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8 community was of moderate quality with low invasive species presence, shown by the Composite Invasive Species Assessment (CISA) and the low Percent Native Vegetation (%PNV). Themain canopy layer of the woodland is comprised of predominantly black walnut (Juglans nigra), northern red oak (Q. rubra), and boxelder (Acer negundo), with a shrub layer dominated by woody invasives in patches, specifically common buckthorn (Rahmnus cathartica), scattered individuals of honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.) and white mulberry (Morus alba). Other native woody vegetation includedpoplar (Populus), maple (Acer), ash (Fraxinus)and raspberry (Rubus)genera, the most common being Missouri gooseberry (Ribes missouriense) and box elder (Acer negundo). Native herbaceous vegetation was more diverse in 2025, with white snakeroot (Ageratina altissima) and spotted touch-me-not (Impatiens spp.) dominatingthe trailside ground cover and stretching into the woodland, though much of the interior was most characterized by Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia),and Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica), with scatterings of other species including Solomon’s plume (Maianthemum racemosum), Solomon’s seals (Polygonatum spp.), spiderworts (Tradescantia spp.), Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum),red baneberry (Actaea rubra), Virginia waterleaf (Hydrophyllum virginianum), rue anemone (Thalictrum thalictroides), andearly meadow-rue (Thalictrum dioicum). Non-native and invasive herbaceous species are also present in moderate densities, including burdock (Arctium spp.), smooth brome (Bromus inermis), Dame’s rocket (Hersperis matronalis), motherwort(Leonorus cardiaca), and garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata).This diversity denotesa robust seedbank that will likely continue to be expressedas invasive woody populations diminish, however there will be the potential for weedy or invasive herbaceous species to dominate without maintenance. Resource Threats and Habitat Goals Buckthorn and honeysuckle shrubs have dominated the understoryand mid-canopy layers, largely preventing diversification in the shrub and ground layers of native species. Areas of weedier natives, such as the spotted touch-me-not and raspberries, have expanded into edge areas where more light can penetrate to their growing zones.Both groups of organisms will need to be challenged for space to achievehabitat goals, or else they will recolonize after initialgrantfundedwork is completed.Additionally, the park’s ash (Fraxinus) and oak (Quercus) populations may decline due to emerald ash borer and oak wilt, providing opportunities for both invasive species recolonization and native planting or seeding. The Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS) was developed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) to “categorize urban and built-up areas in terms of land cover rather than land use” (cite). Hazelnut Park’s North Woodland (Fig. 3.2) is described as upland deciduous forest, with the south woodland being unmapped in the 2004 survey. Similarly, the Minnesota Native Plant Community (NPC) Classification proposed by the dominant species is FDs37, Southern Dry-Mesic Oak (Maple) Woodland (cite). As the invasive shrubs are removed and replaced during the initial years of restoration this dynamic will need to be monitored and guided towards native diversity such as seen in MHs38, which is predominantly composed of a mix of oaks (Quercus)and maples(Acer)in the canopy, dogwoods (Cornus) and stone fruit trees including Prunus species in the shrub layer, and sedges andwoodland-adaptedforbs inhabiting the ground layer (cite). Restoration ObjectivesOverview Further restoration efforts for Hazelnut Park shouldincludemanaging the emergingseedling invasive buckthorn and weedy herbaceous species populations while introducing additional woodland species biodiversity, both herbaceous and woody. Long term maintenance of the site will likely involve periodic