Nine Mile Creek Corridor - Moving Bloomington Forward

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  Moir Park

  by gate0041, almost 2 years ago

  My memories go back to when my kids were young. The Bloomington Babysitting Co-op held the annual picnic at the shelter for years and Scout troops occasionally did events there too. Moir Park has a great disk golf course, playground, and walking trails. The park is right in the heart of Bloomington. It has the potential to be a vibrant, community gathering space for multiple user groups. It would be fantastic to add to the outdoor amenities of this park: natural surface singletrack mountain bike and trail running trails, more hiking trails, ADA accessible trails, pickleball, climbing wall, small stage... Continue reading

  My memories go back to when my kids were young. The Bloomington Babysitting Co-op held the annual picnic at the shelter for years and Scout troops occasionally did events there too. Moir Park has a great disk golf course, playground, and walking trails. The park is right in the heart of Bloomington. It has the potential to be a vibrant, community gathering space for multiple user groups. It would be fantastic to add to the outdoor amenities of this park: natural surface singletrack mountain bike and trail running trails, more hiking trails, ADA accessible trails, pickleball, climbing wall, small stage for live music/theater are just a few options that come to mind. With the addition of the MN Valley State Trail in the River Bottoms, a connection from Moir to MVST, would be a vehicle-free option to travel to the cities east and south of Bloomington. Ball and stick sports are dying and the fields are not used like they used to be. Our youth are not getting outside as much either. The reason? Many of these natural places have been off limits to them, all of us, and the amenities aren't what interest people now. It we want people, young and old, engaged and caring about the environment, we need to update the amenities and let people in, instead of excluding them. My hope for the future of this park is that it will become a welcoming place and many users will be able to take advantage of the variety of amenities a community and park of this size could afford. Compton Gardens, in Bentonville AR, is a brilliant example of many user groups (mountain bikers/regular cyclists/walkers/young/old/able and non-able bodies alike, coming together and sharing space.
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  Poetic Power of Nature

  by CAL, almost 2 years ago
  

  My affection for Nine Mile Creek is poetic in nature. It began seven years ago when my spouse and I moved to Minnesota from out of state. Initially, we searched for a home in Minneapolis but were ultimately drawn to Bloomington by two irresistible factors. First, we fell in love with a beautiful century-old house we now call home. Second, we were utterly captivated by the Nine Mile Creek corridor. Seven years later, my heart still swells with admiration for the creek and all its inhabitants.

  The natural surfaced path initially caught my attention, as it is much kinder to... Continue reading

  My affection for Nine Mile Creek is poetic in nature. It began seven years ago when my spouse and I moved to Minnesota from out of state. Initially, we searched for a home in Minneapolis but were ultimately drawn to Bloomington by two irresistible factors. First, we fell in love with a beautiful century-old house we now call home. Second, we were utterly captivated by the Nine Mile Creek corridor. Seven years later, my heart still swells with admiration for the creek and all its inhabitants.

  The natural surfaced path initially caught my attention, as it is much kinder to people like myself with joint disease. But then, the beauty of the creek, woodlands, floodplain forest, and wetlands spoke to me. The creek is mesmerizing and often matches my mood; on some days, it babbles and gurgles; on others, it’s turbulent and gushing. The wetlands boast a new surprise every season—migrant waterfowl, toads, snakes, frogs, beaver and muskrats, duckweed, burr-reed, fireweed, and milk vetch. Moreover, the winding path gently following the creek and weaving through the forest is peaceful and enchanting. In truth, sometimes I find myself humming Judy Kuhn’s “Just Around the Riverbend.”

  The birds were next to catch my eye. On one spring morning walk, I was surrounded by a myriad of migratory songbirds. They swooshed, fluttered, foraged, and sang. Meanwhile, gorgeous waterfowl—American Coot, Blue-winged Teal, and Buffleheads, paddled and waded in the floodwaters. It was a paradise far more spectacular than a rainforest thousands of miles away.

  My relationship with Nine Mile Creek and its surrounding community becomes more meaningful with each passing season and every ensuing year. Most recently, I've met its countless native wildflowers, each with unique beauty and charm. Skunk cabbage greets me in early spring, with her maroon hooded leaf shrouding her flower. The marsh marigold, not to be outdone, soon after sprouts her bright yellow blooms. Bloodroot gestures gracefully, her pure white blossom beaming with elegance. Wild ginger displays her ephemeral love with heart-shaped leaves and a red, bell-shaped flower. And then the rest burst forth, welcoming me after a three-season absence—Solomon Seal, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Dutchman's breeches, trillium, rattlesnake root, and ramp blanket the woodland floor with tranquil and green once more.

