Outdoors

Loon mysteries unveiled in flight

Stan Tekiela • June 23, 2024

While leading a photo tour, Stan Tekiela observed mysterious gliding behavior in loons, underscoring the many unknowns in nature's behavior.

Board member who sued agency fails to win reappointment

Mark Weber • June 20, 2024

Larry Koch was denied reappointment to the watershed district board but continues his lawsuit over a disputed land purchase in Eden Prairie.

Plethora of peonies bloom at historic house

Joanna Werch Takes • June 12, 2024

Over a century after they were first planted, the flowers continue their annual bloom at the Cummins-Phipps-Grill House.

Surprises in loon life on the lake

Stan Tekiela • June 10, 2024

Despite decades of studying loons, unexpected discoveries – like a pair raising four chicks – continue to show the surprising complexity of nature.

Feathered newcomers: Trumpeter swans hatch cygnets

Gretchen Haynes • June 9, 2024

Local photographer captures trumpeter swans with newly hatched cygnets near Flying Cloud Drive in Eden Prairie.

Jazz and ribs to sizzle at Staring Lake Park

EPLN Staff Reports • June 7, 2024

The 34th annual Minnesota Festival of Jazz on the Prairie will feature free music and the Rotary’s Rib Fest fundraiser on June 9.

Eden Prairie opens splash pads and beaches, with lifeguards at Riley Lake Park starting June 10

EPLN Staff Reports • June 2, 2024

Eden Prairie opens splash pads and beaches for summer; lifeguards will be on duty at Riley Lake starting June 10.

Solitary sandpiper in the Northwoods

Stan Tekiela • May 29, 2024

While photographing black bears in northern Minnesota, outdoor columnist Stan Tekiela encountered a rare solitary sandpiper nesting in trees.

Horned lark nesting habits shed light on declining bird populations

Stan Tekiela • May 13, 2024

Ground-nesting birds, including the iconic Horned Lark, are facing a concerning decline in North America, attributed to various environmental challenges.

Spectacular Aurora show lights up sky

Gretchen Haynes • May 11, 2024

Photographer Gretchen Haynes captures the vibrant colors of the Northern Lights from Penn Township near Kings Lake in Minnesota during a rare geomagnetic storm. Under a sky ignited by a rare geomagnetic...

Arbor Day, Birch Island Woods style

Jeff Strate • May 3, 2024

Light rains held back last Friday afternoon in Birch Island Woods, leaving a damp, overcast gloom. But it was Minnesota’s Arbor Day, and the conservation area’s trees were brushed with the fairyland...

The Arboretum tulips are in bloom! 

Sarah Jackson • May 3, 2024

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum's tulips burst into a riot of colors, celebrating the Snyder Building's 50th Golden Anniversary with vibrant blooms.