of Saint Paul, 2012) and recommendations suggested by the West Side Bluff Ecological Inventory and Vegetation Management Plan and Cherokee Park Prairie Ecological Inventory and Restoration Management Plan (Great River Greening, 2001 & 2002).

The project will return fire to fire-dependent habitat, improve tree and shrub canopy diversity, increase connectedness of high-quality woodlands, increase the probability of self-sustaining native plant communities, reduce sedimentation of impaired waterbodies, and improve habitat for fish and wildlife. Special attention will be given to enhancing the remnant dry sand ? gravel prairie and the three acres of oak woodland surrounding it.

After the grant period has expired, staff will continue to maintain the site utilizing best management practices.

Over 100 community members will be engaged in restoration activities where access and slope allow safe access. Park?s environmental education coordinator will help to incorporate programs such as bird hikes, natural and cultural history tours, and youth engagement into our outreach events.