Homewood neighborhood planting project

May community planting summary

April community outreach to determine the best planting plan option

Three planting proposals were developed after concerns were expressed about not having options at the community meeting in March. Plan options were developed by Northside Safety NET interns and county foresters. On April 5 and 12 2023, Hennepin County foresters and Northside Safety NET interns canvassed an area of 172 homes near the Homewood planting site to gather information from residents about which of the three plans they preferred. Residents also shared their opinions and accessed a survey through e-newsletter outreach, social media posts, and by a community member who talked with neighbors. One plan was the clear winner based on community feedback and will be used at the May 20 planting event. Full summary of outreach and community feedback (PDF).

March meeting summary

The second opportunity for the community to provide feedback was held on Wednesday, March 22. Community feedback gathered related to the proposed planting plan. Support was shown for removal of invasive species, pollinator plantings, a walking trail with interpretive Tree Trek signs, and several other aspects of the plan. Concerns were raised about the quantity of trees, tree removal, and several other aspects of the plan. Full summary of community feedback (PDF).

January meeting summary

The first opportunity for the community to provide feedback on the tree planting project opportunity was held on Wednesday, January 18. Community feedback was gathered related to how the site is currently being used, ideas for the site, concerns, and potential partners for the project. Full summary of community feedback (PDF).

Sign up to receive email updates

Sign up to receive email updates about the project and a reminder about the planting on May 20.

Hennepin County is proposing a tree planting project for the 2.1-acre vacant lot at the intersection of 8th and Washburn Avenue North in the Homewood Neighborhood of Minneapolis.

Trees and forests provide many benefits, including improving our air and water, shading homes and helping to conserve energy, cooling our streets and cities, providing habitat for birds and other wildlife, and making our communities healthier. To enhance the county’s tree canopy and make it resilient to threats from climate change, pests, and disease, The county has committed to planting 1 million trees by 2030 with partners as a key climate action.

Special features of the project

Using the project for environmental education and green job efforts

• Hennepin County foresters are working with Northside Safety NET interns to support a student-led tree planting design and community engagement process that, if supported by the community, would culminate in a community tree planting event in May 2023.
• Exploring the idea of the site designed like a small arboretum environment that showcases various climate resilient tree species with educational signs about the different features of each type of tree.
• Country foresters grow trees in a gravel-bed nursery and then partner with cities, schools and nonprofit organizations to plant trees and educate residents about the benefits of trees.

Cooling our community to stay healthy

Increasing the tree canopy in North Minneapolis can reduce the heat island effect that can compound health risks to the elderly and residents with underlying health conditions. This area of Minneapolis is a high priority tree planting area because it has less tree canopy and greenspace to mitigate the heat of more concrete and other hard surfaces where the temperature measured can be significantly higher than the official reported temperature. The continued rise of temperatures due to climate change is likely worsening this heat island effect.

Site history

The proposed planting site is 2.1-acre vacant lot with mostly grass. The existing trees shade about one-third of the land. The lot has been vacant since 1940 and underneath the grass is a layer of demolition fill. It’s not economically feasible to use the site for housing or other development opportunities due to the presence of buried debris. The lot is owned and maintained by the Hennepin County Railroad Authority.

Northside Safety NET is an environmental careers exploration program designed to decrease the barriers to environmental careers for youth of color in North Minneapolis. Hennepin County and Environmental Initiative have been partnering on Northside Safety NET since its launch in summer 2021. Hennepin County has delivered programming on brownfield redevelopment, solid waste management, stormwater management, natural resource conservation, and environmental career pathways and opportunities. 

Notably, Northside Safety NET interns worked with Hennepin County foresters to learn about tree identification, the gravel bed nursery, and tree removal. Foresters also supported the planting of fruit trees in the Celestial Gardens, a previously vacant lot, designed and planted by Northside Safety NET interns in partnership with Project Sweetie Pie.