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.

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.

In a recent bipartisan effort, Governor Dayton created a goal to reduce water pollution by 25% by the year 2025. Without action, the quality of Minnesota’s waters is only expected to improve six to eight percent by 2034.

This summer and fall, the Governor’s office will hold 10 regional meetings across the state to gather input and perspective on what it could take to realize this goal.

To accompany the regional meetings, an information packet related to water quality in the Twin Cities Metro (Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Scott, Sherburne, Washington, and Wright) was created.

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.