Environment Articles

Where Is Shorewood’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan?
The City adopted Bee Safe Resolution #14-066 in 2014.
The resolution supported “bee safe” policies and procedures when using chemicals on public park land.

Is Your Well Water Safe for Drinking?
The Minnesota Department of Health is offering funding to address private well water quality issues in Shorewood and other municipalities in the state. Arsenic and other contaminants in well water can pose health risks. Levels have been on the rise

Deer Management: How it Works in Shorewood
Do you know how Shorewood’s deer management plan works? The ongoing plan was discussed at the May 22, 2023 Council meeting (start at min. 46:50) See the report from the planning director, and hear the representative from Minnesota Bow Hunters

Taking Action on Buckthorn
You heard it right. Nearly three years after receiving a $50,000 buckthorn removal grant from the Minnesota DNR, Shorewood Council finally approved Prairie Restorations, Inc. to clear 20 acres of the total 30 acres within Freeman Park wooded areas. The

Get Smarter: Trees to Avoid Planting in Your Yard
Trees are an ongoing discussion point in Shorewood, both for their environmental importance and preservation. However, as the biologist, pollinator conservationist and author Heather Holm says, “Not all green is good.” This site offers up articles for favorable trees to

Threat to Minnesota’s Maple Forests
According to the MnDNR, the Asian Longhorned Beetle (AHB) has not been detected in Minnesota to date, but is expected to affect our forests, particularly maple (20% of our hardwood canopy), in about 3-4 years. Native to Japan, Eastern China

Have Ash Trees? You Should Know This
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has been a concern in Minnesota since the late 2000s. EAB was confirmed in Ramsey County in 2009. The EAB guarantees the certain demise of the tree within 3-5 years of infection.
Shorewood’s only plan for dealing with the EAB is through treatment of approximately 28 trees considered to be valuable for shade and aesthetics in Cathcart, Freeman and Manor parks.

Save Yourself From the Neighbor’s Dangerous Tree
Everyone loves their trees, well, in most cases. But then there are the neighbor’s trees, which can present danger to your property.
What are the parameters in this instance?
There is a specific rule referred to as the “Self Help Rule, that may save you from damage, injury, or financial loss.

The Benefits of Conifers
Planting a tree can provide many benefits to the environment and overall quality of life. Trees are typically divided into two main groups, deciduous and coniferous.
In the summer, all of our plants help to keep the air around us safer and cleaner. In the winter, while many trees and plants are hibernating, conifers continue their good work.