  The poetic power of nature is undeniable. New employment brought us to Bloomington, but the Nine Mile Creek community, its inhabitants, and visitors keep us here. Its diverse wildlife and tranquility create a captivating environment that inspires awe and instills a sense of peace. Every turn in the creek reveals new beauty to behold, making it a place that truly captures the heart.
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  First Ring Suburb Natural Gem!

  by Tracy Trembley, almost 2 years ago
  

  I have lived in Bloomington since 2001 and visit the Nine Mile Creek Corridor at Moir and Central Park regularly—usually while walking my dog. It‘s such a spectacular and unique place to experience the solitude of nature (mostly in her raw state) in the midst of a major metropolitan area. It seems the founders of Bloomington township were wise when they set aside this land in 1954. May we continue that wisdom and ensure we co-exist with the park‘s natural inhabitants for generations to come. As they say, “Take memories, leave only footprints.”

  I have lived in Bloomington since 2001 and visit the Nine Mile Creek Corridor at Moir and Central Park regularly—usually while walking my dog. It‘s such a spectacular and unique place to experience the solitude of nature (mostly in her raw state) in the midst of a major metropolitan area. It seems the founders of Bloomington township were wise when they set aside this land in 1954. May we continue that wisdom and ensure we co-exist with the park‘s natural inhabitants for generations to come. As they say, “Take memories, leave only footprints.”
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  Beautiful and peaceful 9 Mile Creek trail

  by Stefanie, almost 2 years ago

  I have lived in Bloomington since 2011....and since adopting my dog in 2014, I have walked with her along 9 Mile Creek almost everyday (even a snow storm won't keep us away). This daily walk brings me, my dog, and all who join me so much joy and peace. Our favorite part of 9 Mile Creek is the dirt trail from 106th Street down to the Minnesota River. It is such a beautiful area, and there seems to be so much more nature along this dirt trail vs the paved trail north of 106th Street. I see more deer here... Continue reading

  I have lived in Bloomington since 2011....and since adopting my dog in 2014, I have walked with her along 9 Mile Creek almost everyday (even a snow storm won't keep us away). This daily walk brings me, my dog, and all who join me so much joy and peace. Our favorite part of 9 Mile Creek is the dirt trail from 106th Street down to the Minnesota River. It is such a beautiful area, and there seems to be so much more nature along this dirt trail vs the paved trail north of 106th Street. I see more deer here - more birds (owls!) - more small critters and more foxes and coyotes (who keep their distance). Without the heat absorbing black pavement, the trail south of 106th Street is cooler in the summer, and there is more shade from the abundant trees. I hope this does not change. It makes me so sad to think that the City of Bloomington - the people that I voted for - are considering widening this beautiful, natural trail and inviting more traffic and cyclists in. Most cyclists I know prefer to be down by the River - they want the dirt trails of the "river bottoms" - and they now have a large paved trail along the river if they choose to use that. Please preserve the beautiful, natural urban oasis that is Nine Mile Creek! Improve and repair the bridges, the signs, the trail map, and the facilities at Moir and Central Parks...but please do not disturb the nature and peace along 9 Mile Creek. Leave it as is.....for the community and for the animals, fish, plants, and trees.
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  “In every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks.” John Muir

  by TigerLily, almost 2 years ago

  I’ve lived in the west metro most of my life and a Bloomington resident for over 30 years. I lived briefly in San Francisco, Washington DC, and the mountains of Colorado, enjoying some of the best of our National Parks. The Nine Mile Creek Corridor is a rare gem in the heart of Bloomington that brings back fond memories of peaceful hikes in Muir Woods. Granted, we don’t have old-growth redwoods, but we do have old trees providing a shady canopy with rich biodiversity including endangered species and a meandering creek below.

  I love the woods and water and enjoy... Continue reading

  I’ve lived in the west metro most of my life and a Bloomington resident for over 30 years. I lived briefly in San Francisco, Washington DC, and the mountains of Colorado, enjoying some of the best of our National Parks. The Nine Mile Creek Corridor is a rare gem in the heart of Bloomington that brings back fond memories of peaceful hikes in Muir Woods. Granted, we don’t have old-growth redwoods, but we do have old trees providing a shady canopy with rich biodiversity including endangered species and a meandering creek below.

  I love the woods and water and enjoy taking in all the peace and beauty nature has to offer in our fabulous four (for how long?) seasons. Beyond fulfilling important needs for me including safe, easy, comfortable access to natural footpath walking trails (I work standing on concrete) with peaceful rest spots that are easier on my arthritic joints, and connection to nature for mental health, I also enjoy seeing all the friendly dog walkers, seniors, and young families using the trail. It’s super cool to regularly see plein air painters and photographers capturing images to share well beyond Bloomington. We can and should take great pride in this remarkable area and do everything we can to protect and preserve it for future generations. It should remain the peaceful walking trail that it is.

