UPDATE Spring/Summer 2003 A Place for Peace Edition Volume 15, No. 2 Park Is a Place for Peace BY NEIL TREMBLEY, SECRETARY n these times of trouble, when the cacophony of events severs our serenity, and ideals and beliefs are cast aside or I torn asunder, it is meet that our heart find a place to heal and our soul a place to rest. We seek a haven. One where com- muning with nature is not only an exercise in the search for a path to follow, but a guide to find what is needed to survive. Cedar Lake Park is such a place. Among the acres of forest, prairie, and lakeshore we can find what is needed to soothe the psyche. Within this circle, life’s cycle plays out. The trees creak in a sonorous language— speaking of stability and strength. The dormant meadows awaken with the blaze of verdant grasses. Bluebirds flit above the prairie lending their voice to the song of life. And the brittle piling of ice shards upon the shore turns into the gentle lapping of waves upon the beach. Here we seek what Abraham Lincoln called “the better angels of our nature.” Here we nurture our spirit by embracing the revi- talizing force of nature. Cedar Lake Park offers diverse opportunities to find peace, escape, and Here we are at peace. renewal, all within a short distance of downtown . Photos by Meredith Montgomery (unless otherwise noted). North Mound Offers a Great, Wide View of the Lake

The mound, located near the pump on the north shore of Cedar Lake, is of uncertain origin. Help Complete On the Horizon Gifts the Trail to the River BY KEITH PRUSSING, CLPA PRESIDENT BY STEVE DURRANT, TREASURER iscussions are ongoing with Cedar Lake Park Association gratefully acknowledges recent contributions in the form of money, city, park, county, state and t has been a wonderful spring. It is a real stocks, materials, volunteer time and in-kind services, memorials and gifts. Since the last Update, Dfederal elected officials con- contributions have been received from: cerning the off-road alignment (in spring, with no lingering winter, nor early the railroad trench) of the Cedar Edward Axt Jean McBean Robert Silverman Lake Regional Trail to the Mississippi hot summer. Rains have been abundant, Lawrence Baker Gwendolyn &Preben Mosborg Bruce & Julia Taber River. This alignment would com- I Letitia Basford Steven & Cynthia Mueller Pat Thompson plete a connection between the and it is very green. The park is beautiful. There Robert & Pamela Berkwitz Gwen & Mason Myers Gael Thompson Minneapolis Chain of Lakes and the Tom Bugbee Michael Nystuen Houry Vitale are many places and opportunities to find river, a vision first conceived 100 Sharon Bunnell Bob & Mary Peplin Mark Wernick & Mary Entwistle years ago. peace. It is a joy to be in the park, and we are Kenneth & Judy Dayton Walter & Harriet Pratt Sylvia & Dennis Wilson At present, there is federal and David & Vanessa Dayton Walter & Harriet Pratt city funding for a connection that fortunate to have such a place that offers Peretz Dworsky Ed & Jan Prescott Correction: Virginia Puzak— travels on city streets for three Dale & Lorene Falk Virginia Puzak contribution in memory of so much. blocks, with crossings at three inter- Watch out for Ned Foster & Laura Tiffany Ernest Reinsmith William Holbrook, former sections. We hope to be able to uti- However, all is not good. Recently, there Arlene Fried Jean Roberts member of Minneapolis Park lize this concept as a local, north poison ivy! Art & Joan Higinbotham Wiliam & Jacqueline Rudelius Board loop spur, and obtain funding for Poison Ivy is abundant in certain areas have been assaults on the Regional Trail near Linda Huhn Patricia & David Shirley the preferred alignment. It is very of the park. It does have wildlife value. Vivian Mason Margaret & Davis Shryer clear that without private involve- And, it causes a severe, itching skin reac- downtown. Elsewhere in the park, vandalism ment, this will not happen. tion in certain susceptible individuals. has occurred. The portable toilets are gone, A working group has been The oil is transmitted by contact with the formed, composed of private citi- plant. due to budget constraints.. Graffitti appears on Thanks to Volunteers zens, public officials, and city staff. You can be exposed if your dog runs It is led by this Association. In June Fay Atchison Peter Neubeck through it and then touchs you. You can trees, and trash is scattered. It is noisy near and July, we will be offering tours of Chris Carlson Corky Peterson get it on your shoes or legs. Learn to the downtown area to public offi- the bridge construction, and dirt settles on the Dan Dailey Doris Peterson identify jewelweed, usually found nearby. cials and other citizens as we build Benjamin and Nicolas Keith Prussing Crushed and rubbed on exposed areas, it support. We continue to be hopeful lakes. Exotics such as garlic mustard proliferate. Bob Day Chuck Rhines will remedy the oil. of a successful outcome, and invite Paul Deal Tom Rice New trails are opened by bikes in sensitive your financial support. Peter Durrant Erik Roth areas. The fishing dock is gone, and milfoil Steve Durrant John Richter Ned Foster Martha Richter grows with less mowing. A train station is Linda Huhn Dorene Scriven Ruth Jones Paisley Svensson proposed. The canal wall detiorates. Grass is David Klopp D’Ann Topoluk Welcome to New