2006-01-23 EC Agenda PacketAr- Kinn
GOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
Regular Meeting
Golden Valley City Hall, 7800 Golden Valley Road
Council Conference Room
Monday, January 23, 2006
7:00 P.M.
I. Call to Order
II. Native Buffer Zones ... What Works? (presentation by Prairie Restoration)
III. Approval of Minutes — December 19, 2005
IV. Envision Feedback Topics (prioritization by Commission)
V. Program/Project Updates —
➢ Sunnyridge Lane Soil Contaminants
➢ Medley Park Creek Bank Stabilization Project
➢ 1/1 Study
➢ Three Rivers Park District Trail (Regional Bicycle Plan)
➢ Proposed Developments
➢ Lighting Plan/Ordinance
➢ Ad Hoc Deer Task Force
VI. Commission Member Council Reports
VII. Other Business
VIII. Adjourn
G:\Environmental Commission\Agendas\2006\012306.doc
GOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
Regular Meeting
Minutes
January 23, 2006
Present: Tracy Anderson, Richard Baker, Christopher Kaisershot, Jon Pawluk
Absent: Dawn Hill; Jeff Oliver, City Engineer
City Staff: Al Lundstrom, Environmental Coordinator; Tracy Pharr, Administrative
Assistant
I. Call to Order
Baker called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm.
II. Native Buffer Zones ... What Works? (presentation by Prairie Restorations)
Lundstrom introduced Ron Bowen of Prairie Restorations. Lundstrom stated that the
presentation was in response to feedback on the Surface Water theme from Envision
and how to educate residents on the use of buffer zones. He mentioned that the city's
water bodies include Sweeney Lake and Bassett Creek.
Bowen's presentation was entitled, "Native Buffer Zones... What Works?" Bowen
provided background information on Prairie Restorations. He said that the typical profile
of Prairie Restorations' client base would be that 10 percent want a completely natural
environment without traditional grass or horticultural landscape.
Bowen stated that there are a variety of things the City could do to promote native
landscaping and buffer zones. Mr. Bowen made the following comments:
1. Educate the population on plant communities, including aesthetics,
economics and where the plants fit, and as a result, make the city a better
place to live.
2. Have an overall plan. Where does it work? Start small.
3. Regulate and build in covenants for plantings on new developments on
properties bordering water bodies. For existing development, it is
necessary to have a willingness to change. This can be achieved through
education, planning and marketing the community "plan." Motivators
include establishment of habitat for birds, water quality, deterrent to
geese, erosion control and a general environmental interest.
4. Maintenance of natural landscaping projects is important. There must be
a follow-through commitment.
5. A comprehensive City approach is a good starting point. Lead by
example.
6. Connect natural corridors, if possible.
7. Develop a management plan for the City, residents and contractors.
8. Revisions to City Code to encompass native vegetation may be
necessary. Native landscapes don't always include a lot of trees and
shrubs. Also, be open to burning and other new/different maintenance
practices.
Lundstrom mentioned that the City Code encompasses only minimum landscaping
standards, which are very outdated. A specified number of trees is mentioned, but no
green space component details are noted. Bowen recommended the addition of native
landscaping as an alternative to or substitution for the requirement for a specific number
of trees.
Bowen concluded his presentation, and the Commission thanked him for his time.
Pawluk said he felt the Commission should consider putting together some more
aggressive goals related to developing a comprehensive landscaping plan. He added
that he wasn't sure the Commission was the proper body to put together the plan.
Pawluk mentioned making revisions to City Code that would encourage residential and
commercial initiatives for native buffer zones and native landscaping. He also
suggested a Golden Valley "Parade of Homes," to include both private homes and
public property, with a focus on native vegetation.
Baker felt that the Commission should wait until its vacancies have been filled before
setting priorities for the year. He said he could easily see the Commission taking on this
type of project. Lundstrom reiterated that the City's policy for minimum landscaping
standards is very old and not particularly detailed. Beyond this policy, the City does not
manage landscaping.
III. Approval of Minutes - December 19, 2005
No changes.
MOVED by Kaisershot, seconded by Anderson, and the motion carried unanimously to
approve the minutes of the December 19, 2005 meeting as submitted.
IV. Envision Feedback Topics (prioritization by Commission)
Baker asked if the Commission wanted to prioritize these topics at this meeting. The
Commission Members wished to do so. Anderson said that she felt some of the topics
could be easily addressed. Kaisershot agreed.
