Join host farmer Kurt Kimber, the Perennial Promise Growers Cooperative, the University of Minnesota, and the Land Institute to tour demonstration plantings of organic Kernza(R) and prairie strips! Water, lemonade, and Kernza snacks provided.

More about Kernza: forevergreen.umn.edu

Explore ways of experiencing water through shared storytelling. Listen to local audio stories, exchange stories with each other and explore the different types of relationships we have with water. Geared for adults. Registration required.

Use writing as a way of relating to water and learn about the fundamentals of poetry-writing within a space offering reflection, sharing, and lis​tening. Draw from your personal experiences and explore what it means to connect with water. Geared for adults. Registration required.

This MPCA Smart Salting Certification Training is an opportunity to learn more efficient winter maintenance best practices (BMPs) while taking a comprehensive look at the many aspects for managing snow & ice on parking lots and sidewalks. The training will also cover the new chloride requirements in the recently released MS4 permit, as well as resources available to help you reduce your salt use.

The training will be held in-person.

Who should attend?

• Hands-on public or private winter maintenance staff
• Those who hire or supervise winter maintenance staff
• Private contractors
• Those who may influence others or are interested in making a difference at work

What you’ll learn:

• Environmental impacts of chloride
• Equipment calibration
• Using weather condition info more efficiently
• Application rates
• Plowing and physical removal
• BMPs for storing materials
• De-icing and anti-icing
• Regulatory issues and managing liability
• Customer and staff educational resources
• Success stories

Earn the MPCA Smart Salting for Parking Lots & Sidewalks certification by taking the optional online test at the end of training and be listed on the MPCA Smart Salting webpage. Certificates are sent to Minnesota participants only and are valid for 5 years.

MPCA permittees are allowed registration preference. If the training exceeds capacity, those that are not permittees will be put on a waitlist and notified accordingly.

Training questions? Contact the MPCA Smart Salting Training Program smartsalting.pca@state.mn.us.

This training is hosted by Dakota County and the MPCA Chloride Reduction Program. with Clean Water Fund and the Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund.

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.

Join us for storytelling and collage with Julie Boada of the Fond du Lac people and Park Ranger Judy Geck who will share memories, relationships and the hidden histories that have shaped their own personal experiences in and near Minnesota waters. Presented by ArtStart. Registration required.

Pleasant Hill Library
Tuesday, Oct. 25, 3–5 p.m. Geared for teens. Register now.

Wescott Library
Wednesday, Nov. 2, 1–3 p.m. Geared for adults. Register now.

Burnhaven Library
Thursday, Nov. 3, 5:30–7:30 p.m. Geared for adults. Register now.

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. ​

Learn best practices to reduce salt use during high-speed and low-speed snowplow operation, while maintaining safety. Participants earn a five-year Level 1 (individual) certification by completing the test at the end of class.