Education Articles

The Regional Trail: Ash Borer Brings Drastic Change
The Hennepin County Rail Authority is currently removing diseased and dead ash trees along the Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail corridor in Shorewood.
Work began the week of December 6, 2021, and aims to address the threat posed by the invasive emerald ash borer.

What’s Going On? Ten Shorewood Development Projects
It’s hard to miss all the site preparation and construction activity happening in and around Shorewood.
Read further for descriptions of 10 projects that are in various stages of development

Drilling Down on Municipal Water
On 11/25/2024 the Shorewood council hashed over the ongoing dilemma of the underwater municipal water fund.
It discussed incentives for residents, who have existing “stubs” to connect to the municipal water system. The council also laid out some ideas for a more “mandatory” approach.

Get up close and personal with Bald Eagles
Once a rare sighting in the area, bald eagles are now a daily occurrence seen soaring above the Lake Minnetonka area, including on the southwest end of the lake and on the eastern bays.

Outdoor Ice Rinks: Pros & Cons
Backyard ice rinks are enjoyed by many families, particularly in winter loving states like Minnesota.
Be aware that setting up a rink in your yard comes with responsibilities and considerations to ensure safe and respectful use and compliance with any city code.
Here’s a quick guide:

The Dirt on the Tonka Bay Dirt
The massive dirt piled in the Tonka Bay City Hall parking lot is not unnoticed.
In fact, it was a topic for the Sept 28 Tonka Bay Council Meeting where an impressive resident-council-consultant conversation addressed every question and concern in a full-blown “community conversation.”

Let’s Talk Trash
Shorewood leadership considered city organized trash collection in 2019. “Organized hauling” is when the city contracts with one hauler based on bids and the best service value.
Results from a resident survey in 2019 were all that was needed to shelve the discussion. A survey is a piece of a much larger pie. Other relevant data is available that should be factored into a sound decision by the council.

Crows: They know who you are!
The collective noun for a group of crows is a murder, also known as a horde, a mob or a parliament.
With that bit of trivia, if you have noticed a “murder” of crows that seem to be stalking you, perhaps after chasing one away from the bird feeder, you may be right!

Land Use Variance 1.0
Few people have reason to know about variances if they have not needed one.
The Shorewood City Council may want to allocate time to discuss an overall policy focusing on variances.