Conservancy Embraces Lilydale!
Lilydale Regional Park will be the launching pad for the first major initiative of
The Saint Paul Parks Conservancy.
| Initial project components include a dramatic stone and brick gateway entry to Lilydale Regional Park from Harriet Island, a stone-lined creek along the Water Street leading into the park, and removal of invasive vegitation to create dramatic views of the Mississippi. The creek will capture runoff from the surrounding bluffs and attend to the chronic problem of water and ice buildup on the roadway. Ideally, the gateway and creek projects will attract wide public interest in park revitalization. We also hope that the project will encourage other private and public-sector partners to join with us in advancing additional park enhancements including road improvements, power line burial, topographical improvements, debris removal, the addition of lake and trail amenities, and much more. |
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Lilydale Regional Park is a natural first choice for Conservancy attention. It is the largest and most diverse undeveloped parkland
within a stone’s throw of downtown Saint Paul. Located in the Mississippi River corridor, it is one of the most important physical features of the City. The park’s proximity to Saint Paul makes it a most appealing and unique venue for enhanced environmental protection and recreational activities.
The park occupies an undeveloped floodplain area, 2½ miles in length and ½ mile in width. Its boundaries include Pickerel Lake and 100 acres of marsh and wooded areas that provide habitat for water fowl, mammals, and vegetation. |
Although in serious need of protection and revitalization, the park offers great potential as a verdant natural environment, a welcome home for a wide variety of native plants and wildlife, and an inviting venue for people to hike, bike, ski, fish, walk their dog, or just revel in a quiet setting close to home.
The work of the Conservancy in this important natural parkland will build on the advocacy, hard work, and contributions of many people and organizations: particularly The Friends of Lilydale, a group that is actively partnering with us to succeed in this ambitious venture.
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