Update on the Battle Creek Grassland – January 2026
Since 2021, we have partnered with other environmental organizations to preserve a unique 77-acre grassland located next to Battle Creek Regional Park. This land is owned by Ramsey County and managed by the County correctional facility. In 2021, the County asked for development proposals for this site (aka the “North Parcel”) as well as the former Ponds Golf Course (aka the “South Parcel”). A number of proposals were received for the Ponds site and that is now becoming a housing development. Initially, no proposals were received for the grassland. In 2023, a Native American group (the Oyate Ota Initiative) inquired about using this site for a cultural and social service facility.
The County invited environmental groups to participate in discussions with the Oyate group regarding possible use of the grassland for the Oyate initiative. The group met a number of times from October 2023 to November 2025. The County hired Full Circle Design to facilitate the group and write a report. Before the final report was written, the Oyate group found another site that meets their needs. Nevertheless, the report provides useful information about the site and possible next steps for long-term planning. Click on the link below for a copy of the report.
We have expressed our appreciation for this excellent report. It includes a good case for preservation of most, if not all, of the site. The Friends of Maplewood Nature adds the following comments:
While it’s great that the Oyate initiative found another location that is well suited to their needs, we hope the Native American community will have a significant role in the long-term plan for this site. Of course, this would be up to them, but perhaps the plan could include a place for indigenous traditions as well as an opportunity for public education regarding indigenous history, culture and values. Also, we hope the plan will include an observation platform based on Birdability guidelines to make this site accessible to people of all abilities. The observation platform should be on a high point of county land immediately south of the grassland parcel.
The grassland at this site is already smaller than the size normally needed by Henslow’s Sparrows and several other grassland bird species for successful nesting. Research has shown that nesting probability goes down as the size of the grassland area goes down. The fact that they are nesting here may be an indication of how desperate they are to find suitable habitat. If we were to lose even a small part of this grassland, we discussed the possibility of extending the grassland into adjacent Ramsey County lands to offset any loss of grassland acreage.
The County has informed us that development of the Battle Creek Grassland will continue to be on hold for the time being. Advocacy is still needed to assure permanent protection for this unique natural area. If you have the opportunity to talk with County commissioners, please let them know how important it is to protect this unique natural resource.
For background and more information please click on the Grassland Fact Sheet Link below.
When you talk with elected officials, here are key talking points:
- The Grassland is home to rare and declining bird species.
- There are a number of already degraded properties in the County that could be used for housing.
- Nature is important for the community’s health.
- We ask that this County-owned property be included in Battle Creek Regional Park with enhanced protection as an Environmental Natural Area.
- In order to protect ground-nesting birds, activities in the grassland should occur outside the time when grassland birds are present, and public access should be limited to accessible observation sites on the periphery.
Please use your own words and identify yourself, particularly if you live in Ramsey County. Find your commissioner’s email address by clicking on your location in this map.
Although access to this site is restricted, much of the site can be viewed from adjoining park trails. Guided field trips are conducted jointly by the Friends of Maplewood Nature and the St. Paul Bird Alliance. In 2026, field trips are planned for June 9 and June 20. Details will be posted on our websites in March 2026.
Rare birds flock to little-known Maplewood grassland
Our continuing and collaborative efforts to preserve the Battle Creek Grassland have been recognized in many news articles.
Two examples:
Star Tribune, January 28, 2022:
John Zakelj, Friends of Maplewood Nature Center president and a longtime Audubon Society member, said a coalition of grassroots environmental groups will continue lobbying for the north parcel to be added to Battle Creek Regional Park. The lack of developer interest in the north property is a clear message to county leaders, he said.
“The fact they received no proposal for the northern property supports our point of view that the northern parcel is not appropriate for housing,” Zakelj said. “More and more people have come around and are seeing the unique natural value of that grassland.”
Pioneer Press, Nov. 23, 2022:
Environmental groups, including the Friends of the Mississippi River and Friends of Maplewood Nature Center, are steadfast in preserving the north site, which borders Battle Creek Regional Park.
Friends of Maplewood Nature 