The Monarch Butterfly Population

The Monarch butterfly populations have plummeted by as much as 90% in the past 20 years and are on the cusp of moving toward protection on the Endangered Species Act.

One of the primary reasons for this decline is the decrease in milkweed plants, which grow easily in Minnesota. Monarch butterflies lay their eggs on the underside of the milkweed plant and it is the only source of food for the monarch caterpillar. If you have milkweed growing in your yards and fields, please don’t pull it, and let it grow. Planting milkweed is one of the easiest ways that we can make a difference for the monarchs.

Residents that are interested in planting milkweed in their yards to help the Monarch butterflies can pick up a bag of seeds, free of charge, while supplies last, at Public Works, 600 Clydesdale Trail, Medina, MN 55340 during regular business hours M-F 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Additional resources on the Monarch Butterfly can be found below:

https://monarchjointventure.org/resources – View a number of publications on Monarchs and Milkweed

https://www.nwf.org/sitecore/content/Home/Garden-for-Wildlife/About/National-Initiatives/Pollinators – The National Wildlife Federation explains the importance of milkweed.

https://www.saveourmonarchs.org/ – This organization is out of Edina, MN, and is working to provide milkweed seeds for planting. The site also does a great job of explaining the importance of milkweed.

Links for Purchasing Bulk Milkweed Seeds

https://www.prairiemoon.com/seeds/

https://www.saveourmonarchs.org/

Hydrant flushing begins in October.  Flushing will begin October 2nd west of Willow Drive between the hours of 9am – 3pm.

You may experience discoloration while the watermain near your property is being flushed, as well as fluctuation in water pressure. If you experience water discoloration, run your outside faucet until it is clear.

Hydrant maintenance and flushing is scheduled throughout October for account numbers beginning with 01 & 03.

Independence Beach, accounts beginning with 02, will follow their regular monthly flushing schedule which is the second Thursday of each month from 9 am – 2 pm.

Renovations are underway at Hunter Lions Park (located at 3195 Hunter Drive). Installation of storm sewer pipe will take place where the current ball field is located, followed by excavation of the tennis courts. This is a phased project and work will be ongoing. While we regret any inconvenience to our residents and park guests, we are very excited for the updates to come!  A new tennis court and four pickleball courts will be constructed in the north east corner of the park. The baseball diamond will be reoriented, playground expanded, full basketball court added, and a paved trail with event pods will lead park users to the back nature area.

Click to view Hunter Lions Master Plan Map

Project Background 

On June 16, 2020, the City Council authorized the City to enter into an agreement with WSB to create a master plan for Hunter Lions Park. Throughout the remainder of the year, staff and the Park Commission worked with WSB Landscape Architect Candace Amberg on the project. The project involved a site visit to discuss initial aging park equipment and potential redesign options to optimize the functionality, safety, and recreational enjoyment at Hunter Lions Park. WSB created three layout options for Park Commission consideration, which was presented to the Park Commission at their August 19, 2020 meeting. The Park Commission reviewed and recommended refinement of those designs to one concept plan to be posted online for public feedback. The City sought public feedback of the concept plan through the website using a program called Social PinPoint to allow resident feedback. The public engagement period was advertised through the Medina Message mailed newsletter, email blasts, social media, and the City’s website.  

On October 21, 2020, the Park Commission reviewed the design changes based on the public feedback, project costs, and discussed staging the improvements over the course of several years due to the limited funds in the Municipal Park Fund.  On March 2, 2021, the City Council adopted the final Hunter Lions Park Master Plan.

Project to be Constructed in Seven Phases – Click to view Master Plan with Seven Phases

Phase 1: Reorient ballfield backstop (remove existing basketball court) 

Phase 2: Construct tennis & pickleball courts 

Phase 3: Construct new basketball court, remove existing volleyball court, construct new trails 

Phase 4: Expand playground with new equipment, add new site amenities 

Phase 5: New site amenities to include picnic tables, receptacles, picnic shelter on pad 

Phase 6: Install event pods along trail 

Phase 7: Natural resource management, prairie kiosk signs, prairie & creek enhancements, prairie benches