Spruce Ridge landfill recognized for wildlife management

The nonprofit Wildlife Habitat Council last week certified Spruce Ridge Landfill as a home for wildlife.

The 543-acre facility, operated by Texas-based Waste Management, is in a rural agricultural area and contains diverse habitats, including prairies, wetlands and ponds.

A Wildlife at Work program actively manages approximately 95 acres for wildlife habitat.

The Waste Management wildlife team maintains prairie habitat for a number of species by using controlled burns to simulate the natural fire disturbances that historically maintained prairies. The team also weeds out invasive Canada thistle, to ensure this species does not trump native prairie plant species.

Native plants were planted in the wetland area last year to benefit aquatic species, such as fish and waterfowl. An additional 2.5 acres were planted with native grasses and wildflowers to benefit pollinator species. Tours of the site’s habitat enhancement projects provide schools and other groups with opportunities to learn about wildlife and wildlife habitat.

With help from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the team also conducts bird counts to determine how habitats on site are affecting game bird populations.

Spruce Ridge Landfill is one of 45 Waste Management locations receiving an award this year, bringing the company’s total number of sites with Wildlife at Work certifications to 73.