Have you noticed odd patches of damaged grass at an Island park or a neighbor’s yard lately? This “rototilled” look is not intentional; it's actually the work of hungry wildlife seeking to feast on an invasive beetle (the European chafer) found in the grass. Here's what you need to know:

The European chafer is new to Washington. In fact, they were first detected in SeaTac in 2008. The European chafer has been identified here on Mercer Island and is at the top of the dinner menu for local wildlife, including raccoons and crows. The torn-up grass is not actually caused by the European chafer or their larvae, but by wildlife that are trying to feed on the grubs (larvae) that live in the dirt under the grass. Raccoons will dig and roll away a section of turf and crows will pick, pluck, and pull the larvae out of the grass, taking clumps of grass with it.

While not much can be done to prevent this activity this time of year, the City is planning a pilot program to reduce the beetle damage in select parks. There are also steps you can take to deter damage to grass at home. Learn more about the European chafer and this pilot program on Let's Talk.

Last July, the Mercer Island City Council approved an interlocal agreement with Eastside Fire & Rescue to provide fire and emergency medical services on Mercer Island beginning January 1, 2024. With the start of the new year behind us, Eastside Fire & Rescue is now Mercer Island’s provider of fire and emergency medical services.

Islanders are invited to attend a Fire Station Open House to commemorate this transition, where you can meet your firefighters, explore the stations, see equipment, and learn how fire services work. The first open house is tonight, January 10 from 5:30pm - 7:30pm at Station 91 (Town Center). The second open house on January 13 at Station 92 (South End) has been canceled due to forecasted weather.

Still have questions or want to know more? Islanders can expect the same level of service and both Mercer Island Fire Stations remain open and operational. Visit our Let’s Talk Page for background information and a detailed FAQ.

In 2022, Mercer Island voters approved a 16-year renewal of the parks levy, which continues funding for parks operations and maintenance in addition to funding playground replacements. The first playground scheduled for replacement is at Roanoke Park, and Islanders are invited to provide input about the type of playground equipment desired through a quick survey. It takes about 10 minutes to complete and community members are encouraged to take it with the kids in their lives.

The survey is open through January 12. Questions cover the types of playground equipment, the use of different equipment, and general likes/dislikes of potential playground layouts. Responses will be used to refine playground concepts that will be presented to the community at the virtual public meeting on January 30. Learn more about this project on Let’s Talk.