MOVED by Kaisershot, seconded by Anderson, and the motion carried unanimously to
recommend to the City Council that they direct staff to install recycling receptacles in all
City parks and trash receptacles at the entrances to all nature area trails.
2
V. Program/Project Updates
Sunnyridge Lane Soil Contaminants — No new information.
Medley Park Creek Bank Stabilization Project — The bridge has been installed. Grading
and planting will take place in the spring.
1/1 Study— Staff has received and is reviewing a first draft of the 1/1 data. Preliminary
results indicate that the neighborhood north of City Hall and east of Winnetka Avenue
has the highest levels of 1/I. Baker asked if the Commission could receive additional
information on this. Lundstrom replied that he would ask Oliver to give a presentation
on this item at the February meeting.
Three Rivers Park District Trail (Regional Bicycle Plan) — An agreement to begin
construction of the trail in 2006 is expected to be signed and approved by the City
Council in February.
Proposed Developments — Staff has received development proposals from Colonnade
and for the Olympic Printing site for review.
Lighting Plan/Ordinance — Lundstrom stated that the City's planning intern and a staff
member in the Inspections Department have been directed to begin work on developing
a property maintenance code. The lighting plan/ordinance will follow after the property
maintenance code. Lundstrom said the Environmental Commission will be involved in
the process of reviewing and commenting on the lighting plan/ordinance, and should be
able to view the draft property maintenance code in the next one to two months. If a
draft of either policy is available, staff will bring a copy to the February meeting.
Ad Hoc Deer Task Force — No new information on this topic has been received.
Lundstrom will check on the status.
VI. Commission Member Council Reports
No Council reports were given. Baker did not assign the February Council agendas for
review.
VII. Other Business
Items of Other Business:
➢ Anderson asked if it would be appropriate to comment on the City's smoking ban.
Baker asked what the Commission Members felt about this topic. A brief
discussion ensued.
MOVED by Anderson, seconded by Pawluk, and the motion carried, with
Kaisershot abstaining, that the Environmental Commission supports continuation
of the City Council's smoking ban, as currently written.
3
➢ Baker has a lead on a new member to fill one of the vacancies on the
Environmental Commission. He has forwarded this person's name to the Mayor.
➢ Baker commented that his current term would be expiring March 1. He is willing
to continue his membership. Pawluk will take over as Chairperson at the March
meeting. Commission Members will vote for a new Vice Chairperson at the
March meeting.
➢ February agenda items include a request for a presentation by Jeff Oliver on the
1/1 study, an update on the Deer Task Force, possible review of the lighting and
property maintenance policies and any feedback on the recycling and trash
receptacles motion.
No additional business was addressed.
VIII. Ad0ourn
The next scheduled meeting will be on February 27, 2006 at 7:00 pm. The meeting was
adjourned at 9:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Tracy E. Phar
Administrative Assistant
Department of Public Works
4
Cit
Golden ValIey
Date: December 20, 2005
To: Mayor and City Council
Memorandu
Environmental Commission
From: Environmental Commission - Richard Baker, Chair
Subject: Feedback on Envision Golden Valley
The Environmental Commission was established to advise and make recommendations
to the City Council on matters related to the environment. This charge includes;
specifically, educating the public on environmental regulations, policies, practices and
tools; reviewing the City's existing environmental ordinances, polices and guidelines;
and developing management practices for the City's nature areas, public and private
ponds and other City -owned properties.
After reviewing the Vision Guide, the Environmental Commission chose to incorporate
the four "Supporting Themes and Ideas" outlined within its contents, and explored a
variety of topics under these themes. After much discussion, the Environmental
Commission has selected the following issues to focus on in 2006:
Waste & Pollution
➢ Reduction of Light Pollution
➢ Fine -Tune the City's Recycling Program
2. Green & Open Space
➢ Reduction of Litter and Dog Waste
3. Surface Water
➢ Education (grass clippings, salt, etc.)
