SITE NAME: Chain of Lakes/Theodore Witrth Park IBA LAST UPDATE: March 31, 2011

MINNESOTA IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS Nomination Form

Partial funding for this nomination was provided through the State Wildlife Grants program grant T-23-T-1 in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program.

SITE INFORMATION

MINNEAPOLIS CHAIN OF LAKES/ PARK County: Hennepin Townships: T29N R24W sections 20, 29, 32, 33; T28N R24W sections 4, 5, 8, 9, 16, 17 Approximate Size: 2,893 a Accuracy of Acreage: good Central Coordinates: Latitude: 44 56 30 Longitude: 93 18 45 Elevation (max – min): 854 – 847’ (258 – 260 m) BCR Name/Number: Prairie Hardwood Transition/23 ECS Name (to subsection) BIOTICS Fill in: Eastern Broadleaf Forest Province 222, Minnesota and NE Iowa Morainal 222M, Big Woods 222Mb WBDB IBA Code: MNUS021 BIOTICS ID:

SITE DESCRIPTION

The Minneapolis Chain of Lakes/Theodore Wirth Park IBA includes the five lakes which comprise the Minneapolis' Chain of Lakes; (173 acres), (118 a), Lake Calhoun (422 a), (343 a) and , the Thomas Robert’s Bird Sanctuary and Lakeview Cemetery, along with Theodore Wirth Park including the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sancturary, the Quaking Bog, Birch Pond, Wirth Lake, the Basset’s Creek pools and the JD Rivers’ Children’s Garden. The area is approximately 1-3 miles west and southwest of downtown Minneapolis, most of the land is owned and managed by the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board and surrounded primarily by residential neighborhoods.

The northern portion of the IBA consists of several different ecosystems, much of which is forested, although historically a large percentage of this land was covered with oak savannas that have now filled in with native and non-native woody species, turning them into low quality forests with remnant open grown oaks forming part of the canopy layer. The 5-acre Quaking Bog is significant in that it is the only remaining bog of its kind in Minneapolis. A 15-acre tract found in the heart of this area is preserved as the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird 1 SITE NAME: Minneapolis Chain of Lakes/Theodore Witrth Park IBA LAST UPDATE: March 31, 2011

Sanctuary. Within the Sanctuary woodland, shrub swamp and restored oak savanna habitats are found. Two open water bodies are located in the area are Wirth Lake and Birch Pond, and the area is also characterized by numerous active springs, ephemeral pools and streams. The JD Rivers Children’s Garden and 18 hole and Par 3 golf course are located in this area as well.

The southern portion consists of the Chain of Lakes, each of the lakes is surrounded by city park land, most of which is planted with grass and scattered trees and maintained primarily for aesthetics and recreation (walking/jogging, biking, swimming, boating and fishing). Some native vegetation has been planted around the lakes to stabilize shorelines and minimize erosion. Cedar Lake Park, which encompasses 115.08a, contains a natural area of upland deciduous woodland on the northeast side of the lake. A wetland detention pond on the southwest side filters stormwater and snowmelt to enhance water quality in the lake. Lake of the Isles and Lake Calhoun parkland, 90.22 and 96.81 acres respectively, have very little native vegetation except along the shorelines; an exception are the two islands in Lake of the Isles where deciduous woodlands persist. Detention ponds have been constructed on the southwest side of Lake Calhoun and the south side of Isles which function as wetlands to filter water entering the lakes. Kenwood Park (32.94a), which is situated at the north end of Lake of the Isles, contains an upland native prairie located at the north end of the park. Lake Harriet is surrounded by 126.32a of parkland which includes on the north side of the lake where the Thomas Robert's Bird Sanctuary is located. The sanctuary is a small complex of open water, wetland, bog and native deciduous woods that is a very popular birding spot for city residents, particularly during spring and fall migration. Adjacent to the north boundary of the Robert's Sanctuary is which provides an open savanna-like habitat for birds. The cemetery may also act as an avian corridor between Lake Calhoun and Lake Harriet. The combined acreage of the parks around the lakes is 461.37. Three of the lakes, Cedar, Isles and Calhoun, are connected by lagoons. A pipeline and channel connect Lake Calhoun with Lake Harriet. The combined water acreage of the four lakes is 1056.

Two-lane boulevards surround the parkland around the lakes with the exception of the north side of Cedar Lake where the native woodland is located. A six lane city street, Lake St., runs on the north side of Lake Calhoun.

2 SITE NAME: Minneapolis Chain of Lakes/Theodore Witrth Park IBA LAST UPDATE: March 31, 2011

Minneapolis Chain of Lakes IBA

Map Source: Audubon Minnesota, Shapefile Status: Complete

3 SITE NAME: Minneapolis Chain of Lakes/Theodore Witrth Park IBA LAST UPDATE: March 31, 2011

4 SITE NAME: Minneapolis Chain of Lakes/Theodore Witrth Park IBA LAST UPDATE: March 31, 2011

SITE JUSTIFICATION

BIOTICS Field Name: Site Significance/Other Values; Comments

The primary importance of the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes IBA is its location in the heart of Minneapolis, the largest city in the state. Its significant acreage of water attracts visitors, primarily in the summer, but year–round and also provides migratory habitat for waterfowl and waterbirds within a highly developed urban landscape. The Metropolitan Council estimates that 1,252,000 visitor hours were spent in Theodore Wirth Park during 2004. Naturalists provide interpretive programs on habitat and birds. Currently, more than 60,000 people from all over the world visit the Garden annually. Free public tours and environmental education programs are offered every week at the Garden and in select areas in Theodore Wirth Park led by Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Naturalists. Garden Naturalists, along with volunteers, staff the Martha Crone Visitor’s Shelter within the Garden 7 days a week during the Garden season.

