Environment Articles

Droning Out Mosquitoes: MMCD’s New Aerial Advantage
The Metropolitan Mosquito Control District (MMCD) has proven its value treating for mosquitos, fleas and ticks.
Now, MMCD technicians are leading the way for drone surveillance and treatment.

Bees Are Safe-Invasive Species, Not So Much
In a progressive leap forward, the city of Shorewood is developing a vegetation management plan.
The extensive document will focus on invasive species, “including management of buckthorn, field and park turf, emerald ash borer (EAB), park and ROW trees, invasive species, and more.”

Track the 2025 Hummingbird Migration
Who doesn’t enjoy a hummingbird?
These little creatures defy the odds as they migrate from Mexico to Canada, while entertaining bird watchers along the way.
Track their progress courtesy of Hummingbird Central.

Tonka Bay Dirt: Curiosity Becomes Controversy
The land near Lake Minnetonka is home to many Indian burial sites. So, when 5000 yards of soil were removed for Tonka Bay infrastructure projects designated as burial grounds, the reaction was immediate.
Under the supervision of the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council (MIAC), tons of soil are now temporarily stored near Manitou Park and Tonka Bay City Hall.
A permanent relocation site proposed by MIAC and the city is meeting resident resistance.

Suburban Coyotes: A Balance of Nature
The healthy coyote population in the western suburbs reflects their adaptability in spite of environmental changes, housing developments, and evolving ecosystems.
Some people consider these mammals a sign of a balanced natural environment.
On the flip side, the coyote’s sinister wolf-like appearance, coupled with tales of attacks on small pets, can cause plenty of angst.

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.

Freeman Park’s First Year of Change
Prof. Mike Schuster and his team of researchers from the University of Minnesota are studying alternative buckthorn management strategies in Freeman Park’s western section.
This research focuses on methods aimed at exhausting the plant without relying on herbicides.

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.

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.”