The MCWD is participating in an educational research program coordinated by the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.
A model restored wetland will be established for public learning experiences and on-going research into wetland restorations. It will serve as a model for anyone restoring or managing wetlands. Through the regeneration process visitors can learn about the wetland landscape; how wetlands benefit people and the environment; how people affect wetland quality, and how wetlands can be established and managed on a sustainable basis. The goals of this project are two-fold:
- to protect the biological and experiential quality of the Arboretum
- to create a model, research wetland for public display and education
The rapid growth of development in the Chanhassen, Chaska, and Victoria area has begun to create negative influences on the quality of the Arboretum, its programs, collections and gardens. Light industrial and commercial development and even intensive housing creates problems with water, air, noise and visual pollution, soil erosion, and negatively impacts the existing natural systems. To protect itself, the Arboretum has developed a plan action which includes purchase of all lands within the boundaries of State Highway 5, Highway 41, 82nd Street and Bavaria Road. The highways are imposed barriers and as they are upgraded, become the logical boundaries of the Arboretum. Outside the highways the Arboretum will negotiate with the three cities to keep some visual and environmental controls on development.
This project includes the purchase of at least 30 acres of land within the projected Arboretum Boundary which is slated for light industrial , commercial, and high density residential development within the next year.
In addition, a restored wetland will be created on the site which will be a public model of restoration and a research area for biological diversity in created wetlands. The MCWD considers the model wetland to be an important project and has allocated approximately $163,000 to the project.