4. Beauty & Urban Design
➢ Native Vegetation and Buffer Zones
G:\Environmental Comm ission\Correspond ence\Memos\2005\Envision Feed backCommentsDec2005.doc
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2004-05 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
NAME AND ADDRESS YEAR APPOINTED TERM EXPIRES
Tracy Anderson
04/07/04
03/01/08
2001 Hillsboro Avenue North, 55427
Rich Baker, Chair
04/18/00
03/01/06
224 Janalyn Circle, 55416
Dawn Hill
04/18/00
03/01/06
2000 Kelly Drive, 55427
Christopher Kaisershot
04/07/04
03/01/07
2200 Ensign Avenue North, 55427
Alan Kuentz
04/18/00
03/01/07
3901 Poplar Drive, 55422
Jon Pawluk, Vice Chair
04/07/04
03/01/06
1845 Major Drive, 55422
Vacancy
04/06/05
03/01/08
Staff Liaisons
Jeff Oliver, City Engineer 763.593.8034
Al Lundstrom, Environmental Coordinator 763.593.8046
Tracy Pharr, Administrative Assistant 763.593.8027
Meeting Dates: Meets the fourth Monday of the month at 7 pm at City Hall.
Revised 12/05
Gih'
()Golden Valley
JOINT CITY COUNCIL AND
OPEN SPACE & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes
Brookview Community Center
Monday, November 21, 2005
7:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER
Meeting was called to order by Sandler at 7:04 p.m.
11. ROLL CALL
Present: City Council — Mike Freiberg, Linda Loomis, Paula Pentel and Bob Schaffer. Open Space &
Recreation Commission — Jim Johnson, Kelly Kuebelbeck, Roger McConico, Jerry Sandler, Jim
Vaughan and Tom Zins. City Staff — Tom Burt, City Manager; Rick Jacobson, Director of Parks
and Recreation; Sheila Van Sloun, Administrative Secretary; Brookview Performance Area Task
Force — Don Anderson, Jackie Wells; Residents — Chuck Malkerson.
Absent: Open Space & Recreation Commission — Chuck Cahill and James Heine.
III. PROPOSED BROOKVIEW PERFORMANCE AREA
Jacobson gave an overview of the proposed project to the Council, Commission and guests. Jacobson
explained the site being considered is the current project staging area in the northeast corner of Brookview
Park north of the existing tennis courts.
Sandler added the proposed location creates a natural bowl for the performance area. He explained that other
sites didn't present themselves as well. He also feels this would be a nice amenity for the city.
In the discussion, the removal of two tennis courts was mentioned. Loomis asked if the two courts were
lighted. Jacobson explained they are not, but the four courts next to them are.
Prior to the meeting, Sandler compiled a list of items to consider with regards to the proposed performance
area. Items include: cost, displacement of the staging area, loss of two tennis courts, cost and time involved in
maintenance to the performance area, usage to justify investment, parking, traffic flow, and if there is a better
use for the proposed site.
Pentel mentioned that she talked to the Police Department about safety at the proposed site.
Estimates of construction costs were then reviewed.
Freiberg said constructing a performance area would be an improvement to what exists on the site now. He
said he'd be interested in seeing a figure on what it would cost the city to lose and relocate the staging area.
Burt said if the snow has to be trucked out of the city, it will be very expensive. He added that the site will
have to be replaced and then discussed possible sites and cost involved with them. Burt also discussed costs
involved in staffing the proposed performance area.
Schaffer asked if there are any organizations that would donate funds for the structure. Don Anderson said one
of the objectives of the task force is to brainstorm organizations that may do so.
Schaffer feels it would be a great amenity, but is concerned about the cost. He said it will cost more than is
expected to build the structure. He strongly feels the cost will double by the time it's complete.
Sandler said that even though money is tight, it shouldn't mean we don't add or improve amenities. Because
we are a built-up first ring suburb, we should consider improving what we have and add when we can in order
to keep the quality of life in Golden Valley. He feels the city should look at projects like this.
Burt talked about the city's current debt level. He said a large portion of the debt is due to the city's very
active pavement management program. Burt also said the city staff is looking at a 20 year projection of debt.
Pentel said she is all for adding amenities and would like to see a performance area in Golden Valley. She just
wants us to get the most for our dollars.
Zins feels it's an excellent plan and it fits in with Envision. He also feels that in order for the city to achieve
such a venue, the proposed plan should be scaled down to accommodate the available funding. Schaffer
agrees, but for cost reasons, feels other sites should be considered. Freiberg expressed his agreement with Zins.
Pentel then suggested using the proposed site for a performance area and snow dump. She said the idea should
be explored.
Burt suggested that such funding could be used to reinvest in what the city already has, such as improvements
to Brookview Community Center.
