Sign Up Today for Minnetonka Eco Walks & Talks

This spring, participate in a host of workshops and plant walks offered by the city of Minnetonka.

A variety of workshops and plants walks will be offered this spring and summer by the cities of Minnetonka and Eden Prairie.

Here’s an overview of what’s available:

• May: Attend a garlic mustard workshop or guided plant walk in a park.
• June: Native Plant Market & Eco Fun Fest
• August & beyond: Prairie plant walks and buckthorn education

Garlic mustard workshops

If garlic mustard is still a problem on your property, plan to attend one of three spring workshops that will help you get the upper hand with this very invasive plant. Attend the first or second workshop and get a head start by removing the plant before it produces seed. RSVP is required and handouts will be provided. Call 952.988.8400 or register on the natural resources workshop signup page.

are located at 14600 Minnetonka Boulevard.

Wednesday, May 2, 6:30–8 p.m.
Thursday, May 31, 6:30–8 p.m.
Community Room
Minnetonka Community Center
14600 Minnetonka Boulevard

Spring nature hike for families

Saturday, May 5, 8:30–10:30 a.m.
Lone Lake Park
5624 Shady Oak Road
(meet in lower parking lot by restrooms)

Activities for adults and kids include learning common spring sounds (bring your smartphone and record them!); bird watching for all ages; and using a dip net to discover creatures in Lone Lake. Led by Larry Wade, naturalist and elementary school teacher. RSVP required. Limit 20.

Nature Photography for Families

Saturday, May 12, 8:30–10:30 a.m.
Big Willow Park
11522 Minnetonka Blvd.
(meet in small parking lot across from 12201 Mtka. Blvd.)

Bring your camera and tune into nature through a lens. Document what you see as you hike. Explore patches of spring wildflowers and look for special critters or tracks along Minnehaha Creek. Bring your smartphone to record the natural sounds you hear. Led by Larry Wade, naturalist and elementary school teacher. RSVP required. Limit 20.

Bird Walk at Lone Lake Park

Saturday, May 19, 8:30–11 a.m.
Lone Lake Park
5624 Shady Oak Road
(meet at the parking lot north of the soccer field)

Celebrate spring with a morning bird walk along the trails of Lone Lake Park. Anne Hanley and George Skinner, Minnetonka residents and members of the Minnesota River Valley Audubon Chapter, will lead you through the park identifying species encountered along the way. The walk is open to all skill and age levels.

Remember to bring your binoculars and field guide if you have them (some binoculars will be available), and dress appropriately for the weather. RSVP required.

Guided plant walks

Walks take place in Minnetonka parks where native habitat restoration is underway and are led by the city’s restoration specialist. See native shrubs, identify wildflowers and learn about the city’s restoration practices. Also learn how to identify invasives, and the wildlife benefits of some native trees and shrubs.

• Walks are held rain or shine. Wear appropriate outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear.
• Recommended equipment: water bottle, binoculars and notebook.
• Meet on-site at the location specified.

RSVP is required and limited to 15 for each walk. Call Minnetonka Public Works at 952.988.8400 or register on the natural resources workshop signup page.

Big Willow Park

Thursday, May 3, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Meet at small parking lot on Minnetonka Blvd. (across from 12201 Mtka Blvd). Overflow parking is across the street to the east at Guilliams Park.

Lake Rose Park

Thursday, May 17, 5:30–7 p.m.
Park entrance is a city strip of land between homes 5724 and 5732 Lake Rose Drive. Be considerate of the neighbors: park on the east side of the street and meet between the houses.

Lone Lake Park

Thursday, May 24, 5:30–7 p.m.
Community Room 5624
Shady Oak Rd.
Meet in the lower parking lot by the restrooms.

Green Circle Park

Thursday, August 2, 5:30–7 p.m.
Get directions on city website or call 952.988.8423.

Native Plant Market and Eco Fun Fest

Thursday, June 7, 3–7 p.m.
Minnetonka City Hall parking lot
14600 Minnetonka Boulevard

See the May Minnetonka Memo for details.

Buckthorn workshops

Join Janet Van Sloun, natural resources specialist, to learn the ins and outs of ridding yourself of buckthorn, and how to restore woodlands once the buckthorn is gone.

Registration is requiredo—register on the natural resources workshop signup page or call 952.988.8400.

Wednesday, September 19, 6:30–8 p.m.
Thursday, October 4, 6:30–8 p.m.
Community Room Minnetonka