Board Members mowed less often. Gregg Klopp Neil Trembley Wielding a buckthorn wrench, a volunteer Bob Lazear Carol White ed and his wife, Laura Tiffany, have Public monies are contracting, as the Laurie Lundy Brian Willette worker from Bet Shalom makes short work lived “in the park” at the North end of the invasive, non-native shrub. Mary McGee Carol White demand for amenities and services increases. Jim McPherson Lloyd White Nof the Hidden Beach block of Many groups and facilities and programs are Meredith Montgomery Upton Avenue since 1987. Ned jogs or walks competing for limited funds. It will get worse his dog in the park virtually every day and has Visit Our Website: www.cedarlakepark.org watched the park evolve over the years. He before it gets better. On June 17, we will be unveiling the new, decided it was time to serve on the board to Now, more than ever, it is vital that people improved version of the CLPA website, help provide the perspective of the residents contribute to those things that are important www.cedarlakepark.org. This resource is the that live closest to the park. to the quality of life in our community. Cedar repository of all that we do. The site contains He is a strong supporter of buckthorn Lake Park is such a place, and the park exists maps, photos, newsletters, the concept master removal, and not just because it improves his plan, news and events, links to other resources, view of the lake! Ned worked for the due to the committed actions of many people New board member Ned Foster. New board member Linda Huhn. and ways to participate and contribute. It is the Minneapolis Community Development Agency over several years. There continues to be much story of the park and trail since 1850, and is for eight years before becoming a commercial Linda Huhn is a freelance event/nature pho- she is an avid gardener, lifelong environmental- to do. Please contribute financially, or volun- used extensively. The new edition will be easier mortgage banker in 1989, and now works for tographer who did some photography for ist, and currently on the Native teer your time. to navigate, and have many more features. Towle Financial Services, a division of Wells CLPA back in its early days. A 25+ year resi- Plant Society Board. Check it out. Fargo Bank. dent homeowner in the Wedge neighborhood,

2•Cedar Lake Park Update • Spring/Summer 2003 Cedar Lake Park Update • Spring/Summer 2003 • 3 PROJECTS IN THE PARK Peaceful Places Around Cedar Lake Park and Trail

BY KEITH PRUSSING will be a major biking extravaganza this sum- mer, as part of the Mayor’s efforts to promote 17 1 3 5 Buckthorn removal has taken place in silent sport, and have a major event occurring the park in several areas. A group of volunteers in each season. from Benilde-St. Margaret, assisted by Park The consultants studying the future Board staff and neighbors, worked on a fine transportation possibilities in the spring morning at Hidden Beach. Native plants Southwest Corridor have been presenting were also installed. Also, men, women and an ongoing series of neighborhood meetings. children from Bet Shalom congregation offered The Coalition board has mitzvah (loving service) in the Western gone on record as favoring streetcar/trolley Extension at the pedestrian bridge near the access only through the Greenway, with light Jewish Community Center. Buckthorn was 4 6 rail or diesel hybrid buses (on rails) for the 16 2 pulled using weed wrenches, and trash was potential routes such as Southwest, Nicollet gathered.. Finally, Hennepin County crews are Ave, or Lyndale Ave. into downtown continuing their labors, with cutting in the Minneapolis. There is the possibility of a sta- area of W. 21st Street as well as in the tion near the junction of the Cedar Lake and Kenilworth Canal between Cedar and Isles. Kenilworth trails, in close proximity to Penn Facing severe budget cutbacks, MPRB Ave. and I-394. This would necessitate a has been extensively visiting with the commu- bridge over the railroad. 1 7 nity in various formats to determine the 15 nie e 5 priorities of park users. Initially, wading Brow Lak 3 MPRB’s budget process 4 pools, chemical toilets, and fountains 2 6 were targeted for cuts. Due to intense does point out, however, the need N 16 public outcry, these cuts have been for potential private funding for 17 modified. This process does point out, 7 things that people value… 15 however, the need for potential private funding for things that people value, 14 Cedar 8 Lake 8 such as the Berger fountain in Loring Park, 14 Animal Control officers have stepped up which will be turned back on; or biffs, which 12 12 enforcement of off-leash dog laws in 9 cost approximately $3000/season to operate. It 13 Lake Cedar Lake Park in response to increased com- takes about $2000 to operate a wading pool. 10 of the plaints. In addition, as it is against state law for Isles Cutting of milfoil from the lakes will be cur- 11 dogs to be off-leash during waterfowl nesting tailed. Finally, a key consideration is how to Key to locations season (now), the state DNR has also become capture revenue from the millions of non- 1 involved. Wildlife seen in the park includes 2 Kayak near Brownie tunnel resident users in light of the sharp reductions 3 Prairie edge path turkey, pheasant, fox, raccoon, badger, mink, 11 