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.

Oct
10
Tue
2017
Winter Roads Maintenance Workshop @ Dakota County Empire Transportation Shop
Oct 10 @ 8:30 am – 1:30 pm

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.

Jun
12
Tue
2018
Vermillion Stewards: Remove buckthorn near South Creek @ South Creek, Farmington
Jun 12 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 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.