Draft NRMP Section 5.e Golden Ridge Golden Ridge Nature Area
Location: Earl Street & Flag Avenue North
Nature Area Size: 2.51 Acres
Description
Golden Ridge Nature Area is located within a residential neighborhood on the northwest corner
of Golden Valley with trail connections to General Mills Research Nature Area and adjacent
neighborhoods. The nature area is relatively small, and contains mostly wooded habitats with a
mix of deciduous trees and shrubs and coniferous trees. The landscape is rolling with upland
and lowland areas.
Forest and Woodlands
The majority of the land cover at the Golden Ridge Nature Area is wooded. The majority of the
trees are mixed hardwoods including aspen, green ash, box elder and a few oak trees. A band
of white and red pine crosses through the nature area, and may be a remnant of a pine
plantation.
Wetlands
No wetlands are present within the Golden Ridge Nature Area
Aquatic Resources
No aquatic resources are present within the Golden Ridge Nature Area
Prairie and Grassland
The southern entrance to the nature area contains some areas of overgrown grasses, but there
is no prairie present within the nature area.
Invasive Species
Buckthom density is very high within the wooded portion of the nature area, and has doubled in
density over the past 10 years. It is now greater than half of the land cover, and will likely
continue to expand in density if left uncontrolled.
Table 5.9 Invasive Species Cover Percent Change 2003-2013
Descri•tion %Cover2003 % Cover 2013 % Chan•e
GVRM Plan 2015 GOLDEN RIDGE NATURE AREA page 1
Common Buckthorn 30 60 +30
Site Recommendations
Natural Resources
Manage buckthorn (high priority)
Buckthorn is present within the nature area, and some areas are of the greatest density within
the City. Removal of buckthorn within the park would be a significant undertaking, but would
transform this area if it could be controlled.
Amenities
Install entry signs(high)
Golden Ridge Nature Area has no entry signs. Signs should be at least installed at each of the
main entrances, including the access off of Earl Street and Flag Avenue North using approved
style type.
Install interpretive sign(low)
Golden Ridge Nature Area is unique in that it has a planted stand of mixed pines in the heart of
the site. Providing an interpretive sign near the stand would provide the user with an interesting
history of the site.
Install bench(medium)
There are no benches located within the nature area. Installing two benches along each of the
main trail segments within the park would provide the trail user with a place to rest or simply
enjoy the natural surroundings.
Upgrade trash Receptacle (low)
The trash receptacle is one of the first amenities viewed upon entering the nature area. As such,
it should not only provide maintenance functionality and efficiency but should also be attractive
and reflect the image of the both Golden Ridge and General Mills Research Nature Area. At
least two should be should be located within the nature area; one off of Earl Street and one off
of Flag Avenue North.
Install pet waste disposal system (high)
Golden Ridge Nature Area should include waste disposal systems for their dogs; one at each
main entry. This keeps the nature area clean, healthy and attractive.
Expand Nature Area (medium priority)
GVRM Plan 2015 GOLDEN RIDGE NATURE AREA page 2
Explore the opportunity to expand the Nature Area through agreement or easement on adjacent
Hennepin County property, and through the dedication of land or perpetual easement from
General Mills, as opportunities arise or development occurs.
Table 5.10 Golden Ridge Nature Area Improvement Priorities
Priority Management Description Action Qty Unit Unit ost
H, M, L T •e Cost • •inion
Upland Buckthorn
H Remove buckthorn 2 Acre $4,000 1$8,000
woods mana•ement
•
M Access Expand the Nature Obtain agreement, N/A N/A TBD TBD
Area easement or •rose
Amenity Continuity of entry sign Install new sign at
M design through nature 3 Each $5,000 $15,000
area s stem entry locations
Install interpretive
M Amenity Naturals resources sign along the trail 1 Each $3,000 1$3,000
education within the conifer
•lantation
Continuity of bench Install new benches
M Amenity design through nature 2 Each $1,500 ;$3,000
area s stem along two main trails
Continuity of trash Install new waste/
receptacle design
L Amenity throughout nature area recycle trash 2 Each $2,000 I$4,000
s stem receptacle at entry
Pet waste disposal Install new pet waste
L Amenity system at key access 2 Each $600 I$1,200
•oint disposal system
GVRM Plan 2015 GOLDEN RIDGE NATURE AREA page 3
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Golden Valley Natural Resources Management Plan
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