Parks & Recreation

Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve - Accessible Trail Improvements

Project Status: Planning

Project Overview:

Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve (Hawk Ridge) is a 365-acre City-owned nature reserve and an internationally recognized observation site for bird migration. Through an agreement with the City, Hawk Ridge is managed and operated by Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory (HRBO), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

In 2022, the Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve Mini-Master Plan was adopted by HRBO and Duluth City Council. The plan provides a long-term vision for addressing three primary challenges at Hawk Ridge: 1) Limited accessible facilities and trails for education programs and outdoor recreation; 2) Visitor safety and conflicts with vehicle traffic; and 3) Limited space and resources for high-quality conservation-based education programming.

This project focuses on improving equitable access to outdoor recreation and conservation-based education for individuals of all abilities through the construction of a universally accessible trail loop and improved access to the bird migration viewing platform. The loop will be established through a combination of newly constructed trail, segments of new boardwalk to protect and preserve wetlands, and upgrades to existing trail to meet the firm and stable surface requirements for an accessible trail. Additionally, approximately 1.25 acres of invasive species removal will be completed along the accessible trail corridor to promote native habitat and protect ecological integrity.

Project Update:

In September 2025, Duluth City Council authorized acceptance of grant funds to implement this project. Next steps include entering into a grant agreement with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, developing biddable documents, and soliciting and selecting a contractor for construction in the spring of 2026.

Funding Source:

$155,000 in funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). The Trust Fund is a permanent fund constitutionally established by the citizens of Minnesota to assist in the protection, conservation, preservation, and enhancement of the state’s air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources.

Katie Bennett, Senior Parks Planner, is responsible for overseeing this project award. Katie can be reached at kbennett@DuluthMN.gov or via the comment form below.