Prairie Pollinator and Wetland Restoration

Opus Marsh (Hennepin Co) and Howard Farm WPA (Blue Earth Co) are owned and managed by the USFWS - Mn Valley NWR/WMD. The objectives of this project are to restore the sites' habitats to unaltered states and bring back pollinator, wildlife, and waterfowl habitat for the public to enjoy and be educated on. By breaking drain tile on Opus Marsh 213 acres of semi-permanent floodplain wetland to the Minnesota River, will be available habitat to many migratory waterfowl, herps, insects, and other residential and migratory wildlife. Restoring Opus Marsh will also improve and benefit many visitors? experiences on the National Wildlife Refuge including: hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, wildlife interpretation, and environmental education. Also, by restoring the hydrology of the wetland will allow for flood waters and waters from the surrounding watershed to be stored and filtered of nutrients and sediment before being put into the Minnesota River. Opus Marsh is located adjacent to 2,109 acre Wilkie Unit, 347 acre Bloomington Ferry Unit, and 77 acre Savage Fen Unit. Restoring the site at Howard Farm WPA will provide 15 acres of pollinator habitat and .5 acres of temporary wetlands. The site is located just outside of Lake Crystal?s city limits and is adjacent to a hugely traveled county highway. The site?s location provides a great opportunity for the public to experience and be educated on pollinator and waterfowl habitat. This site is located adjacent to a 565 acre prairie wetland complex owned and managed by the USFWS Wetland Management District as a WPA.