Minnetonka's Ford Park is undergoing a transformation that's hard to miss. Once choked by invasive shrubs, the park's native flora is now staging a quiet resurgence. Minnetonka Forestry Technician Josh Obermeyer, the brain behind this revival, described the previous state as a vista limited to a mere 10 feet, attributing the obstructed views to the dense infestation of buckthorn. In an interview, Obermeyer shared with MinnetonkaMN.gov, "A lot of the people who came to the park said they had no idea all of these beautiful mature oak trees were here because the buckthorn was so thick."
The park, nestled at 2115 Ford Drive, isn't just about the trails and the natural scenery. It's got a picnic area and some playground equipment for the kids, but it was the trail through the forest that always seemed to be the main event. Recently, Obermeyer spearheaded a volunteer day that saw the planting of 10,000 seedlings across the park, all in an effort to reclaim the green space. The volunteers, many of whom moonlight as employees at Cargill, are keen on activities that literally connect them back to the planet. JB Sherpelz, Cargill's corporate responsibility manager, explained, "Between Earth Day and World Environment Day in June is when we really encourage groups to go out and volunteer with sustainability and earth-related activities." This remark underscores the company's commitment to environmental stewardship.
Initiated last year, the Ford Park restoration project is far from a short-term plan. Once the invasive species were removed, a mix of indigenous grass seeds took root, a pivotal step before the May planting of myriad tree and shrub seedlings. The Hennepin County Forestry proved to be a generous ally, supplying thousands of these infant trees to the cause. And while the park's transformation won't be immediate, the expectation is for a verdant future, unfolding year after year.
Obermeyer has an eye on the long game, understanding the strains that urban and suburban development put on ecosystems like these. "The urban, suburban area is really challenging on the environment," he told MinnetonkaMN.gov. With the project, they're looking to "preserve this forest so future generations can enjoy this place." It's a testament to the community's valuing of green spaces and foresight in environmental conservation – a labor of love that promises leafy dividends for years to come.
