The goal of Habitat Restoration is to bring the land back to a healthy condition.  

Why is this important?  Because just like we as humans need a place to live with good shelter, food to eat, and safety, so do the animals who live in this area.  As we continue to build homes and buildings we should remember the residents who were here before us.  From a native grass planting which can provide food, shelter, and nesting areas for pheasants, turkeys, song birds, and various other small mammals.  To a larger tree planting of trees and shrubs (nut and berry producing), which can provide for deer, nesting birds, and other animals.  We can greatly improve the quality of life around us, we can take pleasure in viewing the wildlife as well as the aesthetic beauty of these types of plantings.

Other benefits include:

The long roots of prairie plants hold soil in place and expedite the infiltration of surface water into the groundwater systems.

	The 7 acre CRP native grass and wildflower planting shown here was seeded in the spring of 2000. The benefits include increased wildlife habitat as well as decreasing erosion due to runoff.

Trees and shrubs buffer rain and snow, protecting the soil. Plants of all types support the animal life we all like to watch.

By utilizing CCRP this landowner installed this Farmstead Shelterbelt in the spring of 2002.  Benefits include increased wildlife habitat, reduction in soil loss, and reduces the effects of the cold winter winds.  The trees planted were purchased through the Chisago SWCD's annual spring tree & shrub sale.

A thriving plant and animal community on the lake edge contributes to good water quality.

Planted in 2005 this native planting along the North Branch of the Sunrise River allows the landowner the ability to watch wildlife, while helping to keep the bank from eroding.   A native plant buffer also helps to improve water quality.

The Chisago SWCD staff can provide technical assistance to restore natural habitats on your land, call our office at 651/674-2333.

38814 Third Avenue ~ North Branch, MN 55056 ~ 651/674-2333

E-Mail ~ susan.humble@mn.nacdnet.net