Mar
7
Tue
2023
Landscaping for Clean Water Intro Course @ Virtual
Mar 7 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Landscaping for Clean Water Intro Course @ Virtual

Landscaping for Clean Water Introductory Course

The Introduction to Clean Water class focuses on general water quality practices of raingardens, native gardens, and shoreline stabilization.

Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District staff will provide an overview of Minnesota’s watersheds and our local water quality challenges, providing beautiful and practical ways to improve pollinator habitat and reduce runoff pollutants from your yard that might be contributing to water quality issues.

The Intro to Clean Water class is FREE, and registration is open to everyone – Dakota County residency not required. You only need to attend or view the Intro to Clean Water class one time – no need to repeat in future years if you want to enroll in the Design Course!

Mar
23
Thu
2023
Landscaping for Clean Water Maintenance Course @ Virtual
Mar 23 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Mar
29
Wed
2023
MPCA Turfgrass Maintenance Certification Training @ Dakota County Western Service Center Rm. 106
Mar 29 @ 8:00 am – 1:30 pm
MPCA Turfgrass Maintenance Certification Training @ Dakota County Western Service Center Rm. 106 | Apple Valley | Minnesota | United States

MPCA Turfgrass Maintenance Certification Training

Attend this workshop to learn best practices for lawn/turf maintenance with reduced environmental impacts. The practices taught will save you money and time and protect our water. Take the test to become Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Level 1 certified in turfgrass maintenance best practices. Participants will receive a Turfgrass Maintenance Manual.

Who should attend?

  • Private maintenance companies
  • Property managers
  • Employees maintaining park, cemetery, city or school grounds

Training topics include:

  • How turf management affects surface & groundwater
  • Equipment calibration & maintenance
  • Life cycle of turf & weeds & how it affects maintenance
  • Efficient & effective irrigation
  • Soil testing, fertilizer selection and application
  • Mowing techniques
  • Pesticide application tips
  • Best practices for turf management
  • Weed control practices
  • In-field reference materials, such as turf care matrix

Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. March 22. Register online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/526531689457 or call 952-891-7000. Morning coffee and refreshments and lunch provided.

Funding by Dakota County and the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization as well as the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency with Clean Water Funds.

Apr
3
Mon
2023
Landscaping for Clean Water Intro Course @ Eagan City Hall
Apr 3 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Landscaping for Clean Water Intro Course @ Eagan City Hall | Eagan | Minnesota | United States

Landscaping for Clean Water Introductory Course

The Introduction to Clean Water class focuses on general water quality practices of raingardens, native gardens, and shoreline stabilization.

Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District staff will provide an overview of Minnesota’s watersheds and our local water quality challenges, providing beautiful and practical ways to improve pollinator habitat and reduce runoff pollutants from your yard that might be contributing to water quality issues.

The Intro to Clean Water class is FREE, and registration is open to everyone – Dakota County residency not required. You only need to attend or view the Intro to Clean Water class one time – no need to repeat in future years if you want to enroll in the Design Course!

Apr
13
Thu
2023
Landscaping for Clean Water Shoreline Course @ Mendota Heights City Hall
Apr 13 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
May
3
Wed
2023
Landscaping for Clean Water Intro Course @ Virtual
May 3 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Landscaping for Clean Water Intro Course @ Virtual

Landscaping for Clean Water Introductory Course

The Introduction to Clean Water class focuses on general water quality practices of raingardens, native gardens, and shoreline stabilization.

Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District staff will provide an overview of Minnesota’s watersheds and our local water quality challenges, providing beautiful and practical ways to improve pollinator habitat and reduce runoff pollutants from your yard that might be contributing to water quality issues.

The Intro to Clean Water class is FREE, and registration is open to everyone – Dakota County residency not required. You only need to attend or view the Intro to Clean Water class one time – no need to repeat in future years if you want to enroll in the Design Course!

May
12
Fri
2023
Landscaping for Clean Water Design Course @ Apple Valley Municipal Center McIntosh Training Room
May 12 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Landscaping for Clean Water Design Course @ Apple Valley Municipal Center McIntosh Training Room

Landscaping for Clean Water Design Course

After completing the Introduction to Clean Water class, you are eligible to enroll in the Landscaping for Clean Water Design Course. While the Landscaping for Clean Water program is open to anyone, the $250 cost share grants are only available to Dakota County residents and Lower Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization residents in Ramsey County.

The Landscaping for Clean Water Design Course helps residents like you create and install beautiful landscaping projects that are unique to your yard! This course is a great opportunity to learn about garden planning from the experts, whether you are interested in finding out about site design, plant selection, raingarden installation, or adding native plants to the landscape.

In 2023, the Design Course Online Learning Materials will be provided to all participants for project planning at home. In addition, we are offering three in-person Design Course options this year:

IN-PERSON DESIGN COURSE OPTIONS

  • Tuesday/Thursday – April 18/20
    Burnsville City Hall
    6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
  • Friday – May 12
    Apple Valley Municipal Center
    12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday/Thursday – June 20/22
    Mendota Heights Fire Station
    6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

There is a $25.00 registration fee for the Design Course that includes a copy of the Blue Thumb Guide to Raingardens book, a Design Folder including aerial property maps and design tools, online instruction materials and one-on-one help.

Are you a returning Design Course participant? Register again for the Design Course and the FEE is WAIVED!

APPLY FOR A $250 GARDEN GRANT!

At the end of the Design Course you will have a complete garden project planned and ready to install. You then have the opportunity to apply for a $250 cost share grant, funded by Dakota County watershed organizations. The grant (paid at completion of project) includes in-person site visits at your property and technical assistance from our staff available to you throughout the installation process.

The 2023 grants will be awarded in three rounds, as follows:

2023 Application Date Project Completion
Round 1 April 26, 2023 July 21, 2023
Round 2 May 31, 2023 August 25, 2023
Round 3 July 12, 2023 October 6, 2023
Jun
8
Thu
2023
Landscaping for Clean Water Intro Course @ Virtual
Jun 8 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Landscaping for Clean Water Intro Course @ Virtual

Landscaping for Clean Water Introductory Course

The Introduction to Clean Water class focuses on general water quality practices of raingardens, native gardens, and shoreline stabilization.

Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District staff will provide an overview of Minnesota’s watersheds and our local water quality challenges, providing beautiful and practical ways to improve pollinator habitat and reduce runoff pollutants from your yard that might be contributing to water quality issues.

The Intro to Clean Water class is FREE, and registration is open to everyone – Dakota County residency not required. You only need to attend or view the Intro to Clean Water class one time – no need to repeat in future years if you want to enroll in the Design Course!