(Minneapolis September 22, 2025) – The Loppet is honored to announce that they have been awarded the Conservation Partners Legacy (CPL) Grant through the Minnesota DNR to support a three-year, $500,000 conservation effort. In alignment with our stewardship value and mission of connecting people to the outdoors, The Loppet is taking on a transformational habitat restoration project in the 50 acres surrounding the Trailhead in Theodore Wirth Park.
The project will focus on restoring woodland, prairie, and savanna habitats and lay the groundwork for long-term improvements to support native plant species. The Loppet has contracted with Minnesota Native Landscapes, along with dedicated Loppet volunteers, to transform the areas in Theodore Wirth Park. “This collaborative effort marks a shared commitment to ecological restoration, climate resilience, and public engagement with Minnesota’s native ecosystems. Located in one of the Twin Cities’ most iconic outdoor spaces, this restoration will also provide critical habitat for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife, while offering a living demonstration of land stewardship for the thousands of visitors who use the park each year. Together, the missions of MNL and the Loppet are coming together: we’re helping to Heal the Earth and restore the connection between people and the outdoors while growing the community.” says Minnesota Native Landscapes.
“Theodore Wirth Regional Park is essential to the ecological health of our region, and with more than 1 million annual visits, vital to the well-being of so many people who connect to the outdoors at the park every day,” said Al Bangoura, Superintendent of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. “We’re incredibly grateful to have partners like the Loppet and DNR, along with countless dedicated volunteers, who recognize the importance of protecting and improving Wirth Park’s valuable natural areas.” Volunteers meet weekly on Tuesdays from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at The Trailhead (1221 Theodore Wirth Parkway, Golden Valley, MN) in Theodore Wirth Park for habitat restoration. Volunteer driven restoration efforts will continue through October 28 and reconvene in the spring.
Habitat Restoration Milestones and Projections:
- Summers 2023 & 2024; Loppet coordinates regular volunteer efforts to remove invasive species in areas surrounding The Trailhead
- Winter 2024-2025; The Loppet is awarded CPL grant through MN DNR
- Summer 2025;
- The Loppet contracts MNL to guide habitat restoration
- Growing & ongoing Loppet volunteer effort to remove invasives
- Now – Fall 2027; MNL projects to restore native savannah, woodland and prairie. MNL restoration work will include a variety of year-round tactics including the following:
- turf grass conversion
- prairie burns
- Buckthorn and invasives removal using heavy equipment
- Reseeding & planting
- Ongoing habitat maintenance
