Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership Great River Outing: Old Highland to Old Man River

Saturday, November 5 from 1:30-3:00 p.m. in Minneapolis (leaving from North Commons Recreation Center, 1801 James Avenue North. You may also join the outing at the pocket park just west of the Plymouth Avenue bridge)

The 2011 ‘Great River Outings' and events series, sponsored by Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership, offers unique walking tours, diverse forums based on Mississippi river issues and entries into exclusive spaces that neighbor the River. On this outing, walk to the Mississippi River from the heart of the Old Highland neighborhood, right after their annual meeting and potluck. Sponsored in partnership with the Old Highland Neighborhood Organization. At each Great River Outing event, guides with experience in fields like ecology, history, community planning and preservation will tell the ‘stories behind the story’ and give participants a greater understanding of how the community can facilitate and support coordinated revitalization of the Mississippi riverfront in Minneapolis. Tours and events will be held regardless of inclement weather. Participants are strongly urged to pre- register online; however, when space allows we will accept last minute additions at the tour starting points. Pre-registration and more information is available at http://www.minneapolisriverfrontpartnership.org/.

Free Lecture: Water and the Challenges Facing U.S. and World Agriculture in the 21st Century

Thursday, November 10 at 7:00 p.m. in St. Paul (Univ. of MN St. Paul Student Center)

Fred Kirschenmann, a national leader in the organic food and farming movement, will deliver a free public lecture sponsored by the Freshwater Society and the UMN College of Biological Sciences. Kirschenmann states that serious changes must be made in the way America and the world grow food. A series of crises—the drawing down of groundwater reserves around the world; depletion of fossil fuels; looming shortages in two basic agricultural fertilizers, phosphorus and potassium; and a changing climate—are occurring at the same time that population growth and changing diets around the world are increasing demand for food. Organic agriculture, the kind Kirschenmann long has advocated and practiced on his own 2,400-acre farm in North Dakota, is not enough of an answer, he says. Nor is any single technological fix. For the past century, he says, agriculture has been designed as an industrial operation, assuming that the natural resources to fuel that industry and the sinks in nature to absorb its wastes would always be in sufficient supply. Tomorrow’s agriculture has to be designed to mimic nature, with the intention to make it more resilient and largely self-renewing. For more information and to register, see www.freshwater.org/index.php/programs/whats-new/464-fred-kirschenmann-to-lecture-nov-10.

The Dirt on Sediment Pollution: Water Quality in the Mississippi River

Thursday, November 17 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in St. Paul (Science Museum of Minnesota, 120 W. Kellogg Blvd.)

Over the last year there have been many controversy-stirring films and dozens of news stories about the Mississippi's water quality problems. But what exactly are these culprits we keep hearing about — what is "suspended sediment" or a "TMDL"? And why are "excess nutrients" so bad for the river? Join the eminent and engaging Dr. Daniel Engstrom at this presentation, co-sponsored by the Friends of the Mississippi River and the Science Museum of Minnesota, as he answers these questions in an approachable manner and discusses solutions to the problems. Following the presentation, there will be a guided conversation with Dr. Engstrom, FMR Watershed Program Director Trevor Russell and Linda Meschke, president and founder of Rural Advantage. Attendees will have the opportunity to contribute questions. For more information, and to sign up to attend, see http://www.fmr.org/participate/events/dirt_on_sediment_pollution_2011-11-17.

Concerned about Clean Water?

Want to know how your favorite lake or stream has or can become "impaired"?

Join us for this timely and free discussion!

Representatives from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Minnehaha Creek Watershed District will give the basics on:

• How a waterbody gets classified as "impaired" through the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) process
• How you can take action to improve your lake or stream
• Funding options available for implementing clean water practices

Hosted by: Citizens for the Minnehaha Creek Corridor

Fourteenth Annual Children's Water Festival

The annual festival is produced for children in Minneapolis and St. Paul on September 28, 2011, and is free of charge at the Minnesota State Fair Grounds. The purpose of the festival is to educate fifth-grade students about our water resources and to present ways they can help ensure a future where both the quantity and quality of water resources are protected and managed wisely. 

See photos from past years and get more information at www.metrocwf.org.

Clean Water Summit 2011

A summit presented by Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in collaboration with the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District on September 8, 2011.

Trees, from their roots deep within the earth to their leaves high in the sky, provide more than just shade. They also provide economic, social, and environrmental benefits to our communities. The 2011 Clean Water Summit will focus on trees and the role they play in protecting and achieving clean water. Featured presentations will address the technical aspects as well as policy and planning issues related to using trees in stormwater management, including current treatment practices, operation and maintenance concerns, assessment tools and methodologies, and the multiple community benefits trees provide.

Information and Registration: www.arboretum.umn.edu/symposiaandcoverences.aspx

Metro Blooms Raingarden Workshops - May & June 2011

Get ready for spring by planning a garden that beautifies your yard and helps keep our water clean.