A total of 267 species of birds have been recorded within the IBA, including 72 species of Conservation Concern (Appendix 1). This reflects both its importace as an oasis of bird habitat in the larger urban area as well as its popularity with Metro birders. From 1977-2005, Steve Carlson collected data on species utilizing the four lakes and adjacent lands. His data breaks down the birds seen by location as follows: Cedar Lake: 209 species, Lake of the Isles: 158 species, Lake Calhoun: 190 species, Lake Harriet: 112 species, Robert's Sanctuary: 197 species, Lakewood Cemetery: 173 species

The native woodland on the north side of Cedar Lake, Robert's Bird Sanctuary and Lyndale Park near Lake Harriet, Lakewood Cemetery and the two islands in Lake of the Isles provide terrestrial habitat for migrating songbirds and breeding habitat for hawks, woodpeckers and the native songbirds found in Minneapolis' urban environment. The habitat along has resulted in eighteen years of continuous bluebird production; thirteen young fledged in 2005. Piliated Woodpeckers and Eastern Kingbirds with young are observed every year in the neighborhoods near Lake of the Isles. The three wetland detention ponds constructed adjacent to Calhoun, Isles and Cedar have been revegetated primarily with native plants, thus creating wetland environments.

Three of the lakes, Calhoun, Harriet and Cedar are deep water, glacial kettle lakes that historically supported large numbers of both migratory and breeding waterfowl, waterbirds and shorebirds, while Lake of the Isles was a wetland complex. Today, the four lakes are mesotrophic, with Calhoun approaching oligotrophic, and many species continue to utilize the lakes as stopovers during spring and fall migration. Although canoeing, sailing, swimming and fishing are allowed on the lakes, these activities appear to be minimal during the migration periods.

A black-crowned night heron waterbird colony occurred on the south island in Lake of the Isles from 1981 through 1990. Four green heron nests, 7 great egret nests and 146 black-crowned night heron nests, all in green ash trees, were found in 1981. A high count of 170 total nests was made in 1986. During several of those years, yellow-crowned night herons were observed in the area by both Steve Carlson and myself. The colony was abandoned in 1991. Although 5 SITE NAME: Minneapolis Chain of Lakes/Theodore Witrth Park IBA LAST UPDATE: March 31, 2011

waterbird colonies have occassionally become active again after abandonment, it is unknown whether this will happen in such a highly developed urban setting.

IBA SITE CRITERIA

BIOTICS Field Name: IBA/Criteria Fields

MN-1. Significant concentrations of breeding, migrating or wintering: (a) waterfowl (b) shorebirds (c) waterbirds (d) migratory raptors or cranes X (e) species diversity (f) significant numbers MN-2a. Endangered, threatened or species of special concern MN-2b. Species of conservation concern MN-3. Rare, threatened, or unique habitat assemblages X MN-4. Long-term research, monitoring or urban value

6 SITE NAME: Minneapolis Chain of Lakes/Theodore Witrth Park IBA LAST UPDATE: March 31, 2011

SPECIES OF IMPORTANCE

BIOTICS Field Name: Element Site/Element Name and Presence Reference

CRITERIA SPECIES SEASON MAX. NUMBERS YEAR(S) ACCURACY2 REFERENCES3 1 (Specify daily or seasonal) MN-4 Loon SM, FM small numbers 1973- R 1, 2, 3, 4 seasonal 2005 MN-4 Horned grebe SM, FM 100-200 1977- G 1, 2 seasonal 2005 MN-4 Red-necked SM, FM small numbers 1977- R 1, 2 grebe seasonal 2005 MN-4 Western grebe SM, FM small numbers 1977- R 1, 2 seasonal 2005 MN-4 Eared grebe SM, FM very small 1977- R 1, 2 numbers 2005 seasonal MN-4 Forster's tern SM, FM common 1977- R 1 seasonal 2005 MN-4 Common tern SM, FM rare 1977- R 1 seasonal 2005 MN-4 Franklin's gull FM several 1977- R 1, 2 hundred 2005 seasonal MN-4 Tundra swan SM, FM no numbers 1977- R 1, 2 available 2005 seasonal

1Season (on which quantitative data are based): B=Breeding, W=Winter, SM=Spring Migration, FM=Fall Migration. 2Accuracy: R=Rough Estimate, G=Good Estimate, A= Accurate Count or Estimate 3Cite references by number listed below. REFERENCES

BIOTICS Field Name: Documentation/References Give citation in following format: year, author, source, page number(s)

1 Steve Carlson, 3904 Xenwood Ave. So., St. Louis Park, MN 55416 2 Paul Budde, 4612 Colfax Ave. So., Mpls., MN 55419 3 Chet Myers, 2000 W. 21st St., Mpls., MN 55405 4 Mary Miller, 2324 Oliver Av. So., Mpls., MN 55405

7 SITE NAME: Minneapolis Chain of Lakes/Theodore Witrth Park IBA LAST UPDATE: March 31, 2011

HABITAT AND LAND USE

Major Habitat Types: Major Land Uses: NOT a BIOTICS field BIOTICS Field Name: Management/Land Use Comments 18 Upland Deciduous Forest (e.g. Maple- Agriculture basswood, oak, aspen, birch, northern hardwoods) 2 Lowland Deciduous Forest (includes Fisheries/Aquaculture floodplain forest, ash swamp) 2 Upland Mixed Deciduous/Conifer Forest X Forestry Lowland Mixed Deciduous/Conifer Forest Hunting/Fishing Upland Coniferous Forest Military 2 Lowland Coniferous Forest (includes X Nature Conservation/Research tamarack, black spruce, and white cedar swamps) 1 Open bog/poor fen X Tourism/Recreation Rich fen (narrow-leaved sedges) X Urban/Industrial/Transport 2 Shrub Swamp X Water management Lowland (wet) Native Prairie Livestock Wet Meadows (broad-leaved sedges) Mining 3 Marsh (cattail/mixed emergent) Upland Native Prairie (includes dry, Land Ownership/Management: check all that apply mesic, and brush prairie) 6 Upland Savanna (includes jack pine State savanna, oak savanna, and aspen openings) 8 Grassland (non-native, planted) Federal Agriculture 100% Municipal Cliff/Talus County River/Stream (includes river shore) Private 57 Lake (includes lake shore) Non-profit Sewage Pond Other (explain)

