Through the Mississippi Flyway Habitat Enhancement and Connectivity Pilot, the Minneapolis Park and Rec Board (MPRB) is focused on the habitat corridor along 26th Ave North. This corridor connects Theodore Wirth Parkway and the Mississippi River. The project aims to improve or creating habitat for birds, insects and other wildlife in the 26th Ave corridor.
The Mississippi Flyway is a migration route between Canada and the Gulf of Mexico that follows the Mississippi River for much of the route, including through Minnesota. It’s used by millions of birds each year during spring and fall migrations.
The 26th Ave habitat corridor was selected as the area of focus for this pilot project. It rated the highest among nine other corridors based on an array of criteria including existing habitat and environment, equity, Green Zones, connections and opportunities. These criteria were developed by a joint technical and project advisory committee of MPRB staff, other agencies and related community organizations.
The park board selected three locations on the 26th Ave corridor for the pilot funding to go to, which expand and provide habitat as part of some existing park improvement projects: Farview, Glen Gale and Jordan.
Farview, Glen Gale and Jordan parks will incorporate new habitat as part of improvements projects that are underway at each location. Strategically reducing turf grass in some areas at each park will allow space for varied habitats to support birds that migrate along the Mississippi Flyway, as well as pollinators and other wildlife.
Farview Park: A new trail will lead through the planned adventure hillside play area, weaving through newly established woodland/mesic oak forest and oak savanna habitats. The trail will culminate at the top of the hill — one of the highest points in Minneapolis — this little-known Northside gem offers stunning views of the Mississippi River, downtown skyline and beyond. Habitats to be created include prairie/pollinator, woodland/Mesic Oak and Oak Savannah.
Glen Gale Park: Improvements will integrate new wetland/prairie plantings with stormwater filtration areas and include pollinator plantings surrounding the playground and other amenities that are part of the planned improvements project. Habitats to be created include pollinator, wetland and upland prairie.
Jordan Park: Enhancing the new wading pool and restroom/storage building that opened in summer 2024, this project will include a small pollinator planting in front of the building. Additionally, art panels showcasing pollinator species will be designed and installed this summer as part of a related artist/community-based project. MPRB will share information on getting involved soon.
Construction is planned for this summer and fall at each location. Find more info at minneapolisparks.org.