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.

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!

Forgotten Trail on Vine Hill Road

Residents have been trying to get the city’s attention on a substandard “trail” in southeast Shorewood for over two years. The asphalt trail was built along Vine Hill Road in the early 2000s. The trail was not built to any particular standard and is degrading. Residents have reported that it is so broken up, uneven and narrow that it excludes many users.

Lilac Problems Year 2

One cannot help but notice the naked branches of lilac bushes in nearly every yard around. SCA has located information below which is cited directly from Fungal Leaf Diseases of Lilac, by the University of Minnesota Extension.

Rabbit Rabbit, Oh no!

Admit it. Rabbits are overtaking the neighborhoods. Cute? Yes. Destructive? Oh yes! Rabbits are here in unprecedented hordes. In spite of their “cuteness,” wild rabbits can pose problems, some serious, for humans and pets, primarily through the transmission of diseases and parasites.

Purple Creeping Bellflower: So Pretty-So Invasive!

Purple creeping bellflower is an invasive plant from central and southern Europe, west Asia, and the Caucasus. It will easily take over a garden and choke out other plants.

A New Invader in Town: Wild Parsnips

The MnDNR says “Invasive species are species that are not native to Minnesota and cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.” Wild parsnips are one of the latest “invasives” to show up in the region.

Freeman Park: The Beginning of Shorewood’s Premier Park

Stefan (Stef) and Audrey Freeman lived on Eureka Road across the street from a large wooded lot in Shorewood. The house on that lot had burned down but there was an old faded red barn still standing on the property. Stefan wondered who owned the property and whether or not he could buy it.

The Zone 4 Clover Lawn Experiment

Sometimes there are certain areas of the lawn that constantly cry for maintenance. Traditional bluegrass lawns demand food, water, temperate weather and are disease prone. One local resident has researched alternatives and starting in the drought of 2023, is experimenting with perennial white mini-clover in a contained area.

Shorewood Citizen Advocates

Nature & Environment