Shoreland restoration guide.

Submitted by: Bill Bartodziej, Ramsey Washington Metro Watershed District, 651-704-2089

The Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District (RWMWD) is pleased to announce the release of our newest publication, the Lake Phalen Shoreland Restoration Walking Tour and Plant Guide. Co-authored by Haley Elvecrog, a University of Minnesota graduate student and Bill Bartodziej, watershed district natural resources specialist, this field guide details the shoreland restoration and common plant species found around Lake Phalen.

The ecological restoration of the Lake Phalen shore began in 2001. The goals of the project are to help reduce shoreline erosion, improve shoreline aesthetics, increase native plant diversity, expand fish and wildlife habitat, and to improve recreational opportunities. The project has also been a valuable educational resource for the local community – fourteen schools and over 1,500 students have participated. Park patrons now enjoy a multitude of beautiful views around the lake.

The guide contains two parts. The first section summarizes and illustrates each restoration segment in a walking tour format. The plant section contains over 250 high-quality photos of both beneficial native plants and noxious weeds. Close-up photos of plants at various life stages make this book useful to the wildflower enthusiast throughout the growing season. It also has a water resistant cover and coated pages to make it field-ready.

According to Jason Husveth, President of the Minnesota Native Plant Society, “Not only is this guide invaluable for learning more about the shoreland restoration of Lake Phalen, but it will be an extremely helpful resource for those interested in lakeshore ecology, restoration and managment.

The Lake Phalen Shoreland Restoration Walking Tour and Plant Guide is available for $10, including shipping, handling, and tax at the District office (2346 Helen Street, North St. Paul, MN 55109) or by mailing an order form with payment. Order forms can be printed from our website. If you have questions please call 651-704-2089 or email.

The RWMWD is a grouping of five smaller urban watersheds (Phalen Chain of Lakes, Beaver Lake, Battle Creek, Fish Creek, and East St. Paul) that drain to the Mississippi River just downstream of downtown St. Paul.We are a special purpose local unit of government with a mission to protect and improve water resources and water related environments within its jurisdiction. For more information, you can visit our website, or call our offices at 651-704-2089.

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