Wetlands are ecosystems that benefit the surrounding community and overall environment. They act as sponges, protecting the water quality of nearby lakes and streams by filtering out pollutants. They help reduce flooding, recharge groundwater, provide habitat for wildlife and pollinators, and offer recreational opportunities.
This restoration is a partnership between the City of White Bear Lake, the Rotary Club of White Bear Lake, and VLAWMO.
Funding for the wetland restoration project is provided by the Conservation Partners Legacy grant program from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, as well as the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council. Local cash match is provided by VLAWMO and the City of White Bear Lake.
It is estimated that Minnesota has lost half of its original wetland areas due to development, agriculture, and historic filling. Wetland restorations help improve water quality and overall conditions in these environments. This project also improves habitat quality for wildlife and pollinators.
Over decades, the 36-acre Rotary Nature Preserve experienced a decline in native plant species as water flow was modified and invasive plants became established. To remedy this, the City and the Rotary Club of White Bear Lake have partnered on a multi-year, multi-phase restoration project to restore the park with native plants. VLAWMO is a partner on the latter project phases, focusing on restoration of the 20.5 acres of wetland.
Wetland restoration steps include:
- Controlling outlier weeds within high-quality wetland areas
- Treating the perimeter of high-quality wet meadow areas
- Restoring and managing emergent marsh and wet meadow by the boardwalk
- Investigating purple loosestrife beetle rearing
- Treating reed canary grass areas adjacent to buffer restoration areas
- Setting up a series of test plots in areas dominated by invasive reed canary grass
In addition to these restoration steps, an ongoing partnership between the Rotary Club of White Bear Lake, the City of White Bear Lake, and VLAWMO allows students from Birch Lake Elementary School to experience hands-on learning at the Rotary Nature Preserve.
Visit the City of White Bear Lake's website to learn about the initial restoration phases completed by the City of White Bear Lake and the Rotary Club of White Bear Lake.
Summer through fall 2026 update: Recent restoration work has included herbicide treatment of reed canary grass and invasive cattail. Native plants have been reintroduced to areas where invasive plants were removed or treated. Further treatment of reed canary grass and invasive cattail areas will continue in fall 2026. Additional fall overseeding will be done in key areas to support the increased plant diversity that helps the wetland thrive.
This project is ongoing. Check back for more updates as work continues.
