Protect Water. Preserve the Bluffs.

We Need Your Help.
Let’s Do This Together.

Our Mission

We advocate for the preservation of the Minnesota River valley bluff in the city of Eden Prairie, MN. The bluff landscape is geologically, ecologically, culturally and historically significant. Our goal is to prevent further development of the bluff area and preserve the remaining bluff remnants, preferably as a park and indigenous center. A 28-acre portion of the bluff is currently at risk for development. A 50 home housing project, called the Noble Hill Project, is slated for this land that is just adjacent to Riley Creek and the Fredrick Miller Spring (Mni Wakan) on Spring Rd. Concerns related to this specific development are erosion to the creek banks, pollution to the creek, water table, and spring, loss of habitat for endangered and threatened bird and bee species, slope safety issues, and a lost opportunity to engage with the historical and cultural aspects of this rare place.

 The MN River Valley Bluff

The Eden Prairie bluff landscape has a  unique combination of climate, vegetation, geology, and wildlife characteristics. 

Prehistoric tribes inhabited the area  as evidenced by the 100s of burial  mounds that are present throughout  the bluffs. 

This rare landscape along with its  historical and cultural value is being  erased by intensive development.  The small remnants of bluff that remain today are in need of  conservation.

Development of the Minnesota River Bluff in Eden Prairie, MN

Aerial view of the endangered valley bluffs, spring and creek. Showing the vast majority of the area is now developed, erasing much of this unique landscape’s vegetation, wildlife, historical and cultural resources.

 The Spring History

The earliest recorded mentions of springs and seeps around what is now Eden Prairie come from mid-19th century government surveys, and the diaries and memoirs of the area’s first Euro-American settlers. Based on these sources, it is known that springs and seeps occurred in relative abundance in the Minnesota River valley areas, and these sources of clean water were highly sought after.

William Fredrick moved the spring access to its current location and built a wooden tank to contain the spring’s waterflow in 1880. Arthur Miller acquired the spring in 1968 and donated it to the City of Eden Prairie in 1969. The City made improvements to the site in 1972 and in 2003. Fredrick-Miller Spring is located on the east side of Spring Road, one-quarter mile north of Flying Cloud Drive. The site includes an access turnout for automobiles and a trough for year-round use.

Preserve the Valley.
Ecological Importance.

Honor the Spring.
Cultural Significance.

How Can You Help?

By donating you are helping us fight back against the intensive development of the unique Eden Prairie bluffs landscape. Your dollars say yes to preservation over profits by investing in the protection of our state’s declining water resources and the last accessible and drinkable spring in the Twin Cities.

Donate Today!

What is at risk?

The City of Eden Prairie's Park & Open Spaces System Plan details the unique nature of the Minnesota River Valley and Bluffs. The recommendation is for the bluff land to be preserved. Click to read the excerpt.
The DNR said: An imperiled plant community was identified on the site, all prairie remnants merit protection,only 1% of prairie land remains in MN, and it is unclear how mass grading will impact the sensitive areas. The recommendation is for local governments to prioritize these types of sites for preservation. Click to read the full comments.
The MN Indian Affairs Council said: Newly gathered information reports LiDAR anomalies on the property that have the potential to be mortuary related, which raises several concerns. The recommendation is consultation with the MIAC and the Office of the State Archaeologist on further investigating the LiDAR findings before moving forward with any development. Click to read the full comments.

Speak for the Springs.
Preservation over Profits.

Sign up for Our Newsletter!

Why volunteer with us?

  • Get in on the ground floor of a growing environmental advocacy group.
  • Take action on your values: Conservation, preservation, cultural heritage, etc.
  • Work with a dedicated team of professionals from various walks of life.
  • Network and create alliances.
  • Do your part to save one of the last accessible and drinkable spring in the Twin Cities!
Riley Creek

Disclaimer: This site/page/blog is collaboration – not a peer-reviewed journal or a sponsored publication. We make no representations as to accuracy, completeness, correctness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and, are not be liable for any errors, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided as is. It is tl1e reader’s responsibility to verify their own facts.

The views and opinion expressed in this page/site/blog are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organization, employer, or this entity. Assumptions made in the analysis are not reflective of the position of the entity other than the author(s).

Comments on this website are the sole responsibility of their writers and the writers will take full responsibility, liability and blame for any libel or litigation that result from something written in or as a direct result of something written in a comment.

Questions? Comments? Concerns? Email: friends.outreach@springvalleyfriends.org