Meet some of the Graeser Park Beehivers.

They’ve removed buckthorn, weeds, tree stumps and debris. Like an archeological dig, they have unearthed limestone paths buried under years of neglect. If you can see a stone path in the park today, it is because a Lion uncovered it.

At first the Lions just did spring and fall clean up, but soon realized they needed to go more often. Now they do cleanup days 3-4 times a year, including summer.

Lion Kent Brun has coordinated those cleanup days since 2010, inspiring everyone to help.

The mission is to

DOCUMENT the history and seven historic parks of Lilac Way on Highway 100, from Robbinsdale to Edina, MN

SUPPORT restoration of Graeser Park and its rare beehive fireplace in Robbinsdale, MN

ENCOURAGE re-evaluation of Rock Island (aka Monkey Island) near Minnetonka Boulevard in St. Louis Park, MN for preservation; saved from demolition, it was built in 1939 as part of the original Lilac Park

Restorelilacway.com now has more than 75 pages and almost 60 photo albums, plus tons of historical info.

Karen does public presentations to raise awareness and promotes community restoration efforts.