RE

8 SITE NAME: Minneapolis Chain of Lakes/Theodore Witrth Park IBA LAST UPDATE: March 31, 2011

CONSERVATION AND THREATS

Not a BIOTICS Field

THREAT THREAT Abandonment/ reduction of land H Invasive or non-native plants management Agricultural intensification/ expansion M Natural pests/disease Aquaculture/ fisheries (overfishing) Overgrazing Cellular/Wind Towers/Power Lines Predators Construction/ impact of dike/ dam H Pesticides Deforestation M Recreation/ tourism M Disturbance to birds Selective logging/ cutting Drainage H Succession Extraction industry Unsustainable exploitation M Groundwater abstraction M Wetland loss H Industrialization/ urbanization Other M Introduced animals or feral pets Unknown

Threats Comments

BIOTICS Field Name: Additional Topics/Additional Topics; enter keyword “THREAT COMMENTS”

Disturbance to birds

Birds that utilize shorelines and shallow water are often subjected to high levels of disturbance from humans and domestic animals, particularly dogs. Walking/jogging paths are often situated close to the water and although swimming is not allowed except at designated public beaches, people and dogs often walk along the water's edge where dogs are sometimes allowed to swim off leash, though this is in violation of a city leash ordinance. Lake Calhoun, in particular, was an important stopover for shorebirds during migration. Both species diversity and abundance have been drastically reduced at this historically important site. Waterfowl and waterbirds that utilize deeper water have not been subject to such high levels of disturbance.

Recently installed shoreline plantings are providing a buffer for birds feeding in shallow water.

Industrialization/urbanization

Urbanization has drastically altered the original landscape of the Chain of Lakes. With the exception of Lake Harriet, all the lakes were extensively dredged around the turn of the last century and the wetlands around them filled. In addition, with the exception of Cedar Lake Park's natural woodland, Robert's Bird Sanctuary, the two islands in Lake of the Isles and the prairie at the north end of Kenwood Park, the original terrestrial vegetation of the area has

9 SITE NAME: Minneapolis Chain of Lakes/Theodore Witrth Park IBA LAST UPDATE: March 31, 2011 been replaced by non-native grasses and, to a large extent, ornamental trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants.

Urbanization contributes to a reduction of water quality as higher levels of stormwater and snowmelt enter the lakes from lawns, impervious surfaces and parkland turf, carrying with it not only higher levels of water and silt than had previously entered the lakes, but also accelerated levels of pollutants, particularly phosphorus and organic material. Construction and connection of storm sewers (1910-1940) that emptied into the lakes caused the first signs of accelerated eutrophication during the 1920's. Shoreline erosion has also contributed to a reduction of water quality where turf was planted along the shores with no soil-binding buffer of trees, shrubs or water tolerant herbaceous plants.

The Minneapolis Park Board has been in the process of very actively addressing these problems, particularly since the Clean Water Partnership project determined in 1991 that phosphorus input to the Chain of Lakes should be reduced to increase water quality. Recent restoration techniques, or best management practices (BMPs), include improved stormwater treatment (construction of wetland detention ponds and installation of grit chambers at storm water outfalls), in-lake deltas, sub-surface flow wetlands, public education and increased street sweeping. Aluminum sulfate (alum) treatment was done once at each of the lakes in the late 1990's and early 2000's to limit algal uptake of phosphorus and thereby limit growth and accumulation in shallower areas. All the lakes have shown a marked increase in water quality since BMPs have been implemented. Current data analysis confirms that the BMP techniques are having a positive effect, and water quality in Lakes Calhoun and Harriet are at or even slightly better than historical, pre-impact conditions. Cedar Lake's water quality has steadily improved since a multitude of restoration projects were begun in 1994 and has remained stable the last five years, with moderately clear water and some algae. Testing and data analysis is done on a yearly basis in all the lakes to ensure a continuing level of high water quality.

More recently, the Lake of the Isles Renovation Plan was developed to combat the deterioration of the shoreline and water quality. It is an on-going project emphasising shoreline stabilization, wetland enhancement and restoration, path reconstruction, upland plant restoration and the raising of passive recreation areas.

Invasive or non-native plants

Eurasian watermilfoil has spread rapidly in all four lakes, crowding out the native aquatic vegetation. Fish do not appear to be adversely affected by the milfoil and it is unclear if it impacts birds utilizing the lakes. It is particularly abundant in shallow water, thus impacting Lake of the Isles to a higher degree than the three, deeper lakes. In addition, purple loosestrife has been invasive along shorelines, replacing native species. In wooded and savanna areas, buckthorn is invasive and continues to be a problem.

Several years ago, a joint project between MPRB and the University of Minnesota using a biolgical control method for the milfoil proved unsuccessful. A native weevil that consumed milfoil was introduced into three of the lakes. Unfortunaely, the weevil appeared unable to withstand the high level of predation by abundant sunfish that occur naturally in the lakes and the project was abandoned. Studies to find a biological control are continuing.

