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Bird City Stillwater MN (a workgroup of Sustainable Stillwater MN) is thrilled to announce the Mulberry Ravine Bird Station, a unique urban initiative dedicated to creating bird-friendly spaces and fostering a deeper connection with nature. This project reflects our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship by empowering the community to take small but meaningful actions that support local ecosystems.
What Is the Mulberry Ravine Bird Station?
Located on the North Hill of Stillwater, near the Mulberry Ravine, this innovative 5,000-square-foot birding station serves as:
A Demonstration Garden: Showcasing native plants and bird-friendly landscaping to inspire local residents.
An Educational Hub: Hosting programs and offering resources about gardening, birding, and pollinator habitats.
A Community Resource: Providing opportunities for bird hikes, citizen science projects, and volunteer engagement.
Why It Matters
Our environment faces mounting challenges, from climate change to habitat loss. The Mulberry Ravine Bird Station will empower individuals to act by creating bird and pollinator sanctuaries in their own backyards. Even modest changes can significantly impact local biodiversity and the survival of vital species.
Grant Support
We’re proud to share that this project has been kickstarted by a generous $2,000 grant from the Saint Paul Bird Alliance, whose mission aligns with ours in engaging communities to protect birds and their habitats. This funding has enabled the initial groundwork, including the removal of invasive species and site preparation, with planting scheduled for Spring 2025.
Features of the Bird Station
Native Plants: A carefully designed mix of perennials, shrubs, and trees will attract and support various bird species.
Bird Monitoring Technology: A Haikubox, developed by Cornell University, records bird calls 24/7, providing valuable data on bird traffic and species diversity.
Community Activities: From youth programs and bird counts to meditative “bird sits” and native plant workshops, the station will offer something for everyone.
Inclusivity: Efforts to engage seniors, BIPOC, and Birdability participants ensure that all community members feel welcome.
A Collaborative Effort
This project wouldn’t be possible without the generosity and expertise of our partners and supporters:
The Gorski Family: Donated the use of the lot.
Washington County Watershed District: Designed the native plant garden.
John Wheatley: Contributed Haikubox technology and expertise.
Julie Balfanze and the Synergy Club: Helping analyze the information from Haikubox.
Our Dedicated Team: Led by Allison Haag McGinnis, along with passionate volunteers and educators.
How You Can Help
We’re looking for local native plant professionals to contribute their expertise and join this effort. If you’re interested, please reach out to Allison McGinnis (Allison@sustainablestillwatermn.org) or Wendy Gorski (612-244-1560).
What’s Next?
The groundwork is already underway, with invasive species removed and preparations for planting in Spring 2025. This station will soon become a vibrant space where the community can gather, learn, and make a tangible difference for birds and pollinators.
Together, let’s create a legacy of sustainability and biodiversity that future generations can enjoy. Keep an eye out for updates on this exciting project!
Contact Information
For more details, reach out to:
Allison Haag McGinnis | Lead Coordinator, Bird City Stillwater MN | (651) 206-6207
Wendy Gorski | Sustainable Stillwater MN Board Member | (612) 244-1560
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