Wetlands in the Blaine Community

Nature is Where We Live

Wetlands soak up harmful toxins, keeping water and air clean. Water on the surface is filtered as it soaks in and recharges the groundwater, the city’s water supply. Nature is not separate from communities, it is all interconnected.

This 500 acres of wetland are located in the Rice Creek Watershed, which flows into the Mississippi River. Our neighborhoods are connected by these water systems.

City parks and open spaces can improve the physical and psychological health of those who visit. They also strengthen the community and make neighborhoods more attractive places to live. Numerous studies have shown the social, environmental, economic, and health benefits parks bring to a city and its people. Proximity to parks and open spaces enhances the value of residential properties and produces increased tax revenues for communities. Open space captures precipitation and reduces stormwater management costs. By protecting underground water sources, open space can greatly reduce the cost of drinking water. And of course, there is the value of protecting the habitats of wild creatures who live near suburban neighborhoods.

Tune into the Sights and Sounds of Nature

Sights

eyes-250Binoculars

Visitors to the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary can use binoculars to explore. View animals, insects, and plant species too far away to spot with the naked eye.

binoculars-250Eyes

Explorers young and old can view unique species only found in the Anoka Sand Plain with the naked eye right from the boardwalk.


belly biology-250Belly  Biology

Students practice belly biology by lying on the boardwalk and peeking under it to identify plants and animals that are seen at the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary.

Sounds

frogs-250Frogs

Frogs are amphibians that are known for their jumping abilities, croaking sounds, bulging eyes, and slimy skin. They live all over the world and are among the most diverse animals in the world.

brids-250Birds

Birds are vertebrates with feathers, wings, and a beak. Typically they can fly. Birds have a wide variety of songs and calls. Some are song birds, others use their song to defend their territory.

insects-250Insects

Insects are small invertebrates or arthropod animals with six legs, compound eyes, one pair of antennae, and generally one or two pairs of wings. There are more than a million described species.