11-17-2010, 12:10 PM
The importance of roadsides for wildlife habitat is the topic of a special event to be held at the Farmington Public Library from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 1.
The free event is sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT).
Minnesota has more than 135,000 miles of roads.
"Maintaining roadsides is an important issue for all levels of government," said Carmelita Nelson, DNR Roadsides for Wildlife coordinator. "A healthy roadside environment provides greater erosion control, improves water quality, enhances groundwater recharge, reduces maintenance costs, is visually pleasing, and provides habitat for wildlife populations."
Guest speakers will outline the value of roadsides in the southern Metro area. Nancy Braker, arboretum director, will discuss prairie restoration at Carleton College. Clarence Lehman, associate dean of research and graduate education at the University of Minnesota, will discuss bioenergy harvesting to benefit wildlife.
The agenda includes other topics and speakers, a panel discussion and legislative updates. Representatives from local and state government, conservation and sportsmen's groups, media and private citizens will be in attendance at the workshop.
The Roadsides for Wildlife program promotes vegetation management practices that enhance wildlife habitat and environmental benefits on roadsides, according to Nelson. Leaving roadsides undisturbed, especially during the spring and early summer nesting season, can boost grassland bird nesting success. "The adjacent roadside lands are important for they can provide permanent grassland habitat for birds, small animals, and other types of nature, including butterflies, frogs, and flowers," Nelson said.
Directions to the Farmington Public Library are: From I-35, County Rd. 23 (Cedar Ave.), County Rd. 31 (Pilot Knob Rd.), Highway 3 or U.S. Highway 52, take County Road 50 into downtown Farmington. Go south onto Third St. for two blocks. Turn right into the library parking lot.
Those planning to attend are asked to call 651-259-5014 or send an e-mail to carmelita.nelson@dnr.state.mn.us.
The free event is sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT).
Minnesota has more than 135,000 miles of roads.
"Maintaining roadsides is an important issue for all levels of government," said Carmelita Nelson, DNR Roadsides for Wildlife coordinator. "A healthy roadside environment provides greater erosion control, improves water quality, enhances groundwater recharge, reduces maintenance costs, is visually pleasing, and provides habitat for wildlife populations."
Guest speakers will outline the value of roadsides in the southern Metro area. Nancy Braker, arboretum director, will discuss prairie restoration at Carleton College. Clarence Lehman, associate dean of research and graduate education at the University of Minnesota, will discuss bioenergy harvesting to benefit wildlife.
The agenda includes other topics and speakers, a panel discussion and legislative updates. Representatives from local and state government, conservation and sportsmen's groups, media and private citizens will be in attendance at the workshop.
The Roadsides for Wildlife program promotes vegetation management practices that enhance wildlife habitat and environmental benefits on roadsides, according to Nelson. Leaving roadsides undisturbed, especially during the spring and early summer nesting season, can boost grassland bird nesting success. "The adjacent roadside lands are important for they can provide permanent grassland habitat for birds, small animals, and other types of nature, including butterflies, frogs, and flowers," Nelson said.
Directions to the Farmington Public Library are: From I-35, County Rd. 23 (Cedar Ave.), County Rd. 31 (Pilot Knob Rd.), Highway 3 or U.S. Highway 52, take County Road 50 into downtown Farmington. Go south onto Third St. for two blocks. Turn right into the library parking lot.
Those planning to attend are asked to call 651-259-5014 or send an e-mail to carmelita.nelson@dnr.state.mn.us.