The group then brainstormed alternative sites. The area of the small picnic shelter was suggested. It was then
suggested the Outdoor Performance Center Task Force explore the idea. He also asked if Paul Snyder from
ATS&R Architectural Firm; could come up with a plan and cost estimate for that site. It was the consensus of
the group that this was a good next step.
IV. MASTER PLANNING PROCESS FOR PARKS, TRAILS AND
OPEN SPACE AREAS
Loomis explained that one of the Council's goals was to come up with a Master Park Plan. The city also needs
to have the Comprehensive Plan updated by September, 2008 and feels the Master Park Plan process is an
important part.
Pentel suggested the City hire as few outside consultants as possible to get this done. She suggested in the next
year the city could do a needs assessment of the athletic facilities, which may be a survey that would go out to
current youth and adult athletic association, coaches, etc., to assess what they see as overall needs and
improvements. The Master Planning process could include a needs assessment which could be a phone survey
to citizens on a City wide basis and could consist of 400 random calls done by a survey company with focus
on multiple city services including park usage and facilities. After information is collected, it will be analyzed
and mapping could be done which will give the city information that can then be used to come up with ideas
for park, trail and open space improvements.
The joint meeting of the Council and Open Space and Recreation Commission was then adjourned.
OPEN SPACE & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes
1. CALL TO ORDER
Meeting was called to order by Sandler at 8:37 p.m.
11. AGENDA CHANGES OR ADDITIONS
Discussion on the Brookview Performance Area and the Golf Course Smoking Ban were added.
111. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — October 24, 2005
A change was made to the motion on item number five; the word to was changed to the.
MOTION: Moved by McConico and seconded by Johnson to approve the minutes as corrected. Motion
carried unanimously.
IV. RECREATION DEPARTMENT FEES
Jacobson explained the proposed fees for 2006.
Vaughan asked if we offer scholarships. Jacobson said yes then explained the application process.
MOTION: Moved by Johnson and seconded by McConico to approve the proposed fees for 2006. Motion
carried unanimously.
V. OLD BUSINESS
a) Brookview Performance Area
Sandler wanted to thank Johnson, Kuebelbeck and McConico for their task force participation and hopes
they will continue to meet with the task force.
b) Smoking Ban at Golf Course
Sandler said he attended the last Council meeting and reaffirmed the Commission's previous motion to
reconsider the smoking ban. He said there were interesting discussions and view points. Sandler then
reported the Council voted to make no changes to the ordinance.
V1. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Moved by Vaughan, seconded by Kuebelbeck to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 8:47 p.m.
3
Golden Valley
OPEN SPACE & RECREATION COMMISSION
Meeting Agenda
Brookview Community Center
Monday, January 23, 2006
7:00 p.m.
I. Call to Order
I. Roll Call
Chuck Cahill James Heine
Kelly Kuebelbeck Roger McConico
Jim Vaughan, Vice Chair Tom Zins
III. Agenda Changes or Additions
IV. Approval of Minutes — November 21, 2005
V. On -Street Bike Route System
VI. 2006 Pavement Management Program
VII. Governor's Fit City Program
VIII. Old Business
a) Deer Task Force Update
b) Regional Trail Update
c) Park Master Planning
d) Brookview Performance Area
IX. Adjournment
Jim Johnson
Jerry Sandler, Chair
Photo:
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Restoring native plant communities since 1977 .4f
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2004-2005
PURPOSE, SERVICES, PRODUCTS z
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Restored prairie in July; orange butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa),
yellow stiff tickseed (Coreopsis palmata) and purple hoary vervain
(Verbena stricta).
A few words from the president...
Prairies and a whole lot more
At Prairie Restorations, Inc. (PRI) we've designed, restored a,
managed more than 20,000 acres of prairie, wetland, woodla..0
and shoreline since 1977. We take our work seriously. Healthy
societies — including individuals, communi-
ties, plant and animal species — depend on
healthy environments and we know that
undisturbed native plant communities pro- mow,
vide healthy, diverse environments. Our
mission is to protect these landscapes where
they exist and restore them where they
have been destroyed or disturbed. To this :A 4"
end we are committed to producing the Bad hair day on
highest quality services and materials for the prairie.
our customers and are confident that we have the leadership,
knowledge and experience necessary to provide the best seeds,
plants and services in the Upper Midwest.
Our business exists because we have the good fortune to
serve people who believe in our cause—people who believe
that one homeowner, one corporation, one park can make a
difference. Thanks for believing in this mission and for team-
ing with PRI to get this most important work done.
