May 31, 2023
Join the Friends of Minnetonka Parks for an evening of socializing, light refreshments, and a featured presentation highlighting oak ecosystems, fire, and climate change in Minnetonka by pollinator conservationist and author, Heather Holm.
Oaks, Fire, and Climate Change in Minnetonka
Restoring Historical Oak Ecosystems for Future Climate Resiliency
Minnetonka's iconic oak trees are a symbol of the once diverse natural landscapes of the city, but activities such as Euro-American settlement, logging, invasive species, and fire suppression have drastically altered these ecosystems. Join the Friends of Minnetonka Parks to learn about Minnetonka's past, present, and future oak ecosystems and the historical role of Native Americans managing and influencing their composition through the regular use of fire.
We’ll explore future climate modeling, and identify the most resilient and functional landscapes and why these seemingly historical landscapes excel at carbon sequestration. Lastly, we’ll showcase how the Friends of Minnetonka Parks and city staff are collaborating on various park restoration projects to achieve these outcomes. By understanding the factors that influenced the ecological conditions of Minnetonka's oak ecosystems today and working together to restore them, we can create a more climate-resilient future for our community.
Proceeds from the event will help fund further restoration and volunteer efforts in Minnetonka Parks.
Restoring Historical Oak Ecosystems for Future Climate Resiliency
Minnetonka's iconic oak trees are a symbol of the once diverse natural landscapes of the city, but activities such as Euro-American settlement, logging, invasive species, and fire suppression have drastically altered these ecosystems. Join the Friends of Minnetonka Parks to learn about Minnetonka's past, present, and future oak ecosystems and the historical role of Native Americans managing and influencing their composition through the regular use of fire.
We’ll explore future climate modeling, and identify the most resilient and functional landscapes and why these seemingly historical landscapes excel at carbon sequestration. Lastly, we’ll showcase how the Friends of Minnetonka Parks and city staff are collaborating on various park restoration projects to achieve these outcomes. By understanding the factors that influenced the ecological conditions of Minnetonka's oak ecosystems today and working together to restore them, we can create a more climate-resilient future for our community.
Proceeds from the event will help fund further restoration and volunteer efforts in Minnetonka Parks.