10 9 in Regional Park funding by the state through 4 Sunset bench and all sorts of waterfowl and other birds. City 5 Prairie and the city the Metropolitan Council. and park police are also more evident as sum- 13 6 Cedar Grove 7 Woodland path Recently there was a multi-faceted recep- mer approaches, especially in the Hidden Beach 8 Linda’s spiral tion to thank everyone, including CLPA, who area. Exotic plants continue to be a problem in 9 Canoe in Isles/Cedar canal helped make the inaugural Minneapolis 10 South Beach the park. MPRB is inviting participation in a 11 St. David’s Society daffodils Loppet a great success. It was the third phenology (when things happen) study. For 12 Picnic lawn largest event of its kind in the country this 13 Cedar Meadows instance, by associating garlic mustard (a pest) 14 Fishing year, all on three inches of snow. We look for- emergence with violet blooming, or buckthorn 15 Dock at Cedar Point ward to next year’s event. In addition, there continued on page 6 16 Western Extension, looking east 17 Western Extension, looking west 4 • Cedar Lake Park Update • Spring/Summer 2003 Cedar Lake Park Update • Spring/Summer 2003 • 5 PROJECTS IN THE PARK Work Begins on CLP Bridge onstruction began on the long-awaited Continued from page 4 Cedar Lake Parkway bridge in April, 2003. Originally scheduled to start in leafout with lilacs, they hope to be better able C March, final contract negotiations pushed back to target treatment to the most effective times. the start date. According to Minneapolis Bridge This is necessary as the seasons have become Division crew chief Meseret Wolana, the con- more unpredictable as compared to the tractor will revised its construction schedule to ensure that the bridge will be completed with- historical record. in the 2003 calendar year, as promised. The annual meeting of the Association Officials have said that the section of the Cedar Lake Regional Trail underneath the bridge was held in late January at the Jones-Harrison will need to be closed from time to time; how- nursing home. New board members were ever, they indicated it would be a high priority elected, presentations were made concerning to keep this highly-used corridor open as much our activities of the past year as well as plans as possible. Presently, bridge traffic is confined to one lane with stoplights, and Cedar Lake for the future. The food was wonderful, the Road is now dirt for several hundred feet. attendees enthusiastic, and a good time was Vegetation, including large trees, has been had by all. In April, the board met for its removed on both sides of the bridge. Citizens annual planning retreat. Decisions made are monitoring the construction daily to ensure Construction equipment deployed in the trail corridor will be used to replace the decades- water quality is protected. For updates, or to included completing the memorial Cedar Grove old bridge, which is in the background. Walkers (inset photo) go beneath the bridge. Bet Shalom volunteers remove buckthorn in the Western Extension near the pedestrian voice any concerns, contact CLPA. this year; funding buckthorn removal in the bridge by the Jewish Community Center. area of the mound, pump and bench; planting native flora in several areas of the park, and ronmental resource students how to preserve still open. Thanks to all of you who have con- studying and making recommendations con- and restore land in an urban setting. CLPA tributed so far, and we welcome additional WILDLIFE NEWS cerning access to the park and lakeshore in the guided a recent tour of the park for these stu- ideas. At least four jurisdictions are involved, Hidden Beach area. dents. They enjoyed the park immensely. which complicates things. What is simple, Spring in the Wildlife World Finally, we are participating in the Embrace though, is the enjoyment of this series of trails. Outreach activities continue throughout Open Spaces program coordinated by the This map is available on our website, or on the BY MARY MCGEE sparrows, thrushes, the park. The annual spring bird-watching McKnight Foundation, designed to encourage Hennepin County bike map. kinglets, and myrtle (yellow-rumped) event took place in mid-May. The annual fter the ice went out of Cedar Lake neighbors to look out for the open space in warblers. The Bluebird Recovery Program Earth Day watershed cleanup occurred in A potpourri of items happening…private on April 3 and the woodland paths their local area, so that they may be proactive In the sky, hawks and over the lake, gulls welcomes two new volunteers, Kurt and April, and National Trails Day is June 7. donors for a Theodore Wirth statue and were clear of snow, summer resi- in preserving it in the face of ongoing A and of course, always the crows. All of this Barbara Klussendorf, who are helping monitor We are compiling a birding database through interior renovations at the Chalet in Wirth dents began to return to join the local winter development. activity will peak in May around the time Peter the nest boxes along the and an ongoing series of bird counts. A mid-sum- Park…wall stabilization in the Kenilworth birds. First came the Canada geese and then Neubeck leads the annual spring bird at Target and Brownie Lake. mer prairie wildflower walk will be held, At present there is only informal dirt trail