Quick Facts:

Buckthorn and reed canary grass removal conducted in Summer, 2020.

3.37 acres of wetland restoration

Funding:

Funding for this project came from Ramsey County Soil and Water Conservation Division (RCSWCD) and Conservation Partners Legacy funds. RCSWCD supplemented their funding with a 2020 VLAWMO Landscape Level 2 cost-share grant of $5,006.50.

Reason for project:

A wetland restoration at Teal Pond was an exciting opportunity for both the watershed and Tamarack Nature Center. Previously, the Teal Pond area was dominated by invasive species that contributed little to wetland soil health, groundwater connections, and wildlife habitat. The two dominant species prior to the project - reed canary grass and buckthorn - are known to overcrowd native plants and insects. Reed canary grass in particular creates a thick impenetrable mat at or directly below the soil surface, which hinders wetland hydrology and soil. 

As a wetland resource within a protected nature center, Teal Pond is a valuable wetland resource for the Tamarack Lake subwatershed. By optimizing the wetland's function with native vegetation, it's floodplain and groundwater connections are better able to serve Tamarack Lake for water storage and quality. The Teal Pond restoration is adjacent to an upland oak savannah and prairie restoration, conducted by Ramsey Soil and Water Conservation Division. Together, the two projects compliment each other for a comprehensive restoration in the Northeast corner of the nature center. 

Tamarack Nature Center supported and joined the effort with an interest to enhance wildlife habitat and educational uses for students and nature center guests. 

Construction:

Phase 1 took place in the summer of 2020, consisting of buckthorn and other invasive species removals led by the Ramsey County Soil and Water Conservation Division (SWCD). Phase 2 took place in May, 2021, consisting of new native plantings. Planting efforts were a collaboration between VLAWMO and Tamarack Nature Center staff, as well as VLAWMO and Tamarack Nature Center volunteer groups. 

Plants include: Blue flag iris, sweet flag, tufted and fringed loosestrife, marsh marigold, ironweed, meadowsweet, red osier dogwood, nannyberry, and highbush cranberry. 

Results:

• Restored wetland, floodplain, and soil health improvements for flowering native plants.
• Habitat improvements for birds, amphibians, pollinators, and turtles
• Enhanced recreational experience for nature center guests.

Watch the restoration grow and change with the Teal Pond picture post!

This post guides visitors with step-by-step instruction in photographing and uploading the photos onto the Picture Post database. Entries that are made in the Teal Pond picture post page add valuable records of how the wetland is changing over time. Travel through time by browsing the gallery or learn how to participate at the picture post page. 

Project Image Gallery