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On a beautiful Saturday morning, May 18th, 2024, the community gathered at Croixwood Open Square in Stillwater, Minnesota, for the Long Lake Bird Habitat Planting Party. With temperatures in the 70s and clear skies, it was the perfect day to come together for a cause close to our hearts: enhancing our local bird habitat.
We were thrilled to see 24 dedicated volunteers who gave their time and energy to plant around 300 bird-friendly native trees and shrubs. Their hard work is instrumental in creating a thriving ecosystem that supports local bird populations. Volunteers planted species such as chokecherry, elderberry, arrowroot viburnum, and drought-resistant hackberry. These plants are not only beautiful but crucial for providing flowers for pollinators, leaves for caterpillars, and eventually fruit for birds.
To ensure the newly planted saplings thrive, volunteers also built fencing around each one. This will protect them from deer, rabbits, and other animals, giving them the best chance to grow into healthy, mature trees that support our bird populations.
Our mission is to expand and nurture the bird habitat at Long Lake. By planting native tree seedlings and removing invasive species, we are creating a haven for birds. This effort not only provides food and shelter for various bird species but also promotes overall biodiversity in our area.
This year, the tree planting party doubled as our official Arbor Day celebration, marking a significant milestone for Stillwater. We are proud to announce that Stillwater has been recognized as a Tree City USA for the first time! This prestigious designation underscores our commitment to environmental stewardship and urban forestry management.
Thank You to Our Volunteers: A heartfelt thank you goes out to each of the 24 volunteers who participated. Your dedication and hard work are the backbone of this initiative. Your efforts will have a lasting impact on our community and the environment.
We are grateful to our event partners/planners: Andrew Coyne, the City of Stillwater forester, and Allison McGinnis and Dory Herman from Bird City Stillwater (a workgroup of Sustainable Stillwater MN). Your leadership and commitment to environmental conservation made this event possible.
Tropical Wings Grant: A special thanks to Tropical Wings for funding this event through their generous grant. Your support has been crucial in making the Long Lake Bird Habitat Planting Party a reality.
We are excited about the future and the positive impact these new plantings will have on our local bird populations. We look forward to continuing our efforts in environmental conservation and hope to see even more community involvement in future events.
Together, we are making a difference. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of the Long Lake Bird Habitat Planting Party!
For more updates on our initiatives and future events, stay connected with us through our website and social media channels. Let's keep working together to protect and enhance our natural environment!