Canal, postponed from last year…monthly pairs of mallards and wood ducks fol- walk in Cedar Lake Park. as well as walks in the woods. CLPA is working access to the CLRT between Ewing Ave. parkway closings at select locations… lowed by herons, egrets, robins, redwing Meanwhile, the raccoons and with MPRB to map all of the native plant loca- and Highway 100 in the Western Extension new housing on the high Kenwood bluffs blackbirds, swallows, bluebirds and chipmunks have reappeared to tions in and around Cedar Lake Park as part of section of the park. Owned by MPRB and overlooking the park…extensive buckthorn phoebes. join the red and gray squirrels. the development of a systemwide data base located in St. Louis Park, this area is a well- removal and trail chipping at Spring Lake… They joined the chorus of cardinals, The foxes, who were very visible that will allow for a durable record for planning, used recreation area for neighborhoods such as MPCA grant to Friends of Birch Pond downy and hairy woodpeckers, chick- cruising around in winter, now are seldom restoration, preservation, and publication pur- Lake Forest and south Tyrol Hills, the Jewish Watershed to determine site pollution adees and nuthatches who were singing, seen, while the young kits are in their dens. poses. In looking at this record of activity in Community Center, as well as trail uses pass- and partnership with Minneapolis Public mating and building nests. Next, the earliest of Muskrats, too, are raising young, and the the park, it is truly amazing how much has ing through. St. Louis Park is actively pursuing Schools to establish an environmental learning the spring migrants arrived on their way carp are spawning along the lakeshore. been done in the past eight years. Coupled a process, initiated by the neighbors, to devel- laboratory in their efforts to save Anwatin north—assorted waterfowl, fox and Everywhere there is much to be seen. with the native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers op access in this area. Meetings are ongoing, Woods…bicyclists continue to establish new white-throated Look down and spot the emerging that were already present, the vision of a and there are concerns about utility trails throughout the park…water quality in woodland wildflowers and the green nature park at Cedar Lake is well on its way to easements, neighborhood security, and fund- Brownie and Cedar are challenged by the sprouts under last year’s prairie grasses. becoming a reality. We continue to work with ing. CLPA continues to participate. bridge demolition, and neighborhood activists What better place to be these days than in the Minnesota Native Plant Society. The park are watching…water levels are more normal, The contest to name the newly available the woods and along the shore and on the and trail has been a major case study for a U of and the fishing is excellent. 12.5-mile loop (see Winter 2003 Update) is paths and trails of Cedar Lake Park. M urban wildlands class teaching future envi- 6•Cedar Lake Park Update • Spring/Summer 2003 Cedar Lake Park Update • Spring/Summer 2003 • 7 NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID INSIDE 2000 Aldrich Avenue South PERMIT #2543 Gifts, Website ...... 2 MPLS., MN 55401 Minneapolis, MN 55405 New Board Members . . . . .3 (612) 377-9522 Projects in the Park ...... 4 www.cedarlakepark.org Peace Places in the Park .4–5 Bridge Work Begins ...... 7 Wildlife News ...... 7 Calendar, Mission ...... 8

Cedar Lake Park Update is published seasonally by the Cedar Lake Park Association (CLPA). Since 1989, CLPA has worked with individuals, neighborhoods, corporations, foundations, churches and schools, as well as with state, regional and federal agencies. We have successful partnerships with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and other city, county, regional, state and federal agencies. Editor: Jim McPherson Layout: Triangle Park Creative © 2003 Cedar Lake Park Association (612) 377-9522 [email protected] CLPA Update, Spring/Summer 2003 www.cedarlakepark.org If you ‘re seeing this CLPA Update for the first time, contact us if you want to be added to our mailing list. Printed on recycled paper made of 50% recycled/10% post-consumer waste.

CALENDAR

CLPA Steering Committee Second Monday of each month, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Kenwood Recreation Center. You’re invited to participate. National Trails Day June 7 Summer Solstice June 21 Parade of Bikes July 4, 12:30 p.m. Benefiting Habitat for Humanity. Ride from 5th Avenue on the Midtown Greenway, out to St. Louis Park and back on the Cedar Lake Trail. www.paradeofbikes.org Prairie Wildflower Walk Cedar Lake Park Association Mission July—TBA Stroll and Roll 1. Create and nurture a park at Cedar Lake with a thriving September 13 nature preserve and connecting trails and greenways. Prairie Planting 2. Provide opportunities for people to learn to live in communi- September—TBA ty with nature and one another. Trail Chipping, Buckthorn Removal and Spring Plantings 3. Continue to foster citizen leadership and private involve- Call for dates ment in the development and management of the park and trails. Your support is important— All donations are tax-deductible.* 4. Support similar efforts throughout the metro area and beyond. * To the extent allowed by law.