Prescribed Burn at Oheyawahe Site

On April 4, the City partnered with Great River Greening to perform a prescribed (controlled) burn on approximately 10 acres of prairie restoration area at the site. As part of the comprehensive vegetation management plan for Oheyawahe, controlled burns are scheduled on a four- to five-year rotation.

Because the plant communities in the native prairie ecosystem evolve in conjunction with fire on the landscape?from both natural causes and intentionally practiced management by indigenous cultures?burning is one of the best ways to maintain the health of prairie and savanna systems; as fire removes dense thatch, reduces undesirable non-native species, and provides opportunities for seed to germinate. This rejuvenates the prairie and wildlife that benefit from this important habitat, which once covered much of our state.

Prescription Drug Takeback Day

The drug overdose epidemic in the United States is a clear and present public health, public safety, and national security threat. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day reflects a commitment to Americans? safety and health, encouraging the public to remove unneeded medications from their homes to prevent medication misuse and opioid addiction from ever starting.

Drop your unused and unneeded prescription medications off for disposal during this event, at the roundabout in front of City Hall.

Street Sweeping

To prevent sediment from entering the City?s storm drains, street sweeping is conducted each year in the Spring. This year, street sweeping will begin Wednesday, April 17 and should wrap up within a week. You can help by moving vehicles from the street and keeping trash cans behind the curb line. Remember, it is illegal to place yard waste and debris onto City streets.

Weed of the Month: Garlic Mustard

Garlic mustard is an invasive species native to Europe and first brought to the US in the 1800s for medicinal purposes. Garlic mustard is an early season biennial herb that forms a rosette in the first year, and a seed head in the second year, growing up to four feet tall.

Tree of the Month

The Ironwood (American hophornbeam) is a native deciduous tree species in the birch family. It gets the common name Ironwood (which it shares with blue beech) from its extremely tough wood, and the name Hophornbeam from its hop-like fruit.

The Mendota Heights Fire Department is now recruiting paid, on-call firefighters. Applications are due May 3, and the next Fire Academy begins in August.

Stop by the Fire Station to learn more at an upcoming information session:

• Saturday, April 27; 9 a.m.

Weekly Crime Report

The Mendota Heights Police Department provides a weekly list of incidents taking place in our community. Historical?crime reports are available in the Laserfiche archive system.?

Spring Shred Event

April 13; 9 a.m.-Noon
W. St. Paul Sports Complex

Free for residents; no limit. Bring materials in paper bags.

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Coffee, Cribbage and Cards

April 17, May 1; 8-10 a.m.
Par 3 Community Clubhouse

Ages 55+, join in the fun - no experience required! The event is free but registration is required; click here to register.

Athletic Gear Donation Drive

April 15-26
City Hall

Accepting all reusable athletic gear for families in need. Donations are needed for baseball, basketball, hockey, football, lacrosse, soccer, tennis, and more. Donations will be distributed by the?United Heroes League.

Coffee with the Council

April 20; 9 a.m.
Ze's Diner

Join council members for a casual conversation over coffee!

Celebrate Earth and Arbor Day!

Find Lily the Frog
April 22-26
Lily the Frog will be placed in a different Mendota Heights park each day during Earth Week! If you find Lily and answer her riddle of the day, you'll be entered in a drawing to win an Earth Day gift basket. Lily the Frog Contest Details

Picnic in the Park
April 26; 4-6:30 p.m.
Market Square Park
Celebrate Earth and Arbor Day with Picnic in the Park! You'll learn more about the City's Natural Resources and Recycling efforts, as well as the Fresh Air Fridays initiative. While there, you can pick up supplies to facilitate your own park cleanup project.?

Tricia and the Toonies Enviro Show
April 24; 5 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
Children (and adults) are invited to laugh and sing along while learning more about resources, recycling and caring for the environment. This event is free, but space is limited, so registration is required. Register today!

Pickleball with Public Safety

April 25; 5:30-7 p.m.
Friendly Hills Park

Join us for an evening of Pickleball with our local public safety folks! The Mendota Heights Police Department and Mendota Heights Fire Department will be getting out on the courts to practice their Pickleball skills and all are invited. Grab your Pickleball gear and join us!

Kids Garage Sale

April 28; 10 a.m.-Noon
Veterans Memorial Community Center

Children ages 6-16 are invited to participate in this entrepreneurial adventure! Register today for just $10 per table. MendotaHeightsMN.gov/Register.

Save the Date: Touch a Truck

May 11; 10 a.m.-Noon
Mendakota Park

Check out fire trucks, police cars, mowers, plow trucks and more!?Plus, enjoy games and refreshments.