Watershed officials on ‘high alert’

By Forrest Adams

Last summer zebra mussels were discovered in Prior Lake and this summer in Lake Minnetonka, sandwiching the communities of Chanhassen, Eden Prairie, Victoria, Chaska and Shakopee.

Could the non-native aquatic species be coming soon to a lake near you? The answer depends a lot on how much vigilance is practiced by boaters and anglers who transport boats, bait and water between lakes and other bodies of water.

A press release from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR):

WHO: DNR Fish & Wildlife Division staff

WHAT: Outdoor fish pond and indoor fish tanks at the DNR's State Fair exhibit will be stocked. Approximately 45 different species of fish ranging from minnows to paddlefish will be added to the exhibits.

WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 25. The best photo and video opportunities will be from 10 a.m. to noon.

WHERE: South side of DNR building on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds,
1740 Carnes Ave.

Londeen family belongs to Hennepin Hoppers 4-H Club

By Karla Wennerstrom

“Sometimes there are whole facets of the community we don’t know about,” said Mark Engstrom of Eden Prairie, a livestock advocate for Hennepin County 4-H.

He was standing in the Eden Prairie front yard of the Dave and Virginia Londeen family, which will be bringing rabbits to the State Fair this year.

Tiffany, Sam, Harry and Ted Londeen’s rabbits include Phoenix, Bubbles, Peppermint, Tango, Ginko and Eye Candy.

The following is a news release from the Minnesota DNR:

Hot summer weather continues in Minnesota, and families are enjoying summer vacations that include long weekends at the beach or pool. Unfortunately, as cool and refreshing as it may look, water can be dangerous.

By Daniel Huss

Eden Prairie’s Pete Schleider was never in the service. And although he has family who has been in the service, they’ve never been injured. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t feel a soldier’s pain.

“We’ve asked these men and women to do a lot,” he said. “And it’s time to give something back.”

With that, Schleider, along with fiends John Witzel (San Diego, Calif.) and Mike Weinberger (Eden Prairie) is going to ride, via mountain bike, the Great Divide, a 2,500-mile mostly off-road trail from Canada to Mexico.

Here's Question of the Week from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), from last week:

Q: With slot limits on nearly every Minnesota lake it is important for anglers to know the fish they keep are of legal size. What is the proper way to measure a fish?

A: An accurate measurement of an angler's catch may be difficult for a number of reasons. The boat may be pitching and rolling on the lake. Fish are slippery creatures that do not like to lay still. Also, there are many obstacles in the boat like hooks, tackle boxes and other anglers.

Writers Rising Up is sponsoring “Hiking Near Home: Learn about the Arboretum with Metro trail expert Kate Havelin,” from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Saturday, July 17.

Cost is $20 for members, $25 for non-members. Visit www.arboretum.umn.edu or call 952-443-1400 for information. A free book signing is from 10-11 a.m. at the Arboretum Store.

The Lioness Club Garden Tour will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 18. A $10 ticket offers access to six of Eden Prairie’s finest gardens. Tickets can be purchased at Kowalski’s on Highway 5 and Eden Prairie Road.

The following are some tips for a fun Fourth of July we've compiled:

Kiddie parade essentials
Children ages 10 and younger are invited to participate in the annual Kiddie Parade at 11:15 a.m. Sunday. Meet at the Community Center to line up at about 10:30 a.m. The route heads across the walking bridge to Round Lake Park where it ends up near the entertainment stage.

By Stan Tekiela

The bond between a parent and child can and should never be underestimated. If you are a parent you don’t need further explanation. As a parent, you feel it, you know it and you live it.

There is no denying it. The overwhelming need to protect and provide for your child is what keeps the human race going. Guess what? It’s no different in the animal world. It’s just much less understood.