(C" C,t - 3V15_-)4,
Ron Bowen
President
Native landscaping... the RIGHT thing to do
"Going wild" is a good idea for many reasons -some obvious and practical, others more subtle. PRI customers -
residential, corporate and public sector -have found that restoring native plant communities provides lasting
benefits and perhaps, most significantly, allows property owners the opportunity to develop and express
their own land ethic. There are three important rationales to consider when restoring native plant communities:
• ECOIOcricai SOUndneSS - Native landscapes
make optimum use of existing water and soil prop-
erties, even further enhancing those resources in
some cases. Soils are rehabilitated, water is retained and
songbirds thrive. While native plant commuuiities
involve some maintenance, they rarely require
polluting power equipment, chemical herbicides,
pesticides or fertilizers. Restored landscapes provide
lasting benefits to both property owners and the
environment, connecting people and the land they
manage in a meaningful and productive way.
IN
• Beauty - Native landscapes provide ever-chang-
ing environments of color, light, texture, sound and
notion for people, as well as providing food and
cover for wildlife.
• COSt SaVIngS - A native plant community generally
costs less than a turf -based landscape to install and less again to
maintain.Although it may be a few years before a natural
landscape is fully -established, once manure it will last for
generations with minimal attention.
Savanna — an enchanting mix of trees and prairie.
Woodland — a rich maple—basswood forest.
Wetland — a central Minnesota marsh, includes Joe—pye weed (Eupatorium
maculatum) and giant sunflower (Helianthus giganteus).
What makes
a plant community native?
Native landscapes consist of diverse, indigenous
species that have adapted, over thousands of years, to
climatic extremes and local soils. Minnesota has four
primary plant communities
Prairies are open grasslands that occur in
relatively dry climates where precipitation levels are
generally inadequate for optimum tree growth. The
grasses and wildflowers of some prairies are tall and
dense while other prairies—depending upon soil and
moisture conditions—are sparsely covered with short
grass and flower species. While pre -settlement
Minnesota included nearly 18 million acres of prairie,
today only about 150,000 acres remain.
• Savannas usually provide the transition between
open prairie and woodlands, occurring where precipi-
tation can support widely scattered, drought -resistant
trees. While prairie grasses and wildflowers dominate
the ground cover, scattered bur and pin oaks are not
uncommon. PRI's headquarters near Princeton is
located on the Anoka Sand Plain in an area that was
once savanna.
• Woodlands include the mixed conifer forests of
northern Minnesota and the deciduous hardwood
forests of the central and southeast. Forest communities
also exhibit diverse characteristics that are dependent
on climate, moisture and soil conditions. PRI's
enhancement work in woodlands often begins with
removal of the aggressive exotic, buckthorn.
• Wetlands can occur within any plant community
and include plants that adapt best to saturated soil or
standing water. Wetlands include marshes, fens and the
banks of rivers, streams and lakes. Wetland plant
communities are essential to a healthy environment,
primarily because of their storage and filtering
capacities, and great efforts are necessary to define,
protect and restore them. Increasingly, PRI is participat-
ing in significant shoreline stabilization projects, as well
as the restoration of conventional basin type wetlands.
3
Planning, producing, protecting...
PRI offers full-service package
• installation services
Contracted installations are the heart and soul of
PRI's business. We complete successful projects by
making the best possible use of the materials,
techniques and equipment we know will work.
PRI has planted more acres, on more sites, using a
greater variety of plant materials than any other
restoration company in the Upper Midwest. Whether
your project is large or small, there are many
good reasons to turn to PRI.
• site evaluations and design proposals
A staff ecologist will inspect your site to learn
about its soils, slope, size, existing vegetation and
other environmental elements. A list of species
specific to your location and an outline of
recommended restoration procedures and materials
will be prepared for you. For public, commercial or
corporate projects, site evaluations and proposals are
free. For residential installations, not involving an
architect or landscape architect, a flat fee of $100
is applied against the total cost of PRI -implemented
projects.
materials access
Essential to the success of PRI projects is the fact
that almost all seeds and plants are produced at
our Princeton, Hawley or Munger sites, meaning
they are genuinely site-specific and readily available.
Because we do not have to rely on other producers, our
customers are assured of the availability of the key
building blocks needed to create successful, diverse, high
quality native landscapes.
