Wildlife – Page 6 – East Metro Water

Waiting for the birds

By: angiehongmn February 24, 2022February 22, 2022

Wildlife, Yards and Landscapingbirds, featured, migration, native plants, planting for birds, winter1 Comment

While a back-yard bird feeder is a great way to attract and enjoy watching birds in your yard, you can actually do far more for the birds by planting native flowers, shrubs, and trees.

Is it safe to eat the fish?

By: angiehongmn February 10, 2022February 4, 2022

Aquatic Biology, Wildlifefeatured, fish, fishing, Lake Elmo, mercury, Mississippi River, PFAS, St Croix RiverLeave a Comment

The short answer is, it depends.

The secret life of the St. Croix’s freshwater mussels

By: angiehongmn December 9, 2021December 9, 2021

Aquatic Biology, Wildlifeendangered species, featured, freshwater mussels, National Park Service, St. Croix RiverLeave a Comment

“The St. Croix River is a rare example of a complete and intact river ecosystem,” explains Marian Shaffer, an Aquatic Biologist with the National Park Service. “In fact, all of the freshwater mussel species that existed in the St. Croix Riverway before European settlement are still here today.”

Can that baby dragon fly?

By: angiehongmn June 10, 2021June 9, 2021

Aquatic Biology, Wildlifeaquatic macroinvertebrates, dragonflies, featured, insects2 Comments

Most people consider dragonflies and damselflies to be terrestrial flying insects, but in fact, they spend more than half of their lives in the water.

Online classes for gardeners and nature enthusiasts

By: angiehongmn January 21, 2021January 19, 2021

Wildlife, Yards and Landscapingfeatured, gardening, nature drawing, nature photography, online classes, pollinators, prairie, prairie restoration, trees, wolves1 Comment

Explore new interests, build skills, begin planning for a summer landscaping project at your home, or simply enjoy a few hours of escape from the doldrums of winter.

To Bison or to Monet?

By: angiehongmn November 27, 2020November 23, 2020

Partners and Updates, Wildlifebison, featured, habitat restoration, Pine Point Regional Park, Pollinator Friendly Alliance, pollinators, prairie, prairie restoration, Washington Conservation District, Washington County ParksLeave a Comment

Washington County Parks is haying the prairie at Pine Point Regional Park to imitate natural processes that would occur if the land were being grazed by bison.

New trails highlight major changes at Lake Elmo Park Reserve

By: angiehongmn November 20, 2020

Buckthorn, Outdoor Adventures, Partners and Updates, Wildlifebuckthorn, cross country skiing, featured, goats, habitat restoration, Lake Elmo Park Reserve, Minnesota trails, oak savanna, parks and trails, prairie, Washington County ParksLeave a Comment

This year, Washington County launched a major transformation at Lake Elmo Park Reserve, aided in part by a grant from the Minnesota Outdoor Heritage Fund. The park has added a new parking lot and entrance off of Inwood Ave., created new trails, and began work to restore 166 acres of prairie and oak savanna. On the east side of the park near the Nordic Center, Washington County added 2.2 miles of new ski trails.

Transformation underway at Lake Elmo Park Reserve

By: angiehongmn September 18, 2020

Buckthorn, Partners and Updates, Wildlifefeatured, goats, habitat restoration, Lake Elmo, Lake Elmo Park Reserve, oak savanna, prairie, Washington Conservation District, Washington County, Washington County ParksLeave a Comment

Washington County secured funding through the Outdoor Heritage Fund to restore and improve 166 acres of prairie and oak savanna at Lake Elmo Park Reserve around Eagle Point Lake and in the north end of the park.

Gophers and muskrats, oh why?

By: angiehongmn July 30, 2020July 28, 2020

Wildlife, Yards and Landscapingfeatured, gophers, muskrats, native landscaping, prairie, shoreline plantings, Wildlife, wildlife habitatLeave a Comment

In a native planting or restored prairie, however, gophers should be considered a friend. Yes, the prairie will be bumpy instead of flat, but nature tends to be that way.

A Modern Day Tale of Tortoise and Hare

By: angiehongmn May 29, 2020May 26, 2020

WildlifeBig Marine Park Reserve, biking, Blanding's turtle, featured, Habitat, turtle crossing, turtles, wildlife habitatLeave a Comment

As I rounded the corner, I hit the gas and pedaled harder knowing the other bike was probably close behind. Perhaps he’d seen pigtails sticking out from beneath my helmet and thought it would be easy to catch a girl. Little did he know that I am quick like a rabbit.