About Elm Creek  :: General Information
The Elm Creek Watershed
encompasses approximately 130
square miles bounded on the north by
the Crow and Mississippi Rivers.  Elm
Creek itself runs north from Medina
through Plymouth, Maple Grove, Dayton,
and Champlin where it empties into the
Mississippi River at Mill Pond.  

The watershed was part of what was
known as the "Big Woods" originally
covered by dense stands of Maple and
Basswood forests,and Elm trees.  It is
home to a diverse group of plants and
animals including such rare species as
Bald Eagles, Loggerhead Shrike, Wild
Turkeys, Trumpeter Swans, Blanding's
Turtle, and Pugnose Shriner.  

The watershed's rapid urbanization has
resulted in habitat loss, lower water
quality, and displacement of the native
diversity found in Elm Creek.
What Elm Creek means to our Community
The Elm Creek Corridor provides a unique
sense of community for citizens and natural
habitat for native plants and wildlife in this
increasingly urbanized area.  

The open spaces provided by the Elm Creek
Corridor allows for both scenic beauty and also
for recreational and educational opportunities
enjoyed by our community.  

Miles of trails have been developed along the
corridor for activities such as running and biking
to bird watching, photography, and natural
science labs.  This natural corridor also plays a
role in public safety by providing a route for the
migration of wildlife in our community, as well
as the for the users of it's trails.  


Protecting the Elm Creek Corridor (ECC)
The ECC is rapidly being developed.  If we wish to enjoy the many benefits of this great
open space and natural corridor in the heart of our community, now and in the future,  
your help is needed!  Make sure your local government officials know how much you
value this rare and valuable community asset.  You can also help by joining the Friends
of Elm Creek and adding your voice to our goals and by visiting the resources on our
links page.
Public Recreation trails
such as this one in Maple
Grove are available along
several miles of the Elm
Creek Corridor in Maple
Grove.

The Friends of Elm Creek
are working toward the
creation of the Elm Creek
Corridor Regional Trail.

This trail would connect
the cities of Maple Grove,
Plymouth and Medina
allowing users to bike or
run over a 5-7 mile
segment and loops along
the Elm Creek Corridor.

The Elm Creek Corridor
Regional Trail would
connect existing Three
Rivers and City Park
Trails allowing
continuous travel from the
Elm Creek Park Reserve
south to Baker Regional
Park and beyond.
Bike, Hike, Run or Walk
the trails in your
community?
If YES,  keep reading