Sep
13
Tue
2022
Collect native seeds at Linear Park @ Vermillion River Linear Park, Hastings
Sep 13 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Collect seeds at Vermillion River Linear Park

Collect and distribute native seed at Vermillion River Linear Park, a beautiful 60-acre park that’s part of a corridor of green space that runs through the heart of Hastings. Your contribution will mean a healthy, diverse array of plants are ready to grow next spring.

Sep
14
Wed
2022
Hastings DWSMA Open House @ Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center
Sep 14 @ 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Open House – Hastings Drinking Water Supply Management Area Groundwater Protection Rule Process

Do you farm or own cropland in the Hastings Drinking Water Supply Management Area (DWSMA)?

The City of Hastings has high nitrate in their city wells. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is working with a team of local farmers, crop advisers, and others to develop a list of region-specific farming practices to reduce nitrate in groundwater and the city wells.

Join us to learn and share ideas about the proposed practices and the Groundwater Protection Rule process. Practice adoption is voluntary but could become regulatory if the voluntary approach is unsuccessful.

MDA staff will be available to discuss these topics, collect comments and ideas from farmers, and answer questions. A 30-minute presentation will be shared at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

Sep
15
Thu
2022
Haul and stack buckthorn at Vermillion Falls @ Vermillion Falls Park, Hastings
Sep 15 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Haul and stack buckthorn at Vermillion Falls Park

Come for the beautiful waterfall and stay to join FMR staff and fellow volunteers in hauling previously cut buckthorn and honeysuckle. You’ll help us prepare the area for oak savanna restoration at this unique site.

Oct
13
Thu
2022
We Are Water MN Dakota County @ Pleasant Hill Library
Oct 13 – Dec 5 all-day

We Are Water MN exhibit coming to Dakota County

Come explore the interactive exhibit at 2 locations: Pleasant Hill Library in Hastings and Lebanon Hills Regional Park Visitor Center in Eagan. Learn about our personal connection to water in our communities and throughout Minnesota.

For more information, visit www.dakotacounty.us and search We Are Water.

Oct
20
Thu
2022
City of Hastings Drinking Water Treatment Plant Tour (4 times) @ City of Hastings Water Treatment Plant
Oct 20 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

City of Hastings Drinking Water Treatment Plant Tour

Learn more about where drinking water comes from, common pollutants impacting water and the treatment process that makes water safe to drink. Presented by the City of Hastings. Registration required. Geared for adults and youth ages 12 and older.

City of Hastings Water Trea​tment Plant
1300 North Frontage Road,  Hastings
Thursday, Oct. 20, 1–2 p.m. Register now.
Thursday, Oct. 20,  2–3 p.m. Register now.
Thursday, Nov. 17, 4:30–5:30 p.m. Register now.
Thursday, Nov. 17, 5:30–6:30 p.m. Register now.

Oct
27
Thu
2022
Nitrate Clinic for Private Well Owners @ Pleasant Hill Library, Hastings
Oct 27 @ 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Nitrate Clinic for Private Well Owners

Bring private well water samples in a clean container to get your water tested for nitrates. Visit the interactive We are Water MN exhibit while you wait for your results.

Pleasant Hill Library
1490 S. Frontage Roa​d, Hastings
Thursday, Oct. 27, 4:30–6:30 p.m. ​

Mar
1
Wed
2023
Minnesota Irrigator Program @ Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center
Mar 1 @ 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Minnesota Irrigator Program

Are you an irrigator concerned about matching your irrigation with crop water use? Are you wondering how to improve water use efficiency and reduce water costs? The University of Minnesota Extension is offering the Minnesota Irrigator Program (MIP), to help answer these questions and more.

The three-day MIP will be held in person at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center in Farmington (same building as our office and Dakota County SWCD) on March 1, 8, and 15 from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm. Topics will include general water use and flow, irrigation sprinkler systems, variable rate irrigation, agronomics, maintenance, energy costs, and much more. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Participation is capped at 25 individuals and the cost is $75. For more information and to register, go to https://z.umn.edu/MIP23registration.

MIP attendance is one of the requirements for the Irrigation Endorsement awarded by the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program and certified producers are eligible for tuition reimbursement. Contact your local MAWQCP certifier for more information.

Minnesota Ag-Urban Partnership Forum @ College of St. Benedict - Gorecki Center
Mar 1 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Minnesota Ag-Urban Partnership Forum

Plan to participate in person to learn more about the ways that agricultural and urban partners are working together to prepare for extreme weather events and improve water quality around Minnesota. This fourth annual event will focus on extreme weather resiliency, with keynote speaker, Heidi Roop, Ph.D., director, Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership at the University of Minnesota.

Who should attend?

Agricultural, government, local, and urban partners looking for ideas on how to develop and strengthen their relationships while improving the water quality of Minnesota lakes and streams are encouraged to attend.

Online registration is open. Registrations are requested before Feb. 21, 2023, to help finalize preparations for the event.