About Willow Reserve

Willow Reserve is a 23-acre urban oasis in the City of Saint Paul’s North End. For nearly a century, the land was privately held and used for agriculture. In the 1960s, the City of Saint Paul and local neighbors purchased the site and established a bird and wildlife reserve.  

With input from residents, the City of Saint Paul, Capitol Region Watershed District, and North End Neighborhood Organization developed a restoration plan for the Reserve that includes removing invasive plants and replacing them with native trees, shrubs, and other plants to better support local wildlife. Capitol Region Watershed District completed restoration work between 2016 and 2020, conducts ecological monitoring, and continues to manage vegetation at the Reserve. 
The Trout Brook Storm Sewer Interceptor carries water from city streets to a pond in Willow Reserve to reduce flooding. The pond is also home to many species of frogs, turtles, and waterfowl. 
 

Translated Signs

The signs at Willow Reserve were created by Background Stories in partnership with the City of Saint Paul and Capitol Region Watershed District.  The purpose of the signs is to invite, inform, and guide visitors throughout the Reserve.  

2- Sided Kiosk
Side A
Side B
Interpretative Signs