Tamarack Nature Preserve has a rich history. The land was originally part of the Fort Snelling Military Reservation in the 1850s. The surrounding areas became the homes of newly arrived settlers, and the preserve’s forested areas served as a valuable resource for the local economy. Today, Tamarack Nature Preserve is an important environmental asset for the city of Woodbury and the Twin Cities metro area. To ensure Tamarack Nature Preserve is kept raw and natural, the land is divided into three distinct ecological zones. First, the woodland area consists of mature forests of maple, oak, and ash trees and is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, minks, and bobcats. Second, the wetland area is filled with marshes, ponds, and boggy areas where wetland birds and amphibians thrive. Lastly, the prairie zone features a mix of grasses, flowers, and shrubs that encourages a unique variety of pollinators. Learn more about Lookout Ridge Indoor Playground in Woodbury, MN.