Welcome Spring with Eco Walks and Talks in Minnetonka

The following was released by the city of Minnetonka: 

This year, you can participate in a series of workshops and plant walks offered by Minnetonka’s natural resource division staff. Other workshops are also offered through various community organizations. See the table for dates, times and topics. Register for workshops and plant walks by visiting the Natural Resource Workshops page or call 952.988.8400, unless otherwise indicated.

About the guided plant walks

Walks take place in a Minnetonka park where native habitat restoration is underway. Walk with the city’s restoration specialist and learn about recent restoration activities. Look for and identify wildflowers where buckthorn has been removed, and see some now-uncommon woody species that are being restored. Discuss the importance of a diversity of native plant species for the native insect pollinators and songbirds, and identify some of the invasive “bad guys.”

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

RSVP is required and limited to 15 for each walk. Call Minnetonka Public Works at 952.988.8400 or register online.

2013 Schedule: Eco Walks and Talks

Garlic Mustard

Garlic mustard is the most invasive herbaceous species in Minnetonka’s woodlands, yards and road edges. Control of this non-native plant is as important as buckthorn control; it can take over a wooded area and crowd out native plants in only a few years.

In order to choose the best control method during the garlic mustard growing season, it’s important to know when seeds form, mature and disperse. Look for this plant on your property late April to early May. If you have garlic mustard, plan to pull the plants during the first two weeks in May.

The city has been working to control garlic mustard in high quality natural areas for more than seven years. Take advantage of our experience to help save time, money and frustration with this plant. Come to a workshop to find out why timing is critical, and what you can do in May and June before seed dispersal in July. The sooner you get started, the less work you will have to do later.

Three repeat workshops are scheduled in May and June to help you understand this very invasive plant (see the Natural Resource Workshops page). 

Volunteers needed to pull garlic mustard in parks

The city’s natural resources restoration staff is in great need of Scout troops, businesses, churches, associations or clubs to help pull garlic mustard in some of our most lovely park areas in May and June. Individual volunteers are needed, too. While searching for this unwanted plant, volunteers will see native plants that are being restored. Since we have been pulling this invasive species for several years, most areas are not densely populated. Training will be provided on site. Please call Janet Van Sloun at 952.988.8423 to learn more.