Great River Greening

Great River Greening Restoration Work 


The City of Arden Hills has partnered with Great River Greening (GRG) to restore natural habitats at Hazelnut Park and Floral Park beginning in 2025. GRG will also create a Natural Resources Management Plan for Chatham Open Space.

About Great River Greening
Great River Greening is a Minnesota nonprofit that leads nature-based climate solutions through land restoration and sustainable design.

What to Expect
Work will focus on removing invasive species like buckthorn and thinning trees to support healthy, native woodlands. Most activity will occur in winter to minimize impact on the ground, plants, and wildlife.

Buckthorn and Biochar
Buckthorn will be cleared using a mix of hand cutting and forestry mowing, with follow-up control through 2027. At Floral Park, Great River Greening will use biochar kilns to dispose of cut material—an eco-friendly method that produces less smoke and prevents soil damage.

This project is funded in part by the Outdoor Heritage Fund. Learn more about GRG’s biochar process on their biochar website.

Map of Hazelnut Park with an outline of what the Great River Greening Project will impact.
Map of Floral Park with an outline of what the Great River Greening Project will impact.

Project Timeline

April 2023 – The City Council first discussed partnering with Great River Greening (GRG) on buckthorn removal and habitat restoration at select parks, including Hazelnut Park, Chatham Open Space, Floral Park, and Perry Park.

April 2024 – GRG presented project details to the Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee and later to the City Council. The Council directed staff to move forward with restoration efforts at Hazelnut Park, Chatham Open Space, and Floral Park.

July 2024 – The City Council approved cooperative agreements with GRG for habitat restoration and management at the three parks.

January 2025 – GRG finalized contracts with Native Resource Preservation (NRP) to begin buckthorn removal. Letters were sent to nearby residents, and “Habitat Restoration in Progress” signs were posted.

February 2025 – NRP completed initial buckthorn removal at Floral Park and began work at Hazelnut Park.

April 2025 Update – During winter work, crews applied a small amount of triclopyr 4E directly to cut stumps. The application required less than 24 hours of restricted access and poses no ongoing safety concerns.

December 2025 – GRG conducted biochar kiln burns at Floral Park as part of ongoing habitat restoration efforts.

Great River Greening Anticipated Timeline

Project Contacts

Becca Tucker, Twin Cities Metro Program ManagerGreat River Greening
rtucker@greatrivergreening.org
Jess Skalicky, Parks and Recreation Manager
City of Arden Hillsjskalicky@cityofardenhills.org