Belwin is one of the largest remaining undeveloped tracts of land in the Twin Cities. Numerous programs utilize the property in Afton and West Lakeland Township. Belwin’s 1,300 acres feature woods, wetlands, remnant and restored tallgrass prairies, goat prairies, oak savannas, spring-fed cold water streams, marshes, floating bogs, potholes, oak and maple/basswood forests and farmland being restored to prairie. There are several native plant communities found on Belwin's property including dry sand-gravel prairie, oak forest and three types of wetlands, including floodplain forest, seepage meadow and rich fen. Five animal species and three plant species, considered rare by the Department of Natural Resources have been documented on Belwin property.
Bison at BelwinBison again roam the prairies of Washington County, Minnesota. On Saturday, June 28th at noon, Belwin released a herd of bison onto its property located in Afton and West Lakeland, Minnesota. Bison, long absent from this area, play an essential role on the prairie. By reintroducing them, Belwin hopes to enhance the health of its prairies, study the effect of bison on the landscape and teach people about Minnesota’s history during its 150th anniversary. |
Lucy Winton Bell Athletic Fields
The Lucy Winton Bell Athletic Fields are open for another season. Click here for more information on events, directions, and a map of the fields.
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Belwin to Reintroduce Bison to their Prairies
Afton, Minnesota — June 10, 2008 — Bison will soon roam the prairies of Washington County, Minnesota once again. On Saturday, June 28th at noon, Belwin will release a herd of bison onto its property located in Afton and West Lakeland, Minnesota. Bison, long absent from this area, play an essential role ...
Diversity Yields Stability
This is a concept that was drilled into my brain throughout my college days as I was learning to be a naturalist. In my teaching through the years it is a theme I constantly come back to. When I learned this particular idea it was mainly about the natural world ...
Lucy News
The 2008 season is just now getting underway at the Lucy Winton Bell Athletic Fields. We had a wet and snowy start to the season, but we are anticipating another great year. Lucy again anticipates hosting over 1,500 games and 70,000 visits. A complete event schedule for 2008 ...
Prescribed Prairie Burns
It’s hard to believe that the ground will ever be dry enough to carry a fire. Even so, at Belwin we have been busily preparing for the prescribed burn season this spring. Fire is one of our most effective tools and it takes a lot of planning to do ...
Director's Message
Recently The Nature Conservancy funded the most comprehensive study thus far on nature recreation. The lead author, Oliver Pergams, assistant professor of biological sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago, described the results as “almost terrifying”. The study showed that there has been a fundamental and profound shift away ...