The Loppet Foundation has been awarded a $500,000 multi-year Conservation Partners Legacy (CPL) Grant through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, launching a three-year habitat restoration effort at Theodore Wirth Park.
The project will focus on restoring 50 acres of woodland, prairie, and savanna surrounding The Trailhead, aligning with the Loppet’s mission of connecting people to the outdoors while fostering stewardship of Minnesota’s natural landscapes.
A Transformational Restoration Project
Working alongside Minnesota Native Landscapes (MNL) and a growing team of dedicated volunteers, the Loppet will implement a wide-ranging restoration plan. The work includes invasive species removal, turf grass conversion, prairie burns, reseeding with native plants, and long-term habitat maintenance.
“This collaborative effort marks a shared commitment to ecological restoration, climate resilience, and public engagement with Minnesota’s native ecosystems,” said a spokesperson for Minnesota Native Landscapes. “We’re helping to heal the earth and restore the connection between people and the outdoors while growing the community.”
The effort builds on two summers of volunteer-driven invasive species removal and represents a step forward in establishing resilient native habitats.
Protecting a Vital Urban Park
Theodore Wirth Park is one of the Twin Cities’ most iconic outdoor spaces and a cornerstone for Nordic skiers, runners, mountain bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. With over one million annual visits, the park serves as both a recreational hub and an ecological resource.
“Theodore Wirth Regional Park is essential to the ecological health of our region, and with more than one million annual visits, vital to the well-being of so many people who connect to the outdoors at the park every day,” said Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Superintendent Al Bangoura. “We’re incredibly grateful to have partners like the Loppet and DNR, along with countless volunteers, who recognize the importance of protecting and improving Wirth Park’s valuable natural areas.”
Community Involvement
Volunteer efforts remain central to the project. Community members gather weekly on Tuesdays from 5:30–7:00 p.m. at The Trailhead (1221 Theodore Wirth Parkway, Golden Valley, MN) to contribute to the ongoing restoration. Efforts will continue through October 28 before resuming in the spring.
The Loppet’s community-driven approach ensures that the restoration not only improves habitat for pollinators, birds, and wildlife, but also serves as a living example of land stewardship for all who visit the park.
Habitat Restoration Timeline
- Summers 2023 & 2024: Loppet volunteers organized regular invasive species removal near The Trailhead.
- Winter 2024–25: CPL grant awarded through Minnesota DNR.
- Summer 2025: Loppet contracted with Minnesota Native Landscapes to guide restoration efforts and expand volunteer activities.
- Now – Fall 2027: MNL projects will restore native savanna, woodland, and prairie habitats through a variety of methods, including prescribed burns, reseeding, invasive species removal, and ongoing maintenance.
About the Loppet
The Loppet Foundation is a Minneapolis-based nonprofit dedicated to connecting people to the outdoors through year-round programs and events. Each year, the Loppet welcomes over 40,000 participants to its diverse range of events, including cross-country skiing, mountain biking, trail running, paddling, and adventure programming.
With this grant, the Loppet is extending its commitment beyond sport and recreation, investing in the long-term health of the landscapes that make outdoor experiences possible.
Press Release
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