10 SITE NAME: Minneapolis Chain of Lakes/Theodore Witrth Park IBA LAST UPDATE: March 31, 2011

The current plan to control Eurasian watermilfoil does not include eradication which would necessitate, at the present level of knowledge, killing everything in the lakes. The DNR issues permits for harvesting the top 2 meters of the plant in areas where it impedes recreation such as swimming and boat launching and in shallow areas where dense growth occurs. This limited harvest has been adopted in order to protect fish habitat. Following are the acreages allowed for harvest in each of the lakes:

Calhoun 50 acres; 12% of the lake Harriet 50 acres; 14% of the lake Cedar 30 acres; 18% of the lake Isles 48.5 acres; 47% of the lake

The higher percentage allowed in Lake of the Isles reflects the higher abundance of the plant due to the shallow character of the lake.

Purple loostrife control has been more successful. In collaboration with the DNR, MPRB releases leaf-feeding beetles which have significantly reduced loosestrife populations around the lakes. Where necessary, spot application of herbicides has been employed; plants are sprayed individually rather than using a broadcast approach.

Although native plants have been significantly impacted by invasive species, MPRB is attempting to reintroduce natives in several of the restoration project areas. Successful reintroductions have occurred at Kenilworth Lagoon, the Lake Harriet in-lake delta and sub- surface flow wetland, the three wetland detention ponds near Lakes Calhoun, Cedar and Isles, and along the shoreline restoration projects at Lake of the Isles and Lake Harriet. Recent projects to control non-native species and restore natives include the following:

 Buckthorn removal projects at Lake Harriet, Lake Calhoun, Cedar Lake, Robert's Bird Sanctuary and Brownie Lake;  Oak savanna planting on the east shore of Lake Calhoun;  Native tree and shrub plantings at Robert's Bird Sanctuary;  Fern and shrub planting at Cedar Lake;

Environmental Operations staff and volunteer groups provide labor for these projects.

The threats to this site are, in general, related to the management of the park on an ecosystem level. Invasive species pose the greatest threat to the site, in particular common (Rhamnus cathartica) and glossy buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula), exotic shrub honeysuckles (Lonicera tartarica, L. morrowii) and garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata).

A complete list of exotic species found at Theodore Wirth Park, listed in order of priority of eradication follows:

11 SITE NAME: Minneapolis Chain of Lakes/Theodore Witrth Park IBA LAST UPDATE: March 31, 2011

Rhamnus spp. Buckthorn species Alliaria officinalis Garlic Mustard Lonicera spp. Honeysuckle species Phalaris arundinacea Reed Canary Grass Lythrum salicaria Purple Loosestrife Typha spp. Cattail species Melilotus spp. Sweet Clovers Bromus inermis Hungarian Brome Euphorbia esula Leafy Spurge Lotus corniculatus Bird's Foot Trefoil Rhus glabra Smooth Sumac Coronilla varia Crown Vetch Cirsium arvense Canada Thistle Poa pratensis Kentucky Bluegrass Myosotis scorpiode Water Forget-Me-Not Convolvulus sepium Bindweed Ulmus pumila Siberian Elm Glechoma hederacea Creeping Charlie Silene vulgaris Bladder Campion Morus alba White Mulberry Robinia pseudoacacia Black Locust Arctium minus Common Burdock Rumex crispus Curly Dock Convallaria majalis Lily-of-the Valley Daucus carota Queen Anne's Lace

Pesticides/Herbicides/Fertilizers

Water entering the lakes from snowmelt in the spring and during rainstorms carry high levels of chemicals, particularly fertilizers from lawns. This not only adds chemicals not found at these levels in natural lakes, it also encourages the growth of Eurasion watermilfoil. In addition, high levels of phosphorus stimulate the growth of algae, thus accelerating the process of eutrophication.

Requiring lower phosphorus fertilizers within the city, educating the public, constructing the three wetland detention ponds and implementing an alum treatment in each of the lakes are BMPs used to reduce chemicals entering the system and mitigate the effects of those that do. In 2001, the City of Minneapolis passed a no phosphorus fertilizer ordinance that prohibits the use of phosphorous fertilizers on turf. MPRB does not use fertilizers on park land and has a policy that chemicals will be used within the parks only as a last resort.

The Minnehaha Watershed District is resposible for dredging the three wetland detention ponds. Since their construction, they have been dredged once. The dredge material was tested and found to consist primarily of sand and silt with high levels of phosphorus. As phosphorus encourages the growth of algae which, at high densities, destroys aquatic plants and fish, it is unclear if the ponds provide proper feeding habitat for wading birds and other

12 SITE NAME: Minneapolis Chain of Lakes/Theodore Witrth Park IBA LAST UPDATE: March 31, 2011 shallow water feeders. However, it is clear that they contribute significantly to a reduction of pollutants in the lakes.

Recreation/Tourism

Non-motorized boating is allowed on the lakes. Sailing is popular on Lakes Harriet and Calhoun and, to a lesser degree, on Cedar. Canoeing is popular on all the lakes, but primarily on Lake of the Isles. The prime time for boating is summer, with reduced activity during peak migration times.

Fishing is also popular on all the lakes. Fishing piers are located on Cedar, Calhoun and Harriet and fishing from shore is allowed on all lakes. It appears that this activity has a minimal impact on migrating birds and stocking of the lakes may actually benefit some species. The following fish species have been stocked by the DNR: muskelunge in Cedar and Isles, muskelunge and walleyes in Calhoun and Harriet. Panfish populations which occur naturally remain at healthy levels throughout the system.

The lakes and surrounding lands are managed primarily for human enjoyment. Recreation, including bird watching, is encouraged. Regulations that benefit migrating birds include non- motorized boating, swimming only at designated beaches and leash ordinances for dogs. The difficulties for shorebirds utilizing the lakes during migration will continue due to high walker/jogger use, but the species that favor deeper water appear to tolerate human activities adjacent to the lakes. More common species of waterfowl such as mallards and Canada geese are abundant; many young are produced on the lakes every year.

