The Lake Phalen Shoreland Restoration is one of Minnesota’s largest and most successful restoration projects, transforming a riprap shoreline into a resilient native habitat. Stretching almost two miles around the lake, it features a variety of plant communities that benefit both wildlife and park visitors. The project has improved water quality by reducing surface water runoff and removing rocky slopes along the shoreline. This restoration demonstrates the power of partnerships, ongoing maintenance, and community collaboration as a model for sustainable and impactful environmental work.

Overview

The Lake Phalen Shoreline Restoration project, initiated in 2001, aimed to address significant erosion issues along the Phalen Lakeshore in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Originally, Lake Phalen was used by indigenous people as a route to White Bear Lake to harvest wild rice. In 1899, it was designated as a park with a primary focus on recreation, which led to the dredging of the lake to create turf spaces that required regular mowing. However, this caused significant erosion, which was made worse by waves hitting the shoreline. To address these issues, large rocks, known as riprap, were put into the shoreline. While riprap offered protection from erosion, it proved detrimental to wildlife. The steep slopes made it difficult for wildlife, such as turtles and frogs, to climb, and they would become trapped between the rocks. Additionally, riprap provided minimal space for soil and plant growth, leaving the shoreline with little habitat for wildlife, pollinators, and fish.

Over seven years, this restoration project restored nearly two miles of shoreline. The primary goals of the restoration were to stabilize eroding banks, increase natural vegetation coverage, enhance fish and wildlife habitats, improve aesthetic appeal, and increase public access to the lake. To achieve these goals, the restoration replaced riprap with native vegetation and planted over 100 native shrubs, trees, grasses, and wildflowers. This created diverse habitats, including wetlands, meadows, prairies, and savannas. This work was completed with many partners, including Ramsey County Parks, St. Paul Parks and Recreation, City of Maplewood, Ramsey County Garden Education Volunteers, Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa, and Ramsey County Corrections.

This project has been widely seen as successful and has reduced erosion, improved water quality, and increased biodiversity. Native fish, frogs, and bird species are now able to better utilize the shoreland because of the increased habitat from the RWMWD restoration project. Additionally, the project served as an educational resource with over 300 local school groups participating in environmental lessons on the lakeshore. Overall, the Lake Phalen Shoreline Restoration has greatly enhanced the ecological health and recreational value of the lake, benefiting both wildlife and the local community.