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Orchard Park encompasses 7.5 acres just south of the city's Minnetonka Mills commercial area. Although small, it includes a wide variety of native habitat types, from woodland and oak savanna to an uncommon wetland type called fen.
Primary management goals for woodland and savanna include control of invasive trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants; select reduction of pioneer native trees that have overpopulated some areas; ongoing monitoring for diseases or pests that impact tree health; and restoration of more diverse woody plants and prairie-style plants on the ground layer.
The wetland will be regularly monitored, prioritizing invasive species control and reseeding of the shoreline.
Over the next several years, components of this work will be undertaken by city staff, city contractors, or volunteers.
Orchard Park encompasses 7.5 acres just south of the city's Minnetonka Mills commercial area. Although small, it includes a wide variety of native habitat types, from woodland and oak savanna to an uncommon wetland type called fen.
Primary management goals for woodland and savanna include control of invasive trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants; select reduction of pioneer native trees that have overpopulated some areas; ongoing monitoring for diseases or pests that impact tree health; and restoration of more diverse woody plants and prairie-style plants on the ground layer.
The wetland will be regularly monitored, prioritizing invasive species control and reseeding of the shoreline.
Over the next several years, components of this work will be undertaken by city staff, city contractors, or volunteers.
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In October, staff conducted outreach with residents and volunteers to discuss restoration and maintenance goals.
The preliminary restoration and maintenance plan was presented to park board at its Nov. 5 meeting. Park board comments were incorporated into the planning document and public feedback was taken.
Spring 2025 through 2026
Restoration and plant community maintenance work will be enhanced by prioritizing strategies developed in the plan.
Orchard Park encompasses 7.5 acres just south of the city's Minnetonka Mills commercial area. Although small, it includes a wide variety of native habitat types, from woodland and oak savanna to an uncommon wetland type called fen.
