The Natural Areas Program’s mission is to preserve some of our natural history so that future generations and we can understand and experience our native heritage.  The Natural Areas Program works to protect and restore natural open space that still exists as well as nurture natural ecological processes to encourage long-term sustainability.  In some open space, restoration is doubtful since the area has drastically changed from what it was originally.  Within these sites, we try to establish ecological processes by naturalizing the landscape with appropriate plants and design.

Restoring land to its more natural sustainable states improves the quality of wildlife habitats, soil and air.  These in turn improve the city’s environmental health encouraging the community in good land conservation practices and stewardship.  There are approximately 4,000 acres of parkland with potential wetlands, grasslands, shrub lands and woodlands and 2,000 acres of other city open space.  Planning, restoration and developing a vision of what these areas can become encourages the staff to move forward toward sustainability.  The “wild side” of our city allows people to connect positively to nature were we live and work.

Restoration and naturalizing require foresight and hindsight - not only of what an area once was, but also of what it can become.  These are not quick fixes - they require time.  With patience and careful observation, one can experience the miracles