  I referred to our changing climate and we see the effects in more severe weather patterns, droughts, and massive wildfires. Moir/Central Park and the creek corridor provide an important greenspace providing a free and environmentally sustainable escape from the heat while also helping to reduce the urban heat island effect. Living on the Nine Mile Creek Watershed, and with family owning lake property up north, I am keenly aware of the impact of runoff to water quality, and am therefore against adding additional paved walkways, and especially no bike paths since it would require the loss of too many trees and understory, too much straightening, and retaining walls.

  I voted YES for the sales tax referendum because I believed it was to IMPROVE the Ice Garden and Community Center and improve the Nine Mile Creek Corridor by protecting the creekbanks, removing invasive species, protecting habitat, and improving park facilities at Moir Park. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that “improved accessibility” would mean creating bike paths or shared pedestrian and bike paths that would destroy the environment of the park. That would be counter to everything this park is and what the city presented as its case to voters in the 2023 election.

  “Man must be made conscious of his origin as a child of Nature. Brought into right relationship with the wilderness he would see that he was not a separate entity endowed with a divine right to subdue his fellow creatures and destroy the common heritage, but rather an integral part of a harmonious whole. He would see that his appropriation of earth's resources beyond his personal needs would only bring imbalance and beget ultimate loss and poverty for all.”
  - by Linnie Marsh Wolfe, describing Muir's remedy for human misery in her book, Son of the Wilderness: The Life of John Muir (1945) page 188.
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  Central Park is my favorite park in the Twin Cities

  by MLBloom, almost 2 years ago

  I’d lived in Minneapolis for a long time when a friend suggested we look at a townhouse in Bloomington. We were instantly in love with the view from the deck into Central Park, and when we went down to the creek, we were enchanted by the quaint bridges, burbling stream, those towering cottonwoods at mile marker .4, and just how beautiful and wild the park felt. We decided right then to buy the place.

  That was ten years ago.

  Over the years I have explored every trail in the park. I have seen so much wildlife! Have you ever had... Continue reading

  I’d lived in Minneapolis for a long time when a friend suggested we look at a townhouse in Bloomington. We were instantly in love with the view from the deck into Central Park, and when we went down to the creek, we were enchanted by the quaint bridges, burbling stream, those towering cottonwoods at mile marker .4, and just how beautiful and wild the park felt. We decided right then to buy the place.

  That was ten years ago.

  Over the years I have explored every trail in the park. I have seen so much wildlife! Have you ever had the opportunity to watch a mink eat a fish? I have, just across from Moir. I once saw a family of three beavers, including a kit, gnawing on sticks. I still remember the walk where I saw a barred owl, a raccoon in a tree, and a coyote nosing among some logs—unaware of my presence—all in the same walk. Where else in the city can you find such abundant wildlife?

  When I need to escape, I hike the unpaved upper trails. They are less frequently used than the lower trails and are very peaceful. I can totally forget I am in an urban area. Just being so close to nature calms me down. I also walk the lower trails.

  The paved trail north of 106th Street feels shaped by nature rather than imposed on it. Its winding curves invite one to relax. I’m particularly fond of the narrow bits where I’m walking right between a hill and the creek. These are the areas that I’m most upset at the idea of losing, because widening the trail for bicycles, an option under consideration, would mean cutting into those steep hillsides and putting in retaining walls. I don’t want my walk in the park to be section after section of retaining walls, some as high or higher than the one at 106th St! In addition, a trail designed for bicycle traffic would need to be straighter, with no blind curves. The entire character of the park would be different. That natural feel would be lost. It would be more manicured, less wild, less intimate. The park’s wildness is the reason I moved here.

  Overall, I feel very safe in Central park and on the trail. It’s a friendly place. Those of use who frequently walk the trails recognize each other and say “hi.” Because the traffic is pedestrian-only, I don’t have to worry about what is going on around me. I can meander, stop to look at a bird (or beaver), or just zone out without being startled by someone yelling “on your left!,” or having to worry about a fast-moving bike (or ebike!) zooming up behind me.

  One last thing: I love how clean the park is. Yes, there is a lot of trash in the creek, much probably washed into it from the street drainage system. But along the trail, there is very little litter, which contributes to that amazing feeling that you are not in the middle of a city.
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  Keep Nine Mile Creek Trail the beautiful walking path it is today!

  by Jane Freeman , almost 2 years ago

  My husband and I are long-time Bloomington residents, living in the city for 33 years. Although we live on Bloomington’s west side, near Hyland Park, we often walk at Nine Mile because it is such a special place.

  In the summer, it is cool and shaded, and in the winter, it is protected from the cold north wind. In all seasons, it is a treasure with the creek winding and flowing through and nature on every side.

