Wetland A, situated near Snail Lake in Shoreview, is one of the most substantial natural wetland remnants in the Ramsey Washington Metro Watershed. RWMWD has partnered with Ramsey County to conduct a three-year ecological restoration project in the area to add resiliency, reduce erosion, introduce beneficial native species, improve aesthetics, and substantially improve its overall condition. Over this period, 1.5 miles of wetland buffer edge will be restored, with native plant species installed in the place of invasive species.
In 2019 2,130 feet of shore and 2.5 acres of wetland buffer were completed in Wetland A. In this first phase of the project 12,257 native plants and 20 pounds of seed were installed as part of the buffer, many of which are pollinator-friendly species.
In 2020 Phase 2 of restoration work extended to the south and west portion of the wetland, with over 1,000 feet of a buffer created and 1,200 native plants installed by RWMWD staff and volunteers. The wetland shore restoration is expected to be complete after Phase 3 is finished in 2021.