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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION DATE: 4/12/99 ITEM NO: D-1 Department Approval: Manager Reviewed: Agenda Section Consent Item Description: Application for a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Grant for Native Wildflower Restoration at HANC. BACKGROUND Fifty years ago, wildflowers were abundant and filled the woods with their beauty. Exploring for them was a favorite early spring pastime as Bloodroot, Spring Beauty, Dutchman's Breeches and hosts of others, burst forth from their woodland carpet as the snow melted. Today our woods are devoid of wildflowers and generations of children are growing up without ever experiencing the beauty and excitement spring wildflowers can bring. This project seeps to repopulate a Brooded section of the Harriet Alexander Nature Center in Roseville's Central Park with native wildflowers. The project began in 1 995 by Paul Partridge as a living memorial to his wife. A wooded area approximately 75 x 150 feet was cleared of brush and invasive plants. The soil was tested and found to be a neutral sandy loam. Leaf compost was added to increase the soils organic matter and fertility, and in the past 4 years, over 900 native woodland wildflowers and ferns have been planted. A split rail fence has been constructed along the major park trail to define the wildflower garden area, and wood chip paths run through the garden area to provide close viewing of the plants. A park bench was added for quiet contemplation, and permanent flower mariners were installed along the trails identifying plants with both common and scientific names. Project Proposal This proposal is to continue with the development of the woodland restoration project following similar procedures as defined above. The proposed improvements will double the physical size of the wildflower garden. More than 2000 wildflowers will be planted, which will triple the number of flowers in the garden and dramatically increase its visual impact. The availability of DN R funds provides a more rapid development of this proposal. Last year on Mothers Day there were eleven different types of flowers blooming in the wildflower garden. Next year we could have twice that number, and the year after that, enough blooms to cover the hillside creating a showplace of color and beauty.