Instructor: Metro Blooms Landscape Design Specialist 
Workshop fee: $10 
Sign up at www.metroblooms.org

Whether you are an experienced gardener or have never tried gardening before, this eco-friendly gardening workshop will help you learn how to:

• Use native plants in your garden landscape
• Limit fertilizers and pesticides without compromising a beautiful yard
• Capture rainwater on site with rain gardens
• Redirect your downspouts
• Plan your garden. Location! Location! Location!

Zebra Mussel Forum - April 6, 2011

You are welcome to join this forum on zebra mussels to find out more about their status and efforts to control their spread.

• Lake expert Steve McComas will give a summary on invasive mussels in Lake Minnetonka and their potential for spreading.
• MCWD Administrator Eric Evenson will give an overview of different control and prevention measures being proposed.
• MN DNR Representative will also be on hand to give an update on state level control efforts in the recently proposed legislation to increase resources for invasive species control.
 

RSVP
Email or Call Alex Gehrig
alexg@minnesotawaters.org 
218.251.1462

Find out more on zebra mussels in Lake Minnetonka.

Brought to you by Lake Minnewashta Preservation Association, Minnesota Waters and MCWD.

Community Action for Clean Water - March 8, 2011

Learn how to keep your lake from turning GREEN and reduce pollution!

You can help your neighborhood organize a community clean up with the use of the Freshwater Society's Community Cleanup Toolkit. Learn about the toolkit from Peggy Knapp, Director of Programs of the Freshwater Society. View Flyer

Open to all Lake and River Associations

RSVP by March 1, 2011
Email or Call Alex Gehrig
alexg@minnesotawaters.org
218.251.1462

Metro Area Lake and River Groups Summit - November 3, 2010

Leaders and members of metro area lake and river groups and individuals interested in forming a group or association, join us at this unique event to:

• Network with other Lake and River Groups and learn about what others are doing to preserve our water resources.
• Aquatic Invasive Species management panel discussion: Steve McComas (the Lake Detective) of Blue Water Science
  Chip Welling from the MN DNR
  Dr. Udai Singh from the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District
  Mike Shouldice, President of the Schutz Lake Association.

Choose from one of the break out sessions: 

• Protecting Lakes and Rivers from Road Salt with Carolyn Dindorf of Fortin Consulting
• Shoreline Management for Healthy Lakes with John Hiebert, Shoreline Habitat Coordinator with the MN DNR
• Also featuring the Watershed Game - a unique opportunity to learn and network.

Cost: $13 – Dinner will be served

Rules Training Session - October 12, 2010

We will be providing a general background of the Rules Revision process and covering each of the recently adopted rules. This is to provide additional clarity for those looking to apply for permits as well as give information to potential applicants within your municipality. The District’s goal is to provide a process that is clear to everyone and offer additional assistance with the new permit requirements. Please pass this information to any others that may be interested.

RSVP
Email or Call Steve Christopher
schristopher@minnehahacreek.org
952.471.0590 x207

*Refreshments will be provided

Agenda: 

8:15 – 8:30 Welcome & Sign In
8:30 – 8:45 Background on rule process
Explanation of upcoming monthly ‘Breakfast Meetings’
8:45 – 9:00 Erosion Control
9:00 – 9:30 Floodplain, Dredging, and Waterbody Crossing
9:30 – 10:00 Shoreline and Streambank Improvements
10:00 – 10:15 Break
10:15 – 10:45 Wetland Protection
10:45 – 11:30 Breakout sessions. Each rule will have its own station to facilitate rule specific question-and-answer session.

2010 Watershed Heroes Awards - October 8, 2010

MCWD recognizes community members who have made significant contributions or accomplishments that improve the quality of water, quality of life in the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District. Award winners.

Watershed Heroes Award Ceremony will be held:

Tickets: $35/person

Clean Water and Climate Adaptation Summit - September 16-17, 2010

The Summit was held at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. 

September 16, 2010
Green Infrastructure for Clean Water

September 17, 2010
Adapting for an Uncertain Climate: Preparing for the Next 100 Years

Online Information & Registration
Flier & Registration

Objective: Join local government officials and staff, industry leaders, natural resource professionals, scientists and citizens to learn how climate trends might affect Minnesota and the region, how green infrastructure will be a key water-management strategy and how to make informed decisions and enhance the economic viability of your community.

Newsletter writing workshop - September 15, 2010

Learn how to write a newsletter everyone wants to read! Re-invigorate and existing newsletter or develop a new one. Learn reader friendly design, the best content for your audience and circulation strategies. 

RSVP
Email or Call Alex Gehrig
alexg@minnesotawaters.org
218.251.1462

Include: Name, Name of organization, Email, Address & Phone Number.

