Sep
24
Sat
2016
Vermillion Stewards: native prairie seed collection at Sand Coulee SNA @ Sand Coulees Scientific and Natural Area
Sep 24 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Oct
8
Sat
2016
Minnesota StarWatch at Whitetail Woods @ Whitetail Woods Regional Park
Oct 8 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Dakota County Parks and the Minnesota Institute of Astrophysics bring the night sky to life. Astronomer Mike Lynch presents a short talk and slide show on our solar system. If weather allows, attendees can view the sky through multiple 8-inch reflecting telescopes. The Institute staff also provides free star maps and shows visitors how to use them. Cost of the presentation is $10 per person and registration is required.

Oct
18
Tue
2016
Vermillion Stewards: Landscape for the River @ Angry Inch Brewery
Oct 18 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Join the Vermillion Stewards and Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) in exploring landscape for the river in a workshop on native plants, raingardens, lawn and sidewalk care, and other methods of protecting and improving water quality in the Vermillion River. The workshop takes place in a new venue for the Vermillion Stewards — The Angry Inch Brewery in Lakeville, 20841 Holyoke Ave., a new taproom serving “Angry beer for happy people.” Sample the suds while learning how to turn your backyard into a river friendly force for clean water. Topics include how to reduce runoff from sidewalk salt, landscape with native plants, install a rain barrel, compost yard waste, and create your own raingarden. This free event requires pre-registration. Contact FMR (or visit the FMR website) to reserve your place.

Oct
29
Sat
2016
Volunteers Needed for Trout Unlimited Vermillion Riverkeepers Work Day Oct. 29 @ DNR Vermillion River Aquatic Management Area, South Branch
Oct 29 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Join Trout Unlimited (TU) and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for a volunteer work day at the DNR Vermillion River Aquatic Management Area to clear invasive species from the banks of the South Branch, one of the Vermillion River’s trout streams. While anyone is welcome to work, a core group of TU volunteers, the Vermillion Riverkeepers, has been clearing invasive species and restoring this great prospective fishing destination for the past few years, donating hundreds of hours to the project. Volunteers will meet at the property, which is west of Hwy. 52 near 200th St. E. (Co. Rd. 66) on Saturday, October 29, 2016, at 9 a.m. After battling the buckthorn (and other invasive plants), volunteers will be provided lunch. To register for the event, contact TU habitat restoration chair Tony Nelson, who will send out an email before the event providing details on what to wear and what to bring.

Nov
5
Sat
2016
Bird Hikes at Carpenter Nature Center @ Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center (CNC)
Nov 5 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Join local bird expert Kevin Smith and other bird lovers on a morning hike at the Carpenter Nature Center. Field guides and binoculars are available, or bring your own. The program is $6 or free for Friends of CNC, St. Croix Valley Bird Club, and Hastings Environmental Protectors. For more information, contact CNC at 651-437-4359 or visit www.CarpenterNatureCenter.org.

Nov
15
Tue
2016
‘State of the River’ Presentation in Hastings @ Schaar's Bluff Gathering Center
Nov 15 @ 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm

The Vermillion River system flows into the mighty Mississippi River at two locations, Hastings and Red Wing. Join Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) for the “State of the River” report on Tues., Nov. 15, 2016, 7:30-8:30 p.m. at the Schaar’s Bluff Gathering Center in Hastings to find out how the great river is doing. FMR Water Program Director Trevor Russell and the Hastings Environmental Protectors will provide an overview of the report, important trends and emerging issues in the river’s health, and potential solutions to improve the Mississippi’s future. An informal question and answer period will follow the presentation. Pre-registration is required, so register soon by contacting FMR or visiting the FMR website.

Dec
3
Sat
2016
Bird Hike at Carpenter Nature Center @ Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center (CNC)
Dec 3 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Join local bird expert Kevin Smith and other bird lovers on a morning hike at the Carpenter Nature Center. Field guides and binoculars are available, or bring your own. The program is $6 or free for Friends of CNC, St. Croix Valley Bird Club, and Hastings Environmental Protectors. For more information, contact CNC at 651-437-4359 or visit www.CarpenterNatureCenter.org.

Brush Clearing with Trout Unlimited Vermillion Riverkeepers Dec. 3 @ Vermillion River Aquatic Management Area South Branch
Dec 3 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Join the Twin Cities Trout Unlimited (TCTU) Vermillion Riverkeepers for its last volunteer work day of the year! Volunteers will cut and haul away invasive buckthorn from the banks of the Vermillion River’s South Branch on Saturday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. The group meets at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Vermillion River Aquatic Management Area (AMA) at E. 200th St. at U.S. Hwy. 52 in Vermillion Township. The Vermillion Riverkeepers, now 55 members strong, plan to help re-establish native prairie, stabilize banks to reduce erosion, and restore wildlife habitat on the South Branch site. All community members are welcome to help shoulder the work, enjoy the great company, and have lunch. Please register by Thursday, December 1, by contacting Tony Nelson, if you plan to attend, to ensure TCTU has enough food and gear for every volunteer.