Based in Farmington, Minnesota is the beginning of your source for your Christmas tree and other evergreen pine tree and shrub needs!

The farm is located in the branches of the Vermillion river, Dakota County. A lush farm area perfect for a variety of species. With our on-property fishing pond we are able to replicate a variety of conditions from wet to dry.

The Golden Pond Farm was previously a combination of forest, wetland, and cropland that was converted to a gravel pit and then restored. The restoration involved creating a large berm and contouring the land to trap runoff.

Vermillion River Watershed and Wetland Creation

The Vermillion River is a tributary to the Mississippi and is a federally designated trout stream and there are projects underway to help control the quality of water entering the Vermillion for wildlife, flood management, and other environmental purposes. By installing a berm we have trapped water reducing flooding problems downstream, reducing soil erosion, and creating a wildlife habitat. Depending on snow melt and spring rains, the size of the pond will vary from year to year. This will also determine the wildlife that will live in and around the pond.

Native Tree Restoration and Tree Nursery

Over the past few years a variety of conifers, deciduous, and shrubs were planted to test conditions in the area. This area is zone 4 but due to open land and sub-zero winters many species are unable to tolerate the conditions and die or suffer damage.

The Golden Pond Farm is part natural wetland, part created wetland, a pond, native forest, and new forest. We are working in cooperation with the Minnesota Deparment of Natural Resources, Forestry Division, and the Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District to determine the proper species for wind and soil erosion and suitability to the soil and water conditions. The restorative efforts are oriented towards native species. We want to help return our small part of the world back to a natural habitat. The farm lies in the middle of a small farming community. Most land in the area that could be tilled has been which makes it even more important to restore land for wildlife habitat and re-introduce native plant and tree species to encourage and support native wildlife.

Wildlife Habitat Improvement and Protection

There are hardly any natural or protected areas nearby so even small plots becomes refuges for a variety of animals. Over time we have spotted or heard many different animals. In the air we have hawks, owls, pheasants and turkeys. On four legs we have cougar, coyote, fox, rabbits, and the plentiful deer looking for another apple or ear of corn to steal. On the pond you might find a crane, ducks, geese, or even the stray sea bird down from Lake Superior. We are working with various wildlife agencies to help provide needed habitat environment to help stave off growth. By putting in a pond, creating wetland, and reforesting the area we are creating a welcome haven to the creatures seeking shelter, food, or a place to birth and raise offspring.

Through cooperative efforts with the US Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Research Division, and non-profit organizations like the National Wild Turkey Federation, we are able to provide the best conditions possible for native wildlife species.