"The land that is now the Blaine SNA was slated for development in 1999 when the city, using a DNR grant, hired ecologist Jason Husveth to create a citywide plant inventory.

 

     "Husveth discovered a rare grassy fen, a marshy area fed by mineral-rich groundwater, in the future preserve and eventually cataloged nearly 300 native plant species — representing about 15 percent of the state's total. Among them were 13 rare plants, more than at any of the other 16 SNAs in the metro area, DNR officials said." Jim Adams Star Tribune July 26, 2013