Success Story: Blaine Wetland Sanctuary
Health of people and our shared environment is a priority- and that's a success story worth sharing!
Blaine Wetland Sanctuary in Blaine, MInnesota is a natural space that combines recreation activities, wildlife habitat, ecological research, and many benefits for clean water and rare species of plants.
Growing Green Hearts partners with the City of Blaine to provide unique experiences, from teacher trainings to nature walks to outdoor yoga; all at Blaine Wetland Sanctuary.
What’s so special about the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary?
It’s not cattails or swamp monsters! What is so special about wetlands, this violet and fens? How wonderful that wetland areas reduce flooding and filter water.
The specialized wetlands called fens, do that AND create unique habitat for plants, pollinators and other critters.
Blaine Wetland Sanctuary is in the north metro area and has that unique “hydrogeology” with the flat, sand plain and underground water flow.
The ideal habitat for the threatened lance-leaf violet is a fen, which is a type of palustrine wetland that also supports sedges, grasses and wildflowers in acidic peat….all thanks to that sand plain and underground water flow.
There are 5 main types of wetlands: marine (as in ocean), tidal (as in tidal zone), lacustrine(as in lakes), palustrine (as in marshes) and riverine (as in rivers). That’s according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Cowardin wetland classification system they use for the National Wetlands Inventory.
Want to see it and learn more? Check out Blaine Wetland Sanctuary year round for a hike or a virtual tour. Go ahead and take in the wonders wetlands, biodiversity, and conservation.
Imagine a giant sponge that goes as deep as 60 feet, where mid-July there is still ice. Blaine Wetland Sanctuary (BWS) is an open space, natural area that includes specialized wetland called a fen. A fen is a type of wetland with a high water table and acidic, peat soil. Located in an outer ring suburb of the Minneapolis and St. Paul area in Minnesota; people from the community, city of Blaine, state agencies, and research groups are working together to conserve and learn about this special place.
It’s a living laboratory- for scientists of all ages! The plants and geology of the BWS fen are especially unique to Minnesota, and the world. The peat soils have preserved seeds of rare plants over hundreds of years and restoration continues in order to support the fen’s ecology. BWS is an open space where the 1 mile long boardwalk offers nature’s show interconnected land, air, water, and living things. The boardwalk leads to two geologic islands, connected by path. The forested islands are in sharp contrast to the wetland areas vistas.
Are field trips and educator trainings offered at Blaine Wetland Sanctuary?
Yes, the next course offering of “Environmental STEM at Blaine Wetland Sanctuary,” a 3-hour course for educators, designed and led by Heidi Ferris of Growing Green Hearts. Registration is required and can be done through the City of Blaine website.
Where do tours, field trips and trainings meet?
We use the mile long boardwalk and trail system as our classroom. Groups meet at the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary parking lot at 11980 Lexington Ave NE in Blaine, Minnesota then head down the trail for hands-on learning and curriculum adventures!
Student field trips and community tours can be organized for less than 10 to 100+! Blaine Wetland Sanctuary is a big place with a lot to offer, especially when we get creative with schedules, stations, and interdisciplinary learning.
Field Trips to BWS?
Yes, fall field trips to Blaine Wetland Sanctuary are an option for learners of all ages. Blaine Wetland Sanctuary can host and guide groups 100+ to less than 10. Connect with Heidi for examples, cost, and more information. Yes to fall, winter, spring and summer! Each season has site-specific, season-specific curriculum connections and tours.
What to bring? What to wear?
Wear comfortable shoes and clothing for hiking as well as a coat/raingear/sunscreen/hat based on the weather. You may want to bring a notebook/pencil and a camera/phone to capture learning ideas for yourself and your students. People often find a backpack and water bottle helpful.
EnviroSTEM for which educators?
The wonderment of nature brings people together. Classroom teachers, child care specialists, scout leaders, and educators of all kinds are invited to participate in the enviroSTEM training opportunities at Blaine Wetland Sanctuary, as well as the 7 other trainings offered by Growing Green Hearts, LLC.
About Heidi and Growing Green Hearts
Heidi Ferris, environmental STEM specialist with Growing Green Hearts LLC has partnered with the City of Blaine for over 4 years in site-specific lessons, tours, curriculum development and community outreach with the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary since 2016. Heidi also leads Growing Green Hearts educator trainings for school districts, educational conferences, child care centers, and community groups. Certificate will be made available to participants after completion of a training event.
Yes, all Growing Green Hearts educator training events are Parent Aware/DEVELOP approved.