CHANHASSEN

Seasonal care for gardens is class topic

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is offering a class on working around the state's challenging weather in "Fundamentals of Seasonal Garden Maintenance" a class from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Jan. 24.

Horticulturist Jeffrey Johnson will teach the class, which will focus on learning the secrets of Minnesota's Zone 4 plant systems and season-specific insights about soils, planting, watering, weed control, and dealing with pests. Johnson will share information about his favorite plant varieties, management methods and tools.

The class is limited to 22 participants and costs $41 for members and $55 for nonmembers. To register go to arboretum.umn.edu/gardeningclasses.

PLYMOUTH

Candlelight walk set along Luce Line trail

The Luce Line State Trail in Plymouth will be lit with candles on Jan. 2 — one of more than 30 candlelight events held this winter at Minnesota state parks and trails.

The Luce Line hike, which takes place from 5-8 p.m., includes a 1-mile portion of the trail lit by candles or luminaries. The event, which is free and open to all ages, includes a campfire to warm up and roast marshmallows on afterward. Recommended parking is in Plymouth, off 10th Avenue North and Vicksburg Lane.

For more information, call 651-259-5774, or go to the Luce Line State Trail webpage at mndnr.gov.

CHASKA

Police work academy will begin Jan. 20

Citizen Academy is a seven-session program that teaches people about police work in Chaska by letting them experiencing police work. Previous academies have included tours of the police station and county jail and covered topics like drug and gang task force training.

The police department provides the academy to increase community outreach and create opportunities to receive feedback from participants to improve delivery of services.

The classes are free and will be held on Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. To register contact Officer Julie Janke at 952-448-4200 or e-mail her at jjanke@chaskamn.com.

MINNETONKA

Applications open for creek committee

The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District is seeking applicants for its Citizens Advisory Committee, a group of citizens who assist the watershed district's board of managers and provides input on projects and programs.

The deadline to apply is Jan. 5. The committee, which is appointed by the board, meets once per month, but may also attend community events or help distribute watershed educational materials.

For more information or to apply, go to minnehahacreek.org/CAC or contact Darren Lochner at dlochner@minnehahacreek.org or 952-641-4524.

Register for police academy by Jan. 9

Registration for the 2015 Minnetonka Police Citizen's Academy is due by Jan. 9.

The free program takes place over eight Tuesday evenings from Feb. 3 to March 24 at Minnetonka City Hall and teaches residents about the police department such as crime scene investigations, school resource officers and dispatch. Anyone age 21 and older who lives or works in Minnetonka can apply. Applications may be downloaded at eminnetonka.com.

Garden center hosts special program

The Federated Garden Clubs of Minnesota will host a free event open to the public next month in Minnetonka.

The nonprofit will host a program on succulents and house plants from 1-2 p.m. Jan. 17 at the Tonkadale Garden Center, located at 3739 Tonkawood Road, in Minnetonka.

Attendees should RSVP by Jan. 9 to Betty Beck at 763-473-7183 or beflower@comcast.net.

STAFF REPORTS