habitat restoration
Bringing Birds and Wildlife to Woodlands, Farmlands and Big Backyards
Contact us for a free site visit to learn how you can improve habitat on your property. We'll connect you with information and let you know about available grants.
Presentations from Workshops
Managing woodlands for resiliency (2021)
Rural landscaping - woods, prairies, wetlands and more
Conservation planning - Mary Jo Youngbauer
DNR Forest stewardship - Andy McGuire
USFWS private lands program - Jacob Hernandez
MN Land Trust conservation easements - Kristina Geiger
Landscape Protection and Stewardship Framework
Approved in January 2023, this framework is designed to engage stakeholders to collaboratively protect and steward natural areas in Washington County for current and future generations.
Read it here: Landscape Protection and Stewardship Framework
prairie
Prairies were a large part of the pre-settlement environment in Washington County, covering much of the southern third of the county, and extending farther north as openings within the forests and savanna.
Is a prairie right for you?
Prairies are well-suited for large areas - 1 acre or greater. Funds are often available to convert large areas of turf or active cropland to prairie.
Prairies take 3-4 years until they are well established and look beautiful
Maintenance: Once fully established, prairies do not need watering or mowing. However, they will need occasional prescribed burns and spot-treating of invasive weed infestations.
For additional information on restoring prairies, see Going Native, a prairie restoration guide for Minnesota landowners created by the MN Department of Natural Resources.
trees and woods
Prior to European settlement, Washington County contained some Big Woods habitat (maple and basswood), as well as oak savanna, and floodplain forests.
Through our annual tree sale, the WCD has sold 15,000-20,000 trees per year to local landowners who plant to create wind rows and field breaks, as well as wildlife habitat.
MN Extension - Trees and Shrubs
My Minnesota Woods
Print Resources for Planting Projects
Native plant nurseries and landscapers
Native flowers, shrubs and trees