13 SITE NAME: Minneapolis Chain of Lakes/Theodore Witrth Park IBA LAST UPDATE: March 31, 2011

OTHER RESOURCES

Nonavian Flora and Fauna

Not a BIOTICS Field

Species on official DNR lists that have occurred in and around the Chain of Lakes Emydoidea blandingii – Blandings Turtle Endangered (breeding) Clemmys insculpta -- wood turtle Threatened Apalone mutica -- smooth softshell Special Concern Chelydra serpentina -- snapping turtle Special Concern Speyeria idalia -- regal fritillary butterfly Special Concern Cryptotis parva -- least shrew Special Concern Mustela nivalis -- least weasel Special Concern Amphibians Hyla versicolor - Grey Tree Frog Butterflies and Moths Danaus plexippus -- Monarch Butterfly Tiger Swallowtail Black Swallowtail Cecropia Moth Mammals Canus latrans -- Coyote Glaucomys Volens -- Southern Flying squirrel Sciurus carolinensus -- Gray Squirrel Procyon lotur - Raccoon Tamiasciurus hudsonicus -- Red Squirrel Woodchuck

Botanical name Common name Significance Dodecatheon meadia prairie shooting star Endangered Erythronium propullans dwarf trout lily Endangered Baptisia bracteata Var. leucophaea plains wild indigo Special Concern Dryopteris goldiana Goldie’s fern Special Concern Hamalmelis virginiana witch hazel Special Concern Lysimachia quadrifolia whorled loosestrife Special Concern Trillium nivale snow trillium Special Concern Acer pensylvanicum Striped maple Historic planting/out of native range Acer spicatum Mountain maple Historic planting/out of native range Cyprepedium reginae Showy lady’s slipper Signature plant of Garden/ remnant species Kalmia latifolia Mountain laurel Historic planting/out of native range Tsuga canadensis Canada hemlock Historic planting/out of native range

14 SITE NAME: Minneapolis Chain of Lakes/Theodore Witrth Park IBA LAST UPDATE: March 31, 2011

Cultural Features

BIOTICS Field Name: Site Description/Cultural Features

Before European settlement, the habitat within the area known as the Chain of Lakes consisted of deciduous woodlands, lakes and wetlands. The land teemed with wildlife. Lake Calhoun was originally known as Lake of the Loons. Beginning in 1883 when the human population was expanding, land began to be purchased by MPRB and set aside for public parks. Substantial dredging, filling and creation of channels linking the lakes significantly altered the landscape. However, the lakes have continued to attract migrating birds including rare species. Today the lakes teem with human activity as well. The Chain of Lakes is one of the most highly visited parks in the Minneapolis' Park system and the state of Minnesota. Protecting and restoring the integrity of the system not only benefits avian populations, but also affords people a connection with nature and an opportunity to see many species of birds in the middle of a large metropolitan area.

ELOISE BUTLER WILDFLOWER GARDEN AND BIRD SANCTUARY Founded in 1907, the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary (the “Garden”) is a fifteen-acre urban gem composed of native woodlands, wetlands, and oak savanna tucked away in the heart of Theodore Wirth Park (“TWP”). The Garden was conceived of by a small group of dedicated citizens who wanted to preserve one of the last vestiges of our natural heritage in the area at a time when Minneapolis was quickly growing and consuming an unprecedented amount of the wild lands surrounding the urban core of the city. Eloise Butler, a woman possessed by her interest in the natural world, and then a high-school science teacher in the Minneapolis school system, rallied with a handful of other teachers for such a place to be set aside for the study and appreciation of native plants and ecosystems. At the urging of these visionary people, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board agreed to designate a small portion of Glenwood Park (now Theodore Wirth Park) as the Wild Botanic Garden. Eloise began tending the Garden immediately after it opened in 1907 and in 1911 Eloise Butler became the first Curator of the Garden and acted as such until her death in 1933. The Garden was renamed the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden in 1929 to honor Ms. Butler and her efforts to protect, preserve, and enhance this magnificent place. In 1952 a non-profit organization, Friends of the Wild Flower Garden Inc., was founded and has been working in tandem with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board since its founding to ensure that the Wildflower Garden continues to flourish.

QUAKING BOG The 5-acre Quaking Bog found in TWP is the last of dozens of tamarack bogs that were once found in Minneapolis and Golden Valley. Golden Valley takes its name from the spectacle of golden autumn tamaracks that once covered the rolling hills of the region. In 1995 a sample of peat was taken from the Quaking Bog at a depth of 7.3 meters. A radiocarbon analysis was then made using this sample and it was determined that this bog is fairly young. It is estimated that it started forming approximately 3,860 to 3,600 years ago. A microscopic analysis of the peat sample showed an abundance of oak and grass pollen. Interestingly, this strongly suggests that the landscape surrounding the developing bog was dominated by oak savanna.

Currently the Quaking Bog has a tree cover of mature, 60-70 year old tamarack trees and the ground plane is dominated by sphagnum moss with a host of other native herbaceous bog plants growing amidst the carpet of sphagnum moss. 15 SITE NAME: Minneapolis Chain of Lakes/Theodore Witrth Park IBA LAST UPDATE: March 31, 2011

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board has, over the past 20 years, attempted to keep the bog and the surrounding hillsides free of glossy and common buckthorn, which has proven to be a time consuming and perennial effort.

