May 13, 2020 Don’t ‘bee’ afraid! We often run into people that want to contribute to pollinator conservation by adding natural habitat, but at the same time, are leery of the idea of inviting more bees to their properties. No doubt bee stings hurt, and it’s totally reasonable to have a bit of fear of getting stung. However, if you know… Read More
April 24, 2020 Growing season maintenance timeline & native plant observations One of the greatest joys of an ecological restoration, whether it be a perennial garden or a natural shoreline, is observing plants as they grow from tiny sprouts to tall, mature flowering plants each year. Our maintenance crews get a front row seat to this yearly transformation in our restorations, working to apply seasonally appropriate… Read More
March 19, 2020 Changing Seasons and a Changing Climate Around this time of year, everyone starts to get spring fever. Last week, we had strong southerly winds blow in our first 60 degree day. Like clockwork, we see people wearing shorts and T-shirts doing summer activities with a frozen lake in the background. The winter warm-up also gets everyone chattering: “Will this be an… Read More
February 27, 2020 What’s with all this buzz about EAB? The acronym “EAB” is being thrown around a lot lately by the mainstream media. We learned a lot about emerald ash borer in Minnesota: ‘EAB Discovered in Southern MN’s Steele County’, ‘Crews Begin Removing 168 Trees Infected by EAB Along I-94 in St. Paul’, ‘St. Louis Park Receives Grant to Combat EAB’, ‘If they’re not… Read More
February 13, 2020 A Look Back on Sustainability in 2019 At this time of year we all make resolutions, to drink less coffee or shed a few extra pounds and get in shape. Last year our company made a few resolutions: reduce our carbon footprint, reduce plastic and paper use, and implement other environmentally conscious practices. It’s a new decade and a great time to… Read More
December 20, 2019 Protecting Minnesota’s Rusty Patched Bumblebee The Minnesota State bird is the common loon, the state flower is the showy lady slipper, the state butterfly is the monarch, and of course the walleye is our state fish. Good news fellow Minnesotans, we now have a state bee! The rusty patched bumblebee (Bombus affinis) officially became the state bee this spring, and… Read More
November 19, 2019 Buckthorn Busting Fall is an amazing and quite beautiful time in Minnesota. The air is crisp and clean. Trees and shrubs are putting on their best display of colors as they pull every last bit of nutrients out of their leaves before they drop. From the golden yellows of birch and poplar to the red-orange of sugar… Read More
October 29, 2019 People now want native plant gardens, but are these micro-restorations really worth it? Wait, yes, sit down and prepare to be encouraged. We actually have a bright shining light on the environmental landscape. Last year, an American Society of Landscape Architects’ survey found that city people want native plants (83%) and sustainable residential landscapes (80%). This is a really delightful sign that the general population may truly be… Read More
September 30, 2019 Woody Plants: Beyond the Pretty Colors How often do you pause and think about the green around us? The amazingly beautiful trees, shrubs, and other woody plants for ecological restoration are the lifeblood of the Earth. We were taught this in elementary school, but now we are so busy, we just don’t give it much thought. It is so easy to… Read More
August 29, 2019 Magical Monarchs of Minnesota Did you know that the monarch happens to be our state butterfly? It’s true! That iconic orange and black butterfly is hard to miss and easy to identify for most people. Because it is so iconic, Minnesota monarch butterfly conservation helps bring awareness to issues facing many pollinator species that normally would go unnoticed by… Read More
July 30, 2019 Making the Switch to Electric Tools to aid in Ecological Restoration It’s a clear, crisp, quiet morning. You grab a cup of fresh brewed coffee and find your favorite spot on your deck. The birds are chirping, the bees are buzzing, and you are just loving your peace and tranquility. Then, all of a sudden, your eager beaver neighbor, starts up his old two stroke, gas… Read More
June 28, 2019 Greenhouse Update: Growing for Wildlife Working in the greenhouse, growing native plants for wildlife habitat is a pleasure in so many ways, as well as a great learning experience. I feel so fortunate to spend time in the greenhouse each season, especially late summer evenings when all is quiet and the butterflies and bees happily go about their business. I… Read More