Purple Martin House at Lake Hiawatha

By Diana Doyle

Thanks to the support of MRVAC, a Purple Martin house was installed in the summer of 2010 along the shoreline restoration area of Lake Hiawatha in Minneapolis. Funds were also contributed by the Standish-Ericsson Neighorhood Association, with the support and assistance of the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board. Hundreds of people walk, run, bike, roller-blade, or picnic by this location every day. Hopefully there will come a time when city residents can enjoy the sight of Purple Martins hawking insects over Lake Hiawatha.

Read more about purple martins at Lake Hiawatha . . .

Protect Native Plant Areas in Minnetonka Park

By Anne Hanley

Do you get as discouraged as I do about the amount of garlic mustard growing in our local parks, crowding out native plants, degrading the habitat and reducing the varieties of birds there? I’m trying to form a small team who will focus on protecting areas of high quality native plants by removing the encroaching garlic mustard in Lone Lake Park in Minnetonka. Training will be provided by the City of Minnetonka.

We’ll also meet occasionally to learn about native plants, tour local native plant gardens and socialize (cookies and iced tea at my house, at a minimum).

We have a team of three so far – more would be welcome. Team leaders for other areas – in Minnetonka or in other cities – would be welcome, too. Bredesen Park in Edina could use some help!

Please contact Anne Hanley, 952-936-0811.