Open house for Lake Nokomis shoreline improvements on Sept. 3

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is hosting an open house on Sept. 3 near the boat launch from 5:30-7 p.m. to update the community on the second phase of planned shoreline and habitat improvements at Lake Nokomis. These shoreline improvements expand upon work completed in 2017. In case of inclement weather, the open house will be held inside the Nokomis Community Center.

Phase 2 improvements will be constructed along the western shoreline of Lake Nokomis, improving habitat for aquatic and upland species, stabilizing erosion, removing invasive species and establishing naturalized areas for wildlife specifically softshell turtles and other turtle species present at Lake Nokomis.

The open house is intended to update the public on the status of the project. The project area is along the west side of the lake, with project goals seeking to restore native and naturalized vegetation to Lake Nokomis as well as create turtle nesting habitats, increase pollinator species and create dedicated water access points.

Project Background and Funding
In 2015 the Nokomis-Hiawatha Regional Park Plan was developed. The purpose of that plan was to provide a long-term vision for improvements to park facilities, recreation, landscape, trails, and shorelines within the regional park. The plan studied the existing conditions of the park, assessed community needs in relation to park use, and proposed specific improvement projects related to natural resources, recreation and connectivity.
Natural Resources within Nokomis-Hiawatha Regional Park include all aspects of implementing and maintaining the landscape, vegetation, habitat, and water body improvements within the park. The needs assessment process conducted as part of the 2015 Park Plan identified a vision for improving the natural setting and quality of the park.  A landscape design methodology characterized as “Naturalized Style” was the preferred option, maintaining the park primarily as a native/naturalized landscape in the form of savanna, meadow, prairie, woodland, and wetlands, with designated areas of managed turf inserted within it.  In 2017 Phase One shoreline improvements along the northern and northeastern portions of the lake converted approximately 4,000 linear feet of mowed turf to a naturalized landscape, reducing erosion, removing invasive plant species and improving water quality.

The MPRB received a Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council grant in the amount of $755,000 to continue naturalized shoreline improvements around the lake to further improve water quality and increase wildlife habitat and diversity.