Here is the Bugle’s latest Midpoint, a web-based report on some local news and information, since the publication deadline for our November issue.
Planting a mini-urban forest
With the generous support of 100 Trees Initiative partners, Davey Tree and Bailey Nurseries, the Creative Enterprise Zone plans to start planting a mini-urban forest, or Miyawaki forest, at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Oct, 26 on the east side of the Bro-Tex manufacturing building, 840 N. Hampden Ave.
Miyawaki forests are small-scale, densely planted, urban forests consisting of trees and shrubs. Mini forests emphasize the use of dense plantings, diverse forest species, soil preparation and multilayered design to mimic the complexity of a native forest and to benefit communities.
Urban forests help mitigate heat islands by moderating temperature fluctuations, sequester carbon, reduce air pollution, increase biodiversity by providing necessary habitat for wildlife and improve watershed health, according to CEZ officials.
Grab your work gloves and a shovel to help plant trees and learn more about this new approach to tree planting in the CEZ. Volunteers will meet on the east side of Bro-Tex at 11 a.m. to plant container trees and prepare the site for planting tree seedlings in mid-November.
No registration necessary. Parking is available in the Bro-Tex parking lot or along Territorial Road.
Meanwhile, save the date for CEZ’s tree seedling community planting and giveaway, courtesy of Davey Tree, on Saturday, Nov.15, from 11a.m. to 1 p.m., also on the east side parking lot at Bro-Tex.
This article is from the Creative Enterprise Zone, a non-profit organization dedicated to attracting and retaining businesses and arts enterprises in south St. Anthony Park.
Meyer withdraws from Falcon Heights Council race
Eric Meyer, who is on the ballot seeking re-election to his seat on the Falcon Heights City Council, announced to the council at its Oct. 8 meeting that he was ending his candidacy.
Meyer characterized his action as a withdrawal, but the deadline to formally withdraw passed back in August. Ballots were printed and available since mid-September, with Meyer’s name on them, for early and absentee voting.
There are two at-large, open seats on the Falcon Heights City Council. The other candidates for the Nov. 4 election are Jeremy Hallowanger, Georgiana May and Jim Mogen.
Ramsey County spokesman Casper Hill said if Meyer wins, he can decide not to accept the election certificate. In that case, “it’s up to the local jurisdiction to determine how to proceed,” Hill said.
According to Minnesota Secretary of State spokeswoman Cassondra Knudson, Meyer would then be resigning, which would trigger a special election.
In a media statement issued Oct. 9, Meyer explained, “I had a moment of clarity this past weekend. My daughter Sunny is at such a special age, and the work of being on council takes up a lot of evenings and weekends.
“In four years she’ll be starting kindergarten. The bedtime stories, the walks around the neighborhood, seeing her vocabulary grow each day—these are hours I won’t get back, and I want to be there for all of it.
“It’s been an honor to serve Falcon Heights these past four years. I’m proud of what we accomplished—the Garden Avenue sidewalk so kids can walk safely to school, preserving Ruggles Path and making it accessible and the new community park coming soon.
“Falcon Heights has three strong candidates running for council, and between them and my colleagues not up for re-election, the city will be in good hands.”
This report was written by Anne Holzman, a Twin Cities freelance writer who covers local government news for the Bugle.
Como Zoo gets new zebras
On the heels of recently welcoming Astra the polar bear, Como Park Zoo & Conservatory has introduced two new residents: Khomas, a 7-year-old male weighing 825 pounds, and his son Keanu, a 1-year-old estimated at 550 pounds.
The pair arrived from Franklin Park Zoo in Boston and are Hartmann’s Mountain Zebras, a hardy subspecies native to the mountainous regions of southwestern Africa.
Known for their ability to thrive in cooler, drier climates, Hartmann’s Mountain Zebras are typically taller and heavier than the Plains zebras many visitors are familiar with.
Khomas and Keanu have joined Ulysses, Como’s longtime 25-year-old Plains zebra, in the zebra yard, giving guests the unique opportunity to see both zebra species together.
The initial introductions went well, with the zebras displaying calm, investigative behavior. Staff also observed them eating and rolling—both signs of relaxed and content animals.
“We introduced the zebras right away because, in theory, all three males are unbonded and naturally seek to form a herd,” said Jill Erzar, Como’s senior zookeeper. “It’s been wonderful to see how smoothly the introductions have gone and how comfortable they already seem in their new surroundings.”
Looking ahead, Como’s animal care team plans to continue enhancing the habitat. In the spring, the zebras will be joined by cranes, nyala, and tortoises, creating a dynamic, mixed-species exhibit that mirrors the diversity of African grasslands.
Visitors can learn more about Como’s animals and upcoming events, including this weekend’s Como Quest and Creepy-Crawly Creature Awareness Weekend at comozooconservatory.org.
Submitted by Como Zoo & Conservatory public relations.
Como Zoo fall flower garden show continues
The second half of the annual fall flower show at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at the Como Zoo will run from Oct. 24 to Nov. 30.
The show features chrysanthemums, including those with crimson red, deep purple and pale pink flowers. Dark foliage, flowers and fruit from kales, pansies and peppers will be complemented by pops of cream and light rose from dahlias and other classic fall flowers.
Click HERE to get a live look into the Sunken Garden.
Chrysanthemums, first cultivated in China as early as the 15th century B.C., were revered by poets and scholars for their grace and medicinal properties.
The fall flower show at the conservatory will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Midpoint Report is compiled by Scott Carlson, Bugle managing editor.