THEODORE WIRTH PARK The land surveyor who surveyed the Theodore Wirth Park Area before Minneapolis was settled found several tamarack bogs on the south side of the park, "heavy timber of elm, linden, ironwood, bur and black (red) oak, with undergrowth of oak and hazel thicket" to the east, and "thinly planted stands of bur and black oak, linden, aspen, and elm on second rate soil" to the south and west. To the north he found more tamarack, osier (willow) and nettles (Hellander 1992). When Birch Pond and the tamarack bog to the northeast of Birch Pond were bought by a developer and, like much of the rest of Minneapolis, platted into narrow house lots and streets, nearby residents petitioned the Minneapolis Park Board (MPRB) to buy the land, offering to bear the cost for the land acquisition themselves (Hellander 1992). MPRB bought the land in 1889. Originally named Saratoga Springs, this 64-acre parcel of land extended from Birch Pond east to Xerxes, from Chestnut to 394. Between 1907 and 1917, the park was extended to include all the area between France and Xerxes from the Great Northern railroad tracks (between Cedar and Brownie Lakes) up to 19th Ave. N (Golden Valley Rd.).

At 957.35 acres, TWP is today the largest regional park in the Minneapolis park system (Lerman 1988). Its past speaks to the many changes that have shaped our local landscape from the time of European settlement to the present. Initially conceived as a pleasure park in the “pleasure landscape” style, TWP was given many programs to handle. Many cultural elements have been added to the existing natural features (woods, prairies, lakes, creek, springs, bogs) at TWP since MPRB purchased the land. Several of the existing natural elements at TWP have also been enhanced or restored. In 1907, 15 acres of the park were designated as a Wildflower Garden. This garden was to feature all of the native plants of Minnesota. The Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden, still at Theodore Wirth Park today, is the oldest public wildflower garden in the nation. A 20-acre site on the west side of Wirth Lake was used as a tree, evergreen, shrub, and perennial nursery for the entire park system from 1910 to 1980. An old root cellar still remains on the hillside where the nursery was. From 1909- 1921, massive evergreen plantings were installed in much of the park. Two more gardens were established at TWP, near Glenwood and Washburn Avenues in the 1980's: a 4-H children's garden (the J.D. River's Garden Project) and a perennial display garden (Lerman 1988). The first golf course at TWP was installed in 1916. Like many Minneapolis parks, TWP also offers cultural features such as beach, picnic areas, and fishing piers (Lerman 1988). Several structures have also been built at TWP over the years, including, for example, a winter shelter house for swans and ducks. MPRB in the past used this house as a winter home for the fowl they placed on the lakes in the winter months (Lerman 1988). Water flowing through Basset Creek has been affected in various ways since MPRB purchased the land for TWP. Even before MPRB purchased this land, the Fruen family built a dam on Basset Creek just south of Glenwood Ave. for their family business - milling grain. The Fruen family mill is still near Basset Creek today. Between 1933 and 1938, seven lagoons were built along Basset Creek in Wirth Park by C.C.C. crews. They excavated 405,000 cubic yards, creating 35 acres of open water and 63 acres of wetlands. Pumphouse #2, located along Basset Creek near the fishing pier at Glenwood Ave. is used to raise lake levels in the Minneapolis Chain of lakes by pumping water from the creek to Brownie Lake. After water from Basset Creek leaves the Fruen family mill it is contained underground in a tunnel until it 16 SITE NAME: Minneapolis Chain of Lakes/Theodore Witrth Park IBA LAST UPDATE: March 31, 2011 emerges at the just south of Plymouth Ave (Lerman 1988). Remnants of a man-made water feature, the Loring Cascade, remain across the parkway from the old nursery. Water for this artificial rock formation was pumped from Wirth Lake to cascade down "rocks" made of cement coated hardware cloth. The cascade, commissioned by Charles Loring in 1917, operated until the 1950's (Lerman 1988).

THEODORE WIRTH GOLF COURSES The original golf course, started in 1916 in the northern part of the park, had hundreds of acres disturbed with large earth moving equipment used to create course obstacles (bunkers, moguls, etc.) and Eurasian weeds with a new mowing regime left behind essentially a plowed, overgrazed, heavily compacted environment. Today, efforts to maintain the artificial landscape in a way that will be supportive of birds meet with support and approval of those responsible for the two existing courses found within Theodore Wirth Park.

The golf courses have achieved certification by Audubon International as a Cooperative Sanctuary. The nominators understand that Audubon International is not affiliated in any way with the National Audubon Society, and that its focus is completely different from that of the National Audubon Society. Certification as a Cooperative Sanctuary is attained by completing projects in the following areas: Wildlife & Habitat Management, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Quality Management, Water Conservation, and Outreach & Education.

17 SITE NAME: Minneapolis Chain of Lakes/Theodore Witrth Park IBA LAST UPDATE: March 31, 2011

NOMINATOR INFORMATION

BIOTICS Field Name: Site Design/Designer

NAME: Mary C. Miller ADDRESS: 2324 Oliver Ave. So. CITY: Minneapolis STATE, ZIP: MN 55405 EMAIL: AFFILIATION: Audubon Chapter of Minneapolis PHONE: FAX:

NAME: Susan Wilkins ADDRESS: 3800 Bryant Ave. South CITY: Minneapolis STATE, ZIP: MN 55409 EMAIL: AFFILIATION: Curator of the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary; Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Employee PHONE: FAX: 612/370-4898

NAME: Kathy Conelly ADDRESS: 501 Theodore Wirth Parkway CITY: Golden Valley STATE, ZIP: MN 55422 EMAIL: AFFILIATION: Board Member of Friends of the Wildflower Garden. Inc. PHONE: FAX:

MANAGED AREA CONTACTS

BIOTICS: Put names in site description

Managed Area Name: Managed Area Owner: Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Managed Area Manager: MaryLynn Pulscher Address: 2117 West River Rd. City/State/Zip: Minneapolis, MN 55411 Phone: Fax: 612-370-4898 Email:

Have you discussed the nomination of this site with the land manager? Y

Does the land manager agree to the nomination of this site as an IBA? Y

18 SITE NAME: Minneapolis Chain of Lakes/Theodore Witrth Park IBA LAST UPDATE: March 31, 2011

LOCAL GROUPS WITH A CONSERVATION INTEREST IN THIS SITE

BIOTICS: Not a BIOTICS field

Name/Group: Audubon Chapter of Name/Group: Minneapolis Audubon Minneapolis Society Address: Jerold O. Bahls Address: Mary McGee City/State/Zip: City/State/Zip: Phone: Phone: Email:[email protected] Email: [email protected]

