In 2012, our team began working with the City of Bloomington to create a Minnesota native prairie. They were facing significant erosion problems along the swale that ran along the edge of a local school’s property. The area was turfed over, but the short roots were not strong enough to withstand the effects of stormwater runoff, causing persistent issues for the school. Seeking a solution to this problem, the City enlisted our services to provide guidance on how to resolve this issue.

Following an extensive consultation process, we proposed a plan to create a prairie with Minnesota native plants as a sustainable way to address the issue. Once the plan was approved, we began the process of removing the turf grass with an herbicide treatment, tilling the soil, and preparing it for the native plant species we had recommended. After the site preparation was completed, we installed a wide variety of native species with deep roots that are able to withstand runoff. After a year of meticulous maintenance to ensure that invasive species were kept at bay, the project was completed.

The end result is a stunningly beautiful Minnesota native prairie that not only resolved the City’s erosion issues but also provided an aesthetically pleasing environment for nearby residents to enjoy. Additionally, the Minnesota native prairie has served as a valuable educational resource for the nearby school, allowing staff to teach lessons on a wide range of topics related to native plants, pollinators, and other related subjects.