From blight to bloom: Overgrown lot to be transformed into pollinator garden

An empty lot overgrown with buckthorn and other invasive species is being prepared for a new life as a pollinator garden.

A pollinator garden is designed to have flowers with nectar and pollen that attract and support pollinators such as bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. 

The project aims not only to restore native biodiversity but also to create a sustainable habitat that supports vital pollinator species.

The lot is owned by Hennepin County and is located north of 7690 Corporate Way in an industrial area of Eden Prairie, near Legacy Gymnastics, Orr Autosport and CARSTAR Eden Prairie North.

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Hennepin County is working with Landbridge Ecological, which specializes in landscape restoration. According to Landbridge Ecological’s website, its projects “enhance biodiversity, restore habitats and create resilient ecosystems that thrive in both urban and rural environments.”

The project began earlier this spring when Landbridge Ecological removed the existing invasive species on the lot. It will conduct a second sweep and removal later this summer.

In the fall, it will seed the area with native plants to attract pollinators.

After that, the lot will be blocked off for two to three years while the garden becomes fully established.

Landbridge Ecological will continue to maintain the garden as it grows during the establishment period, removing any invasive plants that might sprout.

Garden developer seeks community input

Resilient Cities and Communities (RCC) is a local nonprofit partnering with Hennepin County and Landbridge Ecological. RCC and Landbridge Ecological are hosting a community session to gather input about the plants and pollinators people would like to have in the garden.

The meeting will be from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 28, at the garden site.

“We’re inviting the community to come together and share their voices, concerns and preferences around the development of this new native pollinator garden,” said Gladys Mejia, program director for RCC.  

“People can come and learn the value of native plants and pollinators, see the proposed species selection and give input on what they’d like to see included.”

Individuals interested in attending the community input session can register online.

Why create a pollinator garden?

Pollinators help plants reproduce by transferring pollen from one flower to another, enabling fertilization. This process is essential for the production of fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, “three-fourths of the world’s flowering plants and about 35 percent of the world’s food crops depend on animal pollinators to reproduce.”

“The truth is, without pollinators, we would have no food,” said Mejia. “Because over 99% of native prairies were destroyed, we are taking small steps to make sure that critical habitat is restored so pollinators can survive. Native plants also clean our air, reduce stormwater runoff, stabilize the soil and sequester carbon due to their deep root systems.

Questions about the meeting or input about the garden can be directed to Mejia by email or at (612) 300-7388.

Editor’s note: This story is the seventh in an ongoing series called “Sustainability in Action.” The series spotlights sustainability efforts in Eden Prairie at various levels, from local government and businesses to community groups and residents. It includes a page dedicated to local, state, and national sustainability resources. This series has received support from a grant from the Eden Prairie Community Foundation.

If you have an idea for this series, contact the editors.