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.

Dec
3
Sat
2016
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.

Oct
4
Wed
2017
25% by 2025 Town Hall Meeting: Burnsville @ Diamondhead Education Center
Oct 4 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

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.

Jun
12
Tue
2018
Vermillion Stewards: Remove buckthorn near South Creek @ South Creek, Farmington
Jun 12 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Aug
21
Tue
2018
Make & Take Rain Barrel Workshop @ Dakota County Fairgrounds
Aug 21 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Make your own rain barrel

It’s easy, make and take a rain barrel.

What’s one of the simplest, high-impact ways to save water and help protect our watershed? Using a rain barrel.

The workshop will begin with a presentation on how home lawn and garden practices impact our waters and how we can make a difference. Next, we’’ll discuss the watershed-friendly benefits of rain barrels in more detail, then review how to build, incorporate, install and maintain them.

With guidance from Friends of the Mississippi River staff, participants will then build their very own rain barrel to take home following the workshop. Participants will receive the necessary parts ($35 per kit) and  be guided through the process of converting used syrup barrels from Great Lakes Coca-Cola of Eagan, into a rain barrel to take home and install.

Sep
20
Thu
2018
Township Officers Fall Meeting *Public Meeting* @ Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center
Sep 20 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Jun
4
Sat
2022
Buckthorn Cleanup at Rambling River Park @ Rambling River Park
Jun 4 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Buckthorn Removal at Rambling River Park

Join the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization and the City of Farmington to clear out invasive buckthorn around the Vermillion River! Meet at 10 a.m. at the pavilion at Rambling River Park for instructions. Please bring your own tools (loppers, pruners, gloves, safety glasses) and dress appropriately.

Register ahead of time at https://www.vermillionriverwatershed.org/signup-form-buckthorn-removal-at-rambling-river-park/ so we can have a head count. Everyone is welcome – you do not have to live in Farmington to participate.

Sep
15
Thu
2022
Haul and stack buckthorn at Vermillion Falls @ Vermillion Falls Park, Hastings
Sep 15 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Haul and stack buckthorn at Vermillion Falls Park

Come for the beautiful waterfall and stay to join FMR staff and fellow volunteers in hauling previously cut buckthorn and honeysuckle. You’ll help us prepare the area for oak savanna restoration at this unique site.