Visit a City Natural Area

Several parks within the City of Burnsville are managed to support native plant habitats such as prairies and wetlands. These sites are actively managed to control invasive plants with prescribed burns and mowing. Below is a list of habitats and parks where you can explore them.

PRAIRIE

Open habitat of grasses and wildflowers

• Rudy Kraemer Nature Preserve - Many acres of prairie with trails.
• Alimagnet Park - Prairie located near park entrance at County Road 11.
• Terrace Oaks Park - Prairie located near west entrance parking lot along County Road 11.
• Civic Center Prairie - Prairie along Nicollet Avenue and Civic Center Parkway.

OAK SAVANNA

Similar to prairie but with scattered trees

• Terrace Oaks Park - Oak savanna in northwest section of park, easily accessed from west entrance parking lot on County Road 11.
• Kelleher Park - Large area of oak savanna with trails, accessible from parking lot at Burnsville Parkway.

WOODLAND

Dominated by trees with understory of grasses and wildflowers?

• Alimagnet Park - Many acres of woodland with trails. Easily accessible from multiple parking areas.
• Kelleher Park - Paved and non-paved trails provide access to woodlands.
• Crystal Lake West Park - Woodland trails accessible from boat launch area and from parking area along Maple Island Road.

WETLAND

Marshes, ponds and other watery habitats

• Cliff Fen Park - Woodchip trail from west parking lot leads to wetland.
• Rudy Kraemer Nature Preserve - Gravel trail and boardwalk provide wetland views.
• Sunset Pond - Large wetland encircled by trail with many opportunities for wildlife viewing. Many areas along lake also managed as prairie.
• Earley Lake (Day Park) - Paved trail around lake provides wildlife viewing.

Video: Controlled Burns and Habitat Management