Do you want to protect clean water in a lake or stream you care about? The Master Water Stewards program can give you the knowledge, skills, and network to make it happen!

What began as a three-year pilot program in Minnehaha Creek Watershed District through a partnership with The Freshwater Society, is expanding in 2017. The program offers extensive training from top industry professionals — engineers, educators, planners and more. Participants also build a network with like-minded peers, with an emphasis on creativity and collaboration.

Armed with that knowledge, Stewards build projects in their communities that protect water quality and work to educate their neighbors on clean water issues. Everything on city streets flows to our water – oil from cars, bacteria, salt, litter, sediment, and fertilizer. Each year, more polluted runoff reaches our lakes and rivers. Your yard is connected to rivers, lakes, and streams, and you can make a difference in keeping water clean and health. Past certified Stewards have installed raingardens,rain barrels, cisterns, and water-permeable walkways that catch polluted rainwater before it makes it to a nearby lake or stream.

If you are interested in becoming a Master Water Steward, please plan to attend this informational session.

Please register to attend a free Landscaping for Clean Water presentation. See dozens of beautiful, inspirational, and affordable garden designs using native plants and helping clean our waters. After attending you can sign up to receive design and installation assistance. Some Dakota County residents will qualify for a $250 grant to install their new gardens.

Please register to attend a free Landscaping for Clean Water presentation. See dozens of beautiful, inspirational, and affordable garden designs using native plants and helping clean our waters. After attending you can sign up to receive design and installation assistance. Some Dakota County residents will qualify for a $250 grant to install their new gardens.

Turfgrass Maintenance Workshop is for property managers, groundskeepers, and other commercial and public turf managers.

Learn sensible, cost-saving ways to maintain turfgrass and practices that protect lakes and rivers while keeping turfgrass looking its best. Attendees have an opportunity to attain MPCA Level 1 certification in turf care maintenance practices. Topics include fertilizer selection and application, pesticide application, equipment calibration, mowing techniques, environmental effects, soil testing, irrigation best practices and more. Lunch will be provided. Workshop is free.

Pre-registration is required by July 11. To register, send email to environ@co.dakota.mn.us.

Winter Parking Lot and Sidewalk Maintenance Workshop is for ice removal contractors, property managers, facilities, parks, cities, and schools.

Learn sensible salting practices to save money, protect lakes and rivers, and keep parking lots and sidewalks safe. Receive a “Winter Parking Lot and Sidewalk Maintenance” manual. 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 and materials, weather conditions and storing materials, environmental effects, new maintenance methods, calibration, keeping surfaces safe, selection of materials, and policy.

Pre-registration is required by September 8. To register, send email to environ@co.dakota.mn.us.

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.