Prevent the Spread of Invasive Insects and Tree Diseases

Insects and tree diseases can be spread through the sale and distribution of trees and holiday greenery brought into Minnesota from other areas. These include Elongate Hemlock Scale, Boxwood Blight, Round-leaf Bittersweet, Spongy Moth, and others. Live holiday decorations—such as Christmas trees, wreaths, swags, garland, and other greenery—can spread these pests and diseases if not disposed of properly.

To help prevent the spread of invasive species and plant diseases:

• Use proper disposal options - use a curbside tree collection service or bring all live trees and greenery to a designated drop-off site. Some area yard waste drop-off sites are listed on the Dakota County website. Be sure to remove all lights and decorations. Christmas lights can be brought to City Hall for recycling by January 31.
• Burn only when allowed - if other disposal options are not available, greenery may be burned. Always check current fire danger conditions and burning restrictions before doing so. Recreational fire regulations can be found on the city website.
• Do not compost or leave outdoors - do not place trees or greenery in compost piles or leave them outdoors. Insects such as Elongate Hemlock Scale can move to nearby spruce, fir, and hemlock trees in the spring.
• Buy local - purchase locally grown holiday trees and greenery whenever possible.

City Communications

The city’s communications team strives to provide clear, accurate and timely information to residents about the policies, programs, services and decisions that affect you, and contribute to the exceptional quality of life in Mendota Heights.

Here’s how:

• The city website serves as an online hub of news and information and is utilized by more than 130,000 unique visitors annually.
• The city’s Heights Highlights newsletter is printed on recycled paper, and mailed to more than 6,000 households quarterly.
• The city’s eNews subscription service provides timely news and information via email and text message, to nearly 6,500 subscribers.
• The city’s presence on social media, namely Facebook and Instagram, reaches more than 9,000 followers.

Learn more about the city’s communication efforts, and share your feedback with a quick online survey!

Oak Award Nominations

The annual Oak Awards honor those who protect our natural resources. Awards include youth leadership, strong environmental effort, and lifetime achievement. Nominations are due Jan. 31. Winners are chosen for their impact, and announced in the spring.

Volunteers Needed: Winter Whirl

Join us and help the city with Winter Whirl events!

• Art & Craft Supply Swap: Help with the collection and organization of art supplies for the swap inside of City Hall on February 5 from 5-9 p.m.
• Snow Day at Rogers Lake: Help with snow painting and handing out headphones for the silent disco outdoors, February 7 from 11:15 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Holiday Lights Recycling

Did you know holiday string lights can take years to break down in a landfill?

Recycle your old, unwanted and non-working holiday lights with convenient drop off during City Hall business hours, now through Jan. 31.

Weekly Crime Report

The Mendota Heights Police Department provides a weekly list of incidents taking place in our community. View historical crime reports.

Coffee with the Council

Jan. 10; 9-10 a.m.
Ze's Diner

Join Council members for a casual conversation over coffee.

Winter Whirl 2026

Feb. 6-8

Join us for a week of fun featuring the annual Medallion Hunt, a Snow Day at Rogers Lake Park, our annual Puzzle Competition and more!

Details and registration at MendotaHeightsMN.gov/WinterWhirl.