Wetlands improve water quality, provide flood control, and offer important wildlife habitat. They also slow water down and remove pollutants.
Wilkinson Lake is a strategic location where several waterways come together: water flows into Wilkinson from 3,115 acres of land before heading into Deep and Pleasant Lakes. Surface water naturally flows south to north through the project area into Wilkinson Lake. This restoration provides an important boost for the native plant community, benefitting wildlife and water alike.
The project is located on land owned by North Oaks Farms (DBA North Oaks Company) and is also part of a Minnesota Land Trust Conservation Easement.
Grant funds (60% of project cost) are through US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 319 funds administered by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). A 40% match is shared equally between VLAWMO and the North Oaks Company (NOC).
St. Paul Regional Water Services worked with VLAWMO to fund early site sampling and investigation to inform design through a source water protection grant with the Minnesota Department of Health (2021).
This project was one of a series of efforts that working together to improve water quality and reduce excess nutrients in Wilkinson and its downstream lakes. The project site was selected because it is a key location that brings nutrients into Wilkinson Lake, which is impaired for nutrients.
This restoration provides a place for sediment and nutrients to settle out and be incorporated into natural wetland function before depositing into Wilkinson Lake. Water storage is improved compared to the former agriculture ditch.
The project was completed in 2024, with educational signage added in 2025.
