Jun
25
Sat
2016
Planting Pollinator Patches in Hastings @ Vermillion Falls Park
Jun 25 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Friends of the Mississippi River and the Hastings Environmental Protectors join forces to bring pollinator habitat to Vermillion Falls Park and CP Adams Park in Hastings. Volunteer on Saturday, June 25, 9-11 a.m. to plant pollinator patches in the two parks. Planting these beautiful native species in patches helps birds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators find the pollen they need. Tools and training will be provided. Pre-registration is required.

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.

Feb
27
Mon
2017
Landscaping for Clean Water Workshop @ Eagan City Hall
Feb 27 @ 6:15 pm – 8:15 pm

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.

May
6
Sat
2017
Dakota County Water Forum: A clean water strategy @ Eagan Community Center
May 6 @ 8:45 am – 12:00 pm

Hosted by Conservation Minnesota, join local experts to learn more about what your government and community are doing to ensure Dakota County has clean water. Listen to speakers from the City of Eagan, Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD), Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO), and Conservation Minnesota. A continental breakfast is included. Register by April 8th for your chance to win a Conservation Minnesota coffee mug.

Schedule:
8:45 Doors Open
8:45 – 9:30 Continental Breakfast & Networking
9:30 – 12:00 Program

Event Speakers:
Eric Macbeth, Eagan Water Resource Manager
Curt Coudron, SWCD Project Management Supervisor
Mark Zabel, Vermillion River Watershed Administrator
Nels Paulsen, Conservation Minnesota

Jul
12
Tue
2022
VRWJPO at Party in the Park, Hastings @ Levee Park Rotary Pavilion
Jul 12 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm

VRWJPO at Party in the Park, Hastings Levee Park Rotary Pavilion

Nov
25
Fri
2022
Opt Outside: We Are Water MN @ Lebanon Hills Visitor Center
Nov 25 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Opt Outside Day: We Are Water MN

Stop by the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. to stroll along the activity trail or use your GPS or phone app to search for themed geocaches. For older adventurers, take on the annual medallion hunt. This year, the event is part of the We are Water MN Exhibit at Dakota County, a Minnesota Legacy program.

Location

When you arrive, head to the Visitor Center and look for the event information station. Each station includes signs with activity instruction information and take-along guides.

Activities

  • Water is Life Activity Trail: Explore the activity trail and investigate how critters (and other lifeforms) depend on water in interesting ways. The littlest kids will love this stroller-friendly scavenger hunt, searching for critters along a paved trail. All ages (especially fun for ages 6 and younger).
  • Protecting our Waters Geocaching:  Search for the multi-cache and become a water saver superhero as you explore how you can help protect water quality. All ages (especially fun for ages 5 and older). Participants must provide their own smartphone with geocaching app or GPS unit for geocaching activity.
  • Medallion Hunt: Solve clever riddles in our medallion hunt to find the “medallion” hidden somewhere in the park. All ages (especially for ages 10 and older). Riddles will be posted on Facebook, on the Opt Outside event page Nov. 24-25. Riddles will be posted at 8 a.m. and noon on Thursday, Nov. 24 and noon on Friday, Nov. 25.

Medallion finders must post a selfie near the location of the find to the Dakota County Parks – forever wild Facebook page and call the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center at 651-554-6530 to report their find. A fantastic prize package goes to the winner.