March 2024 Newsletter 🌿
MARCH NEWSLETTER
National Recognition | 2050 Park Vision Plan | Welcome New Staff | Our 10th Anniversary!
Garden Effort Gets National RecognitionÂ
We're proud to share that Wilderness in the City has been featured in the roundup: "6 Cities Lighting Up the HNP Biodiversity Map"! Check out the article to learn about the amazing native planting projects happening nationwide and don't miss the section featuring Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden - part of our Turf to Pollinator Garden Project!
Visioning Lebanon Hills To 2050
This year Dakota County is creating a 2050 Parks, Greenways, and Natural Systems Vision Plan (Park Systems Plan). This will be the policy foundation for, among other things, parks and natural resource restoration preservation for the coming years.
This is the next chapter of Lebanon Hills Regional Park’s natural areas. It is important that those who value and understand the importance of this urban wilderness in the city have a voice in crafting this vision. How will Dakota County:
Preserve the remaining portions of quality habitat.
Restore the functional, aesthetic, and unique qualities of this park’s natural heritage.
Resist the pressure to increase built infrastructure within the park.
Natural areas have not received adequate maintenance activities in the past and are constantly under attack from invasive and undesirable species. Additionally, Dakota County always feels pressure to spend tax dollars on more impermeable pavement and built infrastructure which impacts the environmental quality of the park's waters, wetlands, and woodlands.
Public participation in this process is expected in May - we'll keep you informed of these. However, you can contact Dakota County Commissioners any time. All park lovers have a voice, even if you are not a county resident.
More Natural Resource Staff!
We welcome two new Natural Resource Specialists in Dakota County, Sara Nelson and Max Samuelson. These new staff positions will manage park restoration projects including managing the Garlic Mustard Challenge (below) and Landscape Stewards volunteer programs.
10 YEARS OF WILDERNESS IN THE CITY
Thank You For Your Support!
Wilderness in the City began as a grassroots movement to support the preservation and restoration of Lebanon Hills Regional Park's expansive, largely undeveloped, natural environment.
Thank you to our Board of Directors who have volunteered countless hours to this work and beyond - our Turf to Pollinator Garden project is nearly completed in six Twin Cities regional parks! And thank you - we couldn't do it without you!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Your contribution plays a crucial role in our efforts to preserve and protect Lebanon Hills Regional Park for future generations. Every dollar you donate will support projects like Bike to Hike and our Turf to Pollinator Garden project, as well as other work to preserve and enhance our favorite park.