Zebra Mussel Open House meetings August 31 & September 1, 2010

To help keep the public informed about the zebra mussel infestation on Lake Minnetonka, the DNR in collaboration with the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District and the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, has scheduled two open house meetings. The meetings will allow residents and lake users to ask questions regarding potential impacts, regulations and actions that can be taken to protect boats and equipment and to prevent the spread of zebra mussels.

A short overview presentation will be given at the beginning of the open house. Booths staffed by DNR, LMCD and MCWD will answer questions about:

• Zebra mussel biology and impacts
• Regulations, enforcement and inspections
• What lake residents and commercial businesses can do
• What lake users (swimming, angling, boating, etc.) can do

Meetings will be held: 

Fundrasing & Grants Workshop - August 25, 2010

Is your lake and river group looking to increase funding for their projects to improve our waters?

Presenter: Marian Bender, Executive Director of Minnesota Waters

Free for all lake and river groups. Supported in part by the Citizens for the Minnehaha Creek Corridor. 

RSVP by August 18, 2010
Email or Call Alex Gehrig
alexg@minnesotawaters.org 
218.251.1462

Include: Name, Lake/River Group, Address, E-mail & phone number

See Flier

Dutch Lake (DL-5) Improvement Project Public Hearing - July 22, 2010

Minnehaha Creek Watershed District will be holding a public hearing for the Dutch Lake (DL-5) Improvement Project

This project was presented at a community meeting at Minnetrista City Hall on June 29, 2010, and may include wetland restoration, erosion control, shoreline improvements, upland restoration and pasture management on the Camp Christmas Tree site. The estimated cost of this project is $227,000.00 and if ordered, would be paid for by the District’s ad valorem tax levy.

Turbid-Lunsten Lake Improvement Project Public Hearing - July 22, 2010

Minnehaha Creek Watershed District will be holding a public hearing for the Turbid – Lunsten Lake Improvement Project

This project was presented at a community meeting at Laketown Hall on June 30 and may include a 40 acre wetland restoration adjacent to Turbid Lake. The estimated cost of this project is $1.2 million and if ordered, would be paid for by the District’s ad valorem tax levy.

Turbid-Lunsten Improvement Project Public Informational Meeting - June 30, 2010

Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) will hold a public informational meeting on Wednesday, June 30, 2010 to discuss water quality projects between Turbid and Lunsten Lake. At the meeting, District staff will present findings from a study that explores the feasibility of options that will restore wetlands and lower excessive levels of phosphorus, a nutrient that can cause algae blooms and degrade aquatic habitat.

This is an informational meeting, with opportunities for the public to comment.

RSVP
Email or Call James Wisker
jwisker@minnehahacreek.org
952.471.0590 x206 

Dutch Lake Improvement Project Public Informational Meeting - June 29, 2010

Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) will hold a public informational meeting on Tuesday, June 29, 2010 to discuss water quality projects for Dutch Lake. At the meeting, District staff will present findings from a study that explores the feasibility of options that will lower excessive levels of phosphorus, a nutrient that can cause algae blooms and degrade aquatic habitat.

This is an informational meeting, with opportunities for the public to comment.

RSVP
Email or Call James Wisker
jwisker@minnehahacreek.org
952.471.0590 x206

Metro Blooms Raingarden Workshops - April - June 2010

Metro Blooms is providing $10 raingarden workshops. Learn how to manage stormwater runoff by installing a raingarden using native plants to improve water quality in our lakes, rivers and streams. 

Register at metroblooms.org or call (651) 699-2426.

The Raingarden Workshop (Part A) teaches landowners how to install a raingarden using native plants that don’t require fertilizers or pesticides, and whose long roots help draw the water deep into the soil. Rusty Schmidt, a Minneapolis landscape ecologist, is the key presenter.

Metro Blooms is offering a complete Raingarden Installation valued at $1,000 to the 5,000th workshop attendee.

2010 Raingarden Workshop Part A Locations

Big Island Adventure Weekend on the Minnehaha - June 19-20, 2010

Big Island Weekend - June 19th and 20th

The Steamboat Minnehaha will be shuttling riders to and from the Big Island park on Saturday and Sunday.

MCWD staff will be there Saturday to answer questions about restoration and the wild life and plant life at the park.

Tickets, Schedule and other Information. Sponsored by The Museum of Lake Minnetonka, the City of Orono and the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District

Native Planting: Improve Water Quality - June 15, 2010

How to plan, purchase and plant native gardens, raingardens and shorelines. 

• Explanation of the MN DNR’s shoreline restoration program and ongoing research into the social barriers related shoreline restoration. 
• How to integrate native plants into your current landscape.
• Why geese prefer your lawn!

Sponsored by: MCWD, Minnesota Waters & Schutz Lake Association.

Excelsior Art on the Lake - June 12, 2010

Visit MCWD Representatives at the Excelsior Art on the Lake on Saturday! We will be there to answer questions and hand out information and MCWD swag. 

June 12, 2010, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.  
June 13, 2010, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.