The benefits of being surrounded by a healthy natural environment include a clean and abundant supply of groundwater and surface water, clean air to breathe, and a good mix of terrestrial and aquatic habitats such as forests, prairies, and wetlands.
These features are necessary to promote a vibrant and diverse human, animal, and plant community. Although not always visible, their contribution to the quality of life enjoyed by Golden Valley residents is important.
Golden Valley's Natural Resources Management Plan guides decision makers and staff in preserving, protecting, restoring, and enhancing its nature areas, green corridors, and open spaces.
Proper maintenance of Golden Valley's native vegetation buffers around ponds and wetlands help improve water quality and ecological diversity and provide habitat and food sources for pollinators.
More than one-third of all plant-based products consumed by humans depend on various pollinators. Insects like bees and butterflies, birds, and small mammals are critical to perpetuating and proliferating our food sources.
Golden Valley's Urban Forestry Program ensures that public trees are properly managed and provides residents with the correct information to care for their own trees.