Through a grant from the MN Board of Soil and Water Resources as part of the Lawns to Legumes program, Crystal Waters Project was awarded more than $26,000 to plant native species. Below are the projects undertaken or enhanced in 2023.
Meadow at Co. Ditch 56 Bridge on Humphrey St.
This project was created on Humphrey Street beside the bridge over County Ditch 56. Using about 900 native plants and 6 pollinator-friendly shrubs, 2,400 square feet were converted from lawn to pollinator meadow. Within a few months, this area became be a lush, colorful area that will sustain pollinators, improve soil health, reduce runoff into the ditch, and will invite passersby to slow down and and take a look.
Gengler Lakeshore Project
Susan and Pat Gengler participated in the pollinator program and improved about 165 square feet near their shoreline. They added 36 native species and three pollinator-friendly shrubs. This rejuvenated area will become a draw for pollinators and other species looking for a welcoming habitat.
Boat Landing
Another pollinator project was planted near the boat landing on Crystal Lake. This installation created a rain garden with three berms that will reduce that flow of runoff, absorbing much of it in the garden’s shallow basins before it has a chance to flow into the lake. It is about 936 square feet in size and about 339 plants were added. In the months since it was planted, the garden has thrived and many of its native species are already blooming beside plants that were already growing there.
Sherwood/Baker Lakeshore
Jim Baker and Susan Sherwood converted 250 square feet of lawn into a pollinator patch along the shoreline across the street from their home. In just a few weeks, they can see Lobelia and Liatris blooming, and other species thriving. As the plants mature, this is going to be an eye-catching strip of color.
Stormwater Pond at Jones Park
An update from one of last year’s projects: The native species planted along the stormwater pond near the dog park are starting to fill in and splashes of color can be seen. If you haven’t visited this little-known gem in the city, take time to enjoy a walk around the pond, listening to the sounds of birds and enjoying the diversity of the plants found there.
Tidrick Landscaping Project
While landscaping near the lakeshore, Lora Tidrick added lots of color by using native species. As these plants fill in, they will stabilize the soil and off habitat for a variety of wildlife for many years.
Wastewater Treatment Plant
Through the efforts of Jeremy Hutchens, Donny Hutchens, the treatment plant crew and a host of energetic volunteers, more than 3,000 square feet of sloping lawn were converted into a pollinator meadow on the wasterwater treatment plant property. Native seed was spread and more than 2,000 plant plugs were installed. Everyone involved is looking forward to how beautiful (and attractive to pollinators) this area will be in coming years.
