Join Friends of the Mississippi River and Hastings Environmental Protectors for a unique island cleanup.

Spring Lake Park stretches around the bend of the Mississippi River. After meeting in the Dakota County park, where FMR has been restoring habitat for over 10 years, volunteers will be shuttled to the nearby islands by boat to pick up trash.

As always, all are welcome and encouraged to work at their own comfort level. Due to wet island conditions, waterproof knee or muck boots are highly encouraged. Bags and gloves will be provided.

Following the cleanup, a light lunch will be provided for all volunteers courtesy of Hastings Environmental Protectors.

Ready to register?

To sign up and receive precise directions to the meeting spot, contact FMR Volunteer Coordinator Amy Kilgore via the contact form (please select Amy by name from the staff list under “Category”) or at akilgore@fmr.org, 651-222-2193 x31. Please include the name of the event, your name, address and phone number and the number in your party. If you’re under 18 and interested in volunteering without the company of your parent or guardian, please take a moment and have them fill out this brief minor permission form.

To ensure a high-quality experience, capacity is limited and pre-registration required. Registration closes Thursday, October 5, or upon reaching capacity.

You will receive a confirmation email with details and directions from akilgore@fmr.org within two business days. (If you don’t, please check your SPAM folder.) Amy is typically in the office M-Th.

Winter Roads Maintenance Workshop is for all winter maintenance professionals.

Improve your efficiency and reduce environmental impacts of winter road maintenance and see an equipment demonstration. Training is based on the MN Snow and Ice Control Field Handbook for Snowplow Operators. Attendees have an opportunity to attain MPCA Level 1 Certification in Snow and Ice Control Best Practices. Lunch will be provided. Workshop is free.

Training topics include: application rates, weather conditions and storing materials, environmental effects, new maintenance methods, calibration, selection of materials, anti-icing vs. de-icing, and more.

Pre-registration is required by September 26. To register, send email to environ@co.dakota.mn.us.

Local experts from the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization will highlight important trends and emerging issues facing the subwatershed, as well as potential solutions. The presentation will focus in on two main concerns, water volume and sediment issues in the Vermillion River.

Next, hear from FMR’s Stewardship Program Manager Adam Flett on actions you can take to make your home, lawn and community more water friendly.

Following the presentation, we’ll have an informal Q & A session. To make sure everyone has a chance to ask questions, and due to limited seating, capacity is limited and advance registration required.

The Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Board (VRWJPB) is the governing body of the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO). The  VRWJPB consists of two Commissioners from Dakota County and one Commissioner from Scott County. The VRWJPB makes decisions about VRWJPO policy, budget, and actions. The agenda and full packet of items for discussion are posted here at least one week before the meeting.

The Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Board (VRWJPB) is the governing body of the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO). The  VRWJPB consists of two Commissioners from Dakota County and one Commissioner from Scott County. The VRWJPB makes decisions about VRWJPO policy, budget, and actions. The agenda and full packet of items for discussion are posted here at least one week before the meeting.

The Vermillion River Watershed Technical Advisory Group (TAG) representatives are from cities, townships, counties, state agencies, environmental consulting firms, universities and other interested partners. Anyone is welcome to attend. The VRWJPO consults with the TAG about emerging scientific, technical, and policy impacts on the Vermillion River Watershed.