  When we step onto the path, we immediately feel like we are “up north” within the city! Last spring, summer and fall alone... Continue reading

  My husband and I are long-time Bloomington residents, living in the city for 33 years. Although we live on Bloomington’s west side, near Hyland Park, we often walk at Nine Mile because it is such a special place.

  In the summer, it is cool and shaded, and in the winter, it is protected from the cold north wind. In all seasons, it is a treasure with the creek winding and flowing through and nature on every side.

  When we step onto the path, we immediately feel like we are “up north” within the city! Last spring, summer and fall alone, we saw a racoon, deer (a doe with two fawns and five bucks in one evening), ducks, a kingfisher, and several species of migrating birds.

  We also love seeing the diversity of visitors on our walks; families with young kids, people of all ages and ethnicities, people from surrounding communities, people out fishing and LOTS of dog walkers.

  Most of all, we love the peacefulness, beauty and calm we feel when we are there. Please keep Nine Mile Creek the premier walking trail it is today!
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  Landscape Artist

  by Bob Matheson, almost 2 years ago
  

  I am an artist who has painted 9 Mile Creek for over 20 years and I never tire of its charm and beauty. I paint it year round and spend 4-6 hours on each painting. doing a few paintings a week I spend a lot of time here. I paint along the creek between Moir and 106th as I can no longer climb the steep hill beyond that although in my opinion that is where the " best " spots are.

  When I first heard of the plan to put in a bike path I was immediately saddened for the... Continue reading

  I am an artist who has painted 9 Mile Creek for over 20 years and I never tire of its charm and beauty. I paint it year round and spend 4-6 hours on each painting. doing a few paintings a week I spend a lot of time here. I paint along the creek between Moir and 106th as I can no longer climb the steep hill beyond that although in my opinion that is where the " best " spots are.

  When I first heard of the plan to put in a bike path I was immediately saddened for the wildlife that I have seen over the years have their homes disturbed if not destroyed. The mink that I see by one of the bridges early in the morning or all the deer that have a safe haven from cars and people. The fox who I seldom see any more but I know is still around and of course the birds the glorious birds that make any painting session special. I am getting a bit long in the tooth and have a finite amount of trips to paint left. I would love to see the creek as it has been the last couple decades stay the same as I am selfish and dislike change.

  I find it puzzling why the city can not see what is in front of them and are being blinded by political agendas and money. What you have is priceless, A safe place full of beauty and wildlife and of course the creek itself that beautiful creek! I get comment on my paintings from people all over the world who can not believe this is in the heart of a city. They are jealous and they have every right to be. This is a special place, has been since before the soldiers came from Ft. Snelling and hope it will stay that way. First do no harm is a good rule to follow. Think of your grandkids having a place to walk in peace without bikes bearing down on them in the race to get to the next place. I implore you to leave it be as it has been in the name of progress see it for the jewel it is!
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  Voices for the land…

  by Mary Woodford, almost 2 years ago
  When the wildlife dies out because their homes are destroyed, when the vegetation is covered with asphalt and the trees are felled, even if one part is silenced 9 mile Creek will never be as pure and true as it is now. I realize it is really quite modest, but it’s lessons are not….sometimes less is more and nature demands that we look inward as much as outward. 9 mile Creek has carved a niche in my heart that will last for the rest of my life. I am hoping that my grandchildren will be able to continue to enjoy... Continue reading

  When the wildlife dies out because their homes are destroyed, when the vegetation is covered with asphalt and the trees are felled, even if one part is silenced 9 mile Creek will never be as pure and true as it is now. I realize it is really quite modest, but it’s lessons are not….sometimes less is more and nature demands that we look inward as much as outward. 9 mile Creek has carved a niche in my heart that will last for the rest of my life. I am hoping that my grandchildren will be able to continue to enjoy Nine Mile Creek’s wild, peaceful, and natural state. Let the voice of the land be heard…..
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  Peaceful quiet meandering

  by LMM, almost 2 years ago
  Nine Mile Creek Corridor is one of the few places left in the area where you can experience nature in a quiet, safe setting without having to worry about mountain bikers, bicyclists, and skateboards careening around corners and monopolizing the trails. It’s a peaceful, serene place for nature lovers, walkers, (and even landscape artists!) to meander, think, and get exercise. I look forward to seeing how the city can help revitalize the area plantings without losing that serenity.

  Nine Mile Creek Corridor is one of the few places left in the area where you can experience nature in a quiet, safe setting without having to worry about mountain bikers, bicyclists, and skateboards careening around corners and monopolizing the trails. It’s a peaceful, serene place for nature lovers, walkers, (and even landscape artists!) to meander, think, and get exercise. I look forward to seeing how the city can help revitalize the area plantings without losing that serenity.