Name/Group: Cedar Lake Park Association Name/Group: Address: Keith Prussing, president Address: City/State/Zip: City/State/Zip: Phone: Phone: Email: Email:

Name/Group: Friends of the Wild Flower Name/Group: Bryn Mawr Neighborhood Garden, Inc. Association Address: P.O. Box 3793 Address: 404 Thomas South City/State/Zip: Minneapolis, MN 55403 City/State/Zip: Minneapolis, MN 55405 Phone: Phone: 612-374-1481 Steve Pundt, President Email: Email: [email protected]

Name/Group: Friends of Bassett’s Creek Address: City/State/Zip: Minneapolis, MN 55405 Phone: Email:

Other remarks or comments:

I want to thank Steve Carlson, Chet Myers and Paul Budde for their contributions on the species richness of the four lakes.

Minneapolis Parks and Receation staff has been extremely helpful in providing information on the Chain of Lakes. I want to particularly thank Sara Aplikowski and Marcia Holmberg, who not only provided data on the four lakes and surrounding landscapes, but also put me in contact with additional staff members and steered me to the MPRB web site, which proved an invaluable resouce in completing the nomination form. To access this website: www.minneapolis.org

19 SITE NAME: Minneapolis Chain of Lakes/Theodore Witrth Park IBA LAST UPDATE: March 31, 2011

Appendix 1: Minneapolis Chain of Lakes IBA Last Updated: March 31, 2011 – Species of Conservation Concern highlighted in blue species Compiled List Roberts Sanctuary Theo. Wirth Snow Goose 1 1 Ross's Goose 1 Cackling Goose 1 Canada Goose 1 1 1 Tundra Swan 1 1 1 Wood Duck 1 1 1 Gadwall 1 American Wigeon 1 American Black Duck 1 Mallard 1 1 1 Blue-winged Teal 1 1 1 Northern Shoveler 1 1 1 Northern Pintail 1 1 1 Green-winged Teal 1 1 Canvasback 1 Redhead 1 Ring-necked Duck 1 1 Greater Scaup 1 Lesser Scaup 1 1 Harlequin Duck 1 Surf Scoter 1 White-winged Scoter 1 Black Scoter 1 Long-tailed Duck 1 Bufflehead 1 1 1 Common Goldeneye 1 1 1 Barrow's Goldeneye 1 Hooded Merganser 1 1 1 Common Merganser 1 1 1 Red-breasted Merganser 1 Ruddy Duck 1 1 Ring-necked Pheasant 1 1 1 Wild Turkey 1 1 1 Pacific Loon 1 1 Common Loon 1 1 1 Pied-billed Grebe 1 1 1 Horned Grebe 1 1 Red-necked Grebe 1 Eared Grebe 1 Western Grebe 1 Double-crested Cormorant 1 1 1 American White Pelican 1 20 SITE NAME: Minneapolis Chain of Lakes/Theodore Witrth Park IBA LAST UPDATE: March 31, 2011

American Bittern 1 1 1 Least Bittern 1 Great Blue Heron 1 1 1 Great Egret 1 1 1 Snowy Egret 1 Cattle Egret 1 Green Heron 1 1 Black-crowned Night-Heron 1 1 1 Yellow-crowned Night-Heron 1 Turkey Vulture 1 1 1 Osprey 1 1 1 Bald Eagle 1 1 1 Northern Harrier 1 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 1 1 Cooper's Hawk 1 1 1 Northern Goshawk 1 1 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 1 Broad-winged Hawk 1 1 1 Red-tailed Hawk 1 1 1 Rough-legged Hawk 1 1 American Kestrel 1 1 1 Merlin 1 1 Peregrine Falcon 1 1 Virginia Rail 1 1 Sora 1 1 American Coot 1 1 Sandhill Crane 1 1 American Golden-Plover 1 Semipalmated Plover 1 Piping Plover 1 Killdeer 1 1 1 American Avocet 1 Spotted Sandpiper 1 1 1 Solitary Sandpiper 1 1 1 Greater Yellowlegs 1 Willet 1 Lesser Yellowlegs 1 1 Upland Sandpiper 1 Marbled Godwit 1 Ruddy Turnstone 1 Red Knot 1 Sanderling 1 Semipalmated Sandpiper 1 Least Sandpiper 1 Baird's Sandpiper 1 21 SITE NAME: Minneapolis Chain of Lakes/Theodore Witrth Park IBA LAST UPDATE: March 31, 2011

Pectoral Sandpiper 1 Dunlin 1 Stilt Sandpiper 1 Wilson's Snipe 1 1 1 American Woodcock 1 1 1 Wilson's Phalarope 1 Red-necked Phalarope 1 Bonaparte's Gull 1 1 Little Gull 1 Franklin's Gull 1 1 Ring-billed Gull 1 1 1 California Gull 1 Herring Gull 1 1 1 Thayer's Gull 1 1 Iceland Gull 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull 1 Glaucous-winged Gull 1 Glaucous Gull 1 Great Black-backed Gull 1 Caspian Tern 1 1 1 Black Tern 1 Common Tern 1 1 Forster's Tern 1 1 1 Rock Pigeon 1 1 Mourning Dove 1 1 1 Yellow-billed Cuckoo 1 1 Black-billed Cuckoo 1 1 1 Eastern Screech-Owl 1 1 1 Great Horned Owl 1 1 1 Barred Owl 1 1 1 Long-eared Owl 1 1 Short-eared Owl 1 Northern Saw-whet Owl 1 1 Common Nighthawk 1 1 1 Eastern Whip-poor-will 1 1 1 Chimney Swift 1 1 1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1 1 1 Belted Kingfisher 1 1 1 Red-headed Woodpecker 1 1 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 1 1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1 1 1 Downy Woodpecker 1 1 1 Hairy Woodpecker 1 1 1 Northern Flicker 1 1 1 Pileated Woodpecker 1 1 1 22 SITE NAME: Minneapolis Chain of Lakes/Theodore Witrth Park IBA LAST UPDATE: March 31, 2011

