Tour of Hennepin County's Gravel Bed Nursery

Join Green Cities Accord and Hennepin County for a behind-the-scenes tour of Hennepin County’s gravel bed nursery, one of the largest gravel bed nurseries in the world.

The gravel-bed nursery supplies thousands of hardy, diverse, and cost-effective trees for planting across county properties and projects each year. Every spring, approximately 2,000 young saplings are planted in the gravel bed system, where they develop strong fibrous root systems before being transplanted in the fall.

This unique experience offers a closer look at an innovative approach to urban forestry that improves tree survival rates, expands species diversity, and supports long-term climate resilience efforts. The nursery also plays an important role in proactively replacing ash trees impacted by emerald ash borer.

Guests will hear from Green Cities Accord and Hennepin County staff about current planting efforts, urban forest management strategies, and the role trees play in creating healthier, more resilient communities.

The tour will be offered on the afternoon of Wednesday, June 3 from 1:00–3:00 PM. Free parking is available in the Parker’s Lake Golf Center parking lot. 

Thank you to our sponsor: