Cullen Nature Preserve Master Plan

A new nature-focused park is currently being planned in the city. The former Ann Cullen Smith property is a 30-acre parcel consisting of restored open prairie, oak savanna, mixed woodlands, and wetlands. This property is under conservation easement with the Minnesota Land Trust to preserve its open character and provide for public uses in an ecologically sensitive manner.

The Minnetonka City Council approved the updated Parks, Open Space and Trail (POST) System Plan in 2022 and through that process the Ann Cullen Smith parcel was identified to be master planned and opened to the public as a passive recreational amenity for bird watching and nature walks. Currently closed to the public, the master plan will prioritize improvements to the site that will both highlight restoration successes as well as providing the public outdoor passive recreational opportunities.

Working with the Friends of the Cullen Nature Preserve and Bird Sanctuary, city staff has helped coordinate on-going restoration of the site including removal of invasive plants and the establishment of native plant communities. During the master planning process, opportunities for site access including parking will be developed as well as on-site trails and features such as overlooks, benches, and interpretive signage to educate the public about on-going restoration and opportunities for volunteerism. More information can be found on the Friends of Cullen Nature Preserve and Bird Sanctuary’s website at www.cullennature.org.