Establishment of 'Mini Arboretum' in North Commons

North Commons is a park within The COR that both the community and City Council have expressed an interest in improving.  This topic was discussed at a City Council Work Session in January and City Council directed Staff to explore certain improvements within North Commons, including landscaping.  Two specific components of the improvements seem to be connected with work that the Board has been involved with either previously or as part of the City Council approved work plan, topsoil and establishment of a 'mini arboretum'.

As part of the improvements in North Commons, Staff has been given the 'green light' to conduct a topsoil experiment comparing both various topsoil compositions as well as varying depths to try to determine what combination is sufficient to accomplish the goal of water conservation.  This is related to a larger review of both fees and costs associated with developing in the City.

Another aspect of the project is foresting the park.  The site, at present, is essentially devoid of any trees.  Staff has been authorized by City Council to apply for a Community Forest Bonding Grant through the MN DNR.  There are three (3) categories within this grant cycle, one of which is to plant a more diverse and resilient community forest.  Planting for diversity projects are eligible for up to $25,000 for the purchase and installation of native trees on public lands and parks.  Only trees identified on the DNR's Native Tree List are considered eligible costs (see attachment). 

Establishing a 'mini arboretum' was included on the current work plan with the intent that it would be an educational resource to highlight trees that perform well in our sandy soils.  Species indigenous to the area have evolved over time to perform in our micro-climate, including soils.  So the use of trees from the DNR's native list will essentially accomplish this goal.  Additionally, Staff intends to install small placards near the various species of trees to help the public identify what they are.

If we are successful in with our grant proposal, the tree installation would be completed with the use of a volunteer work force.  This will not only help further reduce the cost to the City, but will also provide an opportunity to educate people on proper planting and care of trees.  Planting activities would likely occur this fall.

No action is necessary, this is for informational purposes.