In 2019, VLAWMO staff and the Watershed Action Volunteers began a giant project. Some might even say it was impossible. Invasive buckthorn had densely invaded the wooded wetland behind Vadnais Heights City Hall, and it was time for it to go. The wetland was once used as a walking trail and was full of potential, but the presence of buckthorn had highly reduced the site's accessibility and health.

Three years later, after many service days, a handful of community partnerships, and an invasive species control grant from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, we're excited to see an impressive amount of progress! VLAWMO is thankful for all of the school groups, volunteers, field crews, University of Minnesota students, the City of Vadnais Heights staff, and grant funders that are helping to make this restoration possible.

A small area of the larger restoration project has also been part of the Cover it Up citizen science research project with the University of Minnesota for the past 3 years. 2022 is the last planned year for the project. The focus of this research is working to identify optimal seed mixes for reducing buckthorn regeneration following initial removal. VLAWMO looks forward to the study's results and to building on the inspiring community network that has brought hope to this small but valuable wooded wetland.

Take a look at the galleries below to follow the story! 

Summer, 2019

Summer, 2020

Summer, 2021

Winter, 2021

March 25-April 1, 2022

April 15, 2022