• expertise
Our experience with and understanding of native
plant community restorations are extensive. PRI
knows how to solve problems, improvise when necessary
and achieve quality results—staking our reputation on
each and every project. We offer a competent full-
time staff of 40 educated, experienced, committer'
individuals who are eager to assure you a Success-
ful restoration project. Five service locations posi-
tion our crews closer to your project for efficiency
and economy.
Psst ... prairie restoration in
First year prairies are generally mowed once or twice.
4
Second year prairies begin to bloom and show signs of stability.
PRI has state—of—the—art equipment for handling prescribed burns. Selective weed control is sometimes necessary in early growing years.
Low maintenance, not NO maintenance...
Managing your native landscape
PRI will evaluate your native or restored site and recommend a specific management strategy to maintain a healthy
natural landscape. Services include:
• Long-term management plans
Well -conceived plans provide a critical link to good resource management. Staff develop practical, realistic plans by assessing
site history, existing plant communities, potential management problems and suggesting annual work schedules and manage-
ment recommendations. These plans are especially helpful to managers of corporate grounds, business campuses, golf cours-
es, parks and large residential sites. To achieve maximum results we prefer to include landowners and grounds personnel in the planning
process.
• Prescribed burn management
Iistorically, fires played a significant role in the health of grassland ecosystems by discouraging proliferation of woody plants
yid exotic species. PRI has the staff, equipment, training and experience to acquire the necessary state and local permits and safely carry
out prescribed burns on prairie sites of all types and sizes.
• Exotic species control
A healthy, natural landscape includes a mix of native plants coexisting in balance with each other and the conditions of
the site they occupy. Invasive exotic (non-native) plants can upset this balance by out -competing and displacing native
species. Weedy plants like leafy spurge, Canada thistle, buckthorn and sweet clover are examples of invasive species that pose serious
threats to remnant and restored landscapes. PRI has management strategies and services to control these and other exotics.
progress; patience required
Mature prairies take three or more years to develop into diverse, colorful, low maintenance landscapes.
Prairies, wetlands, woodlands, shorelines...
Not all native landscapes alike
There is a native plant community for every site.
While Minnesota ecologists recognize 58 separate
types, many have been greatly altered from their
natural state and present serious challenges for
restorationists. While the methods for restoring
some sites may be obvious, other situations present
unique challenges requiring special considerations.
In heavily shaded
areas competition
from tree roots
presents a difficult
challenge, requiring
woodland wildflow-
ers and other
shade -tolerant
native plants. Prairie
grasses and flowers
are sun -loving plants
that can adapt to
edge areas and the
partial shade of
open woodlands but
should not be used
in fully -shaded sites.
In close proximity
to shallow -rooted
trees like maple and
basswood, deep-
rooted prairie
species are not the
right choice.
However, they are
well suited to land-
scapes with scattered
deep-rooted oaks.
In erodible areas
prairie grasses and
wildflowers are an
excellent solution. Deep root systems hold soil and
low -maintenance prairie perennials provide ongoing
protection from water and wind. However, any
planting on a steep area is vulnerable to washouts
and the slow top growth of prairie perennials may
extend the period of vulnerability, requiring some
special measures such as: cover crops of oats or
wheat, and/or light mulching with clean oat, wheat
or prairie straw.
High -traffic areas present special problems.
While native plantings are ecologically sound and
require less mainte-
nance than turf,
they are not a good
solution in areas of
heavy foot traffic.
A balance between
turf areas and
natural areas works
best, the ratio being
determined by
individual needs,
site constraints and
design objectives.
Generally, a higher
percentage of nater,
area works well on
larger sites while
small, residential
sites may be most
successful when less
than half the avail-
able area is natural.
Prairie smoke (Genum triflorum) seed heads in June.
6
Designed areas
often require ongoing
maintenance to hold
the desired patterns,
textures and colors
of the design.
While non-native
ornamentals can be
included in these
designs, native
plants provide an interesting, more natural, less
intensively managed alternative. PRI does not use
non-native ornamentals in designed settings, but we
occasionally work with other contractors who do.
Home kits now available
especially for do-it-yourselfers
Many homeowners want to develop a self-sustaining natural plant
community on their own. While it is hard to argue with time and
money -saving factors, the benefits of a natural landscape extend far
beyond finances and low maintenance weekends. Diverse natural areas enrich
both the environment and PRI customers by making optimum use of existing soil
and water conditions to provide critical habitat for songbirds, butterflies, wildlife
and even essential insects. As plantings mature it is often the colorful,
ever-changing beauty of natural landscapes that customers rate as the
most significant plus of "going native."
