Lake Elmo Park Restoraations

A nonprofit fundraiser supporting

If we build it they will come; Rusty patched bumble bee sanctuary

$509

raised by 11 people

$22,000 goal

Despite the fact that pollinators are responsible for our most nutritious foods, crucial for biodiversity, create the broad base of the food chain, and pollinator our natural world, pollinator are in peril. The Rusty patch bumble bee is an endangered species and many more pollinators like the Karner blue butterfly and Monarch butterfly are at risk. We are working hard to tell the world how to help, reduce pesticide use, and building habitat.

If we build it, they will come. Loss of habitat and fragmentation of landscape is one of the biggest issues contributing to the decline of pollinators. Native plant species will be carefully considered to mimic a native oak savanna to support at-risk specialist pollinators who need plants specific to the oak savanna ecosystem in the heart of Rusty patch territory, Washington County.

The restoration work at Lake Elmo Park Reserve is ongoing and includes citizen science and public education components. Over the last six years we accomplished a lot: 1) installed a native plant propagation corridor, 2) converted 40 acres of old ag land to native prairie, and 3) enhanced the shoreline of Eagle Point Lake oak savanna and trail with pollinator habitat. This is an exciting opportunity to continue to improve over time. Pollinators and birds are thriving in these habitats and there's much more to do.

Conversion from old ag field to native flowering prairie 2024