Olive-sided Flycatcher 1 1 1 Eastern Wood-Pewee 1 1 1 Western Wood-Pewee 1 1 Yellow-bellied Flycatcher 1 1 1 Alder Flycatcher 1 1 Willow Flycatcher 1 1 Least Flycatcher 1 1 1 Eastern Phoebe 1 1 1 Great Crested Flycatcher 1 1 1 Western Kingbird 1 1 Eastern Kingbird 1 1 Northern Shrike 1 1 White-eyed Vireo 1 1 Yellow-throated Vireo 1 1 1 Bell’s Vireo 1 1 Blue-headed Vireo 1 1 1 Warbling Vireo 1 1 Philadelphia Vireo 1 1 1 Red-eyed Vireo 1 1 1 Blue Jay 1 1 1 American Crow 1 1 1 Common Raven 1 1 Horned Lark 1 1 Purple Martin 1 1 Tree Swallow 1 1 1 Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1 1 1 Bank Swallow 1 Cliff Swallow 1 Barn Swallow 1 1 1 Black-capped Chickadee 1 1 1 Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 1 1 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 1 1 Brown Creeper 1 1 1 House Wren 1 1 1 Winter Wren 1 1 1 Sedge Wren 1 1 1 Marsh Wren 1 1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1 1 1 Golden-crowned Kinglet 1 1 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 1 1 Eastern Bluebird 1 1 1 Townsend's Solitaire 1 1 Veery 1 1 1 Gray-cheeked Thrush 1 1 1 Swainson's Thrush 1 1 1 23 SITE NAME: Minneapolis Chain of Lakes/Theodore Witrth Park IBA LAST UPDATE: March 31, 2011

Hermit Thrush 1 1 1 Wood Thrush 1 1 American Robin 1 1 1 Gray Catbird 1 1 1 Northern Mockingbird 1 Brown Thrasher 1 1 1 European Starling 1 1 1 American Pipit 1 1 Bohemian Waxwing 1 1 Cedar Waxwing 1 1 1 Lapland Longspur 1 Snow Bunting 1 1 Blue-winged Warbler 1 1 1 Golden-winged Warbler 1 1 1 Tennessee Warbler 1 1 1 Orange-crowned Warbler 1 1 1 Nashville Warbler 1 1 1 Northern Parula 1 1 1 Yellow Warbler 1 1 1 Chestnut-sided Warbler 1 1 1 Magnolia Warbler 1 1 1 Cape May Warbler 1 1 1 Black-throated Blue Warbler 1 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler 1 1 1 Black-throated Gray Warbler 1 Black-throated Green Warbler 1 1 1 Blackburnian Warbler 1 1 1 Yellow-throated Warbler 1 1 Pine Warbler 1 1 1 Palm Warbler 1 1 1 Bay-breasted Warbler 1 1 1 Blackpoll Warbler 1 1 1 Cerulean Warbler 1 1 Black-and-white Warbler 1 1 1 American Redstart 1 1 1 Prothonotary Warbler 1 1 1 Worm-eating Warbler 1 1 1 Ovenbird 1 1 1 Northern Waterthrush 1 1 1 Louisiana Waterthrush 1 1 Connecticut Warbler 1 1 1 Mourning Warbler 1 1 1 Common Yellowthroat 1 1 1 Hooded Warbler 1 1 1 Wilson's Warbler 1 1 1 24 SITE NAME: Minneapolis Chain of Lakes/Theodore Witrth Park IBA LAST UPDATE: March 31, 2011

Canada Warbler 1 1 1 Spotted Towhee 1 1 Eastern Towhee 1 1 American Tree Sparrow 1 1 1 Chipping Sparrow 1 1 1 Clay-colored Sparrow 1 1 1 Field Sparrow 1 1 Vesper Sparrow 1 1 Lark Sparrow 1 Savannah Sparrow 1 1 Henslow's Sparrow 1 1 Le Conte's Sparrow 1 1 Fox Sparrow 1 1 1 Song Sparrow 1 1 1 Lincoln's Sparrow 1 1 1 Swamp Sparrow 1 1 1 White-throated Sparrow 1 1 1 Harris's Sparrow 1 1 White-crowned Sparrow 1 1 1 Dark-eyed Junco 1 1 1 Summer Tanager 1 1 Scarlet Tanager 1 1 1 Northern Cardinal 1 1 1 Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1 1 1 Indigo Bunting 1 1 1 Dickcissel 1 Bobolink 1 Red-winged Blackbird 1 1 1 Eastern Meadowlark 1 1 Yellow-headed Blackbird 1 1 Rusty Blackbird 1 1 Brewer's Blackbird 1 1 Common Grackle 1 1 1 Brown-headed Cowbird 1 1 1 Orchard Oriole 1 1 Baltimore Oriole 1 1 1 Purple Finch 1 1 1 House Finch 1 1 1 Red Crossbill 1 1 White-winged Crossbill 1 1 Common Redpoll 1 1 1 Pine Siskin 1 1 1 American Goldfinch 1 1 1 Evening Grosbeak 1 1 House Sparrow 1 1 1 25 SITE NAME: Minneapolis Chain of Lakes/Theodore Witrth Park IBA LAST UPDATE: March 31, 2011

TOTALS 267 195 155

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