Creating your own natural landscape is a relatively simple task with a PRI Home
Prairie Kit, Home Woodland Kit or Shoreline Restoration Kit. Prices and contents
differ depending on type and site size but usually include seed mixes,
seedlings, video instructions, a plant identification book and PRI bag.
A Prairie Kit that will cover 1000 square feet is priced at about $175.
Seeds, plants and gifts...
Check out PRI retail shop and website
Our Princeton location features a retail operation that carries PRI -grown native seed mixes and potted plants,
- variety of bircifeeders, birdhouses, nature books, unique nature -focused children's gift items, games, decora-
ve garden accessories and more. Customers are invited to use our in-house computer program, PRESTO, to
determine the best selection of species for their particular site. Knowledgeable staff will answer questions
and offer suggestions to ensure the success of native landscaping projects.
Retail Hours: April -December: 9-5 Monday -Friday; April -June: 9-2 Saturday/ Sunday; July -October: 9-2 Saturday.
To visit the retail shop in Princeton: From the south, take 169 north to county road 9 (about three miles
south of Princeton); turn west on county 9 for one half mile; turn north on county 45 for three miles and
watch for PRI sign on the left. From the north, take 169 to RUM River Drive on the south edge of Princeton;
turn west (right) for one quarter mile to Tstop; turn left on county 45 for one half mile to PRI sign on the
right. For further information visit www.prairieresto.com or call 1-800-837-5986.
Plant production using local seed provides excellent options.
95
Princeton
We are here Co Rd 45
Cc Rd 42 I
N
(
Princeton
Hwy 169
St. Clow wy 9
HwY 169
1-94., Elk River 1-35
Co Rd 9
Mpls/St. Paul
7
Pink prairie rose (Rosa arkansana) and purple western spiderwort
(Tradescantia occidentalis).
Prairie
Restorations, lnc,)'�,
Bringing people together with the land
PRI range...
Upper midwest region
We are committed to providing the highest quality
native grass and wildflower seeds and plants, grown
in production plots rather than gathered from
natural stands. Thus, we are able to maintain purity,
control quality and improve production without
having a destructive impact on native remnants.
We rely on local genotypes in an effort to imitate
the natural character and distribution of plant
gene pools, generally limiting product sales to
within a 200 -mile radius of our production centers
in Princeton, Hawley and Munger, Minnesota. For
projects beyond those ranges, we provide consulting,
custom -grown materials, installation and land man-
agement services.
8
Now in five locations
• PRI's Princeton headquarters incudes administrative
offices, seed production fields, flower plots, greenhouses, seed
cleaning and retail operations. Address: P.O. Box 327,
Princeton, MN 55371; Phone: 763-389-4342; Fax: 763-389-4346;
E-mail: info@prairieresto.com.
• Bluestem Farm - 20 miles southeast of Moorhead, MN
on the edge of the Red River Valley; includes staff offices,
seed fields and a base for equipment and materials to service
western Minnesota and the eastern Dakotas.
Address: P.O. Box 1027, Hawley, MN 56549;
Phone: 218-498-0260; Fax: 218-498-2862;
E-mail: pribs@corpconini.net.
• Prairie Creek Farm - six miles east of Northfield, MN;
headquarters for personnel and equipment to serve the
south metro area, Rochester, Northfield and other areas to
the south. Address: P.O. Box 305, Cannon Falls, MN 55009;
Phone: 507-663-1091; Fax: 507-663-1228;
E-mail: pri@rconnect.com.
• Boreal Natives - twelve miles west of Duluth; produces
greenhouse seedling plants for woodland, wetland and shor
line restoration projects throughout northeast Minnesota
and northwest Wisconsin. Address: 3943 Munger Shaw Road,
Cloquet, MN 55720; Phone: 218-729-7001; Fax: 218-729-7007;
E-mail: prairie@cpinternet.com.
• Watertown - PRI's newest site located in a small
industrial park on the edge of downtown Watertown, just
20 miles from Ridgedale Shopping Center. Provides a base
for personnel and equipment to serve the west suburbs and
Lake Minnetonka area. Address: P.O 1127, Watertown,
MN 55388; Phone: 952-955-3400; Fax: 952-955-3401;
E-mail: seinde@prairieresto.com.
—r
9
*Bluestem Farm 0�oreal Natives_
North Dakota { i
Princeton• -
• Watertown
• Prairie Creek Office
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