Applewood

APPLEWOOD PRESERVE RESTORATION UPDATE 2022-2024

Natural resources restoration work began this week at Maplewood’s Applewood Neighborhood Preserve. The City of Maplewood’s Applewood and Carver Preserves were included in a grant awarded to Friends of the Mississippi River, with the goal of restoring prairie areas for pollinators in the Mississippi River Corridor.  

Gradual encroachment of woody plants eventually converts open prairie areas to woodland. We are “hitting reset” to bring the prairie areas back into compliance with the original Preserve Master Plan and enhance it with native flowering plants that will support all life stages of the declining Monarch Butterfly and the Federally Endangered Rusty-Patched Bumblebee. Brush removal will also limit the presence of house sparrows and other birds that destroy bluebird nests, enabling re-installation of bluebird houses. Other grassland birds will also benefit from the restoration.  

Trails may be temporarily closed during removal occurring near trails. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Questions? Please contact Natural Resources Coordinator Carole Gernes: (651) 249-2416 or carole.gernes@maplewoodmn.gov.

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About Applewood Preserve

Rolling hills, a pasture dotted with gnarled apple trees, and grand vistas await you at Maplewood's Applewood Preserve. In spring you may be lucky enough to catch the apples blooming in the pasture and the rue anemone blooming in the oak woods. Summer is abuzz with the scratch and hum of insects and baby ducks splashing on the pond. Fall is spectacular with the goldenrod a brilliant companion for the deep reds of the sumac. Deer are plentiful and may beat you to the apple harvest.

Visiting

Terrain & Trails

Rolling hills. Over a mile of mowed trails. Short asphalt trail in playground area. Bicycles allowed on asphalt trail but prohibited on hiking trails.

Acreage

24-acre natural area, plus 4-acre playground area

Location

The preserve is located in southern Maplewood, west of Century Avenue between Linwood Avenue and Highwood Avenue. New Century Development borders the preserve on the east.

Entrances

There are entrances at:

  • Matterhorn
  • O'Day Street
  • Promontory Place
  • White Oak Circle

Parking

Parking available on residential streets.

Facilities

There is a playground and small picnic shelter at the site. No restrooms or running water.