The Scott Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is excited to host speaker Dr. Elaine Evans to talk about what’s happening with Minnesota’s state bee: The rusty patched bumble bee.

The Scott SWCD has been awarded funding through the State’s Lawns to Legumes Program to restore critical habitat for the endangered rusty patched bumble bee. Scott SWCD staff will give an overview of funding opportunities while Dr. Elaine Evans from the University of Minnesota discusses why these bees are so important.

This free educational webinar will go over:

• How to identify the rusty patched bumble bee and their role as a critical pollinator species
• The life cycle and behaviors of the rusty patched bumble bee
• What’s being done to protect them
• How you can help expand their habitat and beautify your property with Lawns to Legumes grants

Dr. Elaine Evans holds a PhD in Entomology and works as an Associate Extension Professor at the University of Minnesota Bee Lab in the Department of Entomology. They handle questions related to bee conservation and are currently monitoring the population of the endangered rusty patched bumble bee.

The Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Board is having a special meeting for a bus tour of conservation practices and projects. The tour is being held jointly by the Minnesota Board of Water & Soil Resources and partners within the Vermillion River Watershed. It begins at the GrandStay Hotel in Apple Valley, MN at 7:30 a.m., running until about 5 p.m.

Contact Valerie Neppl with questions – (952) 891-7019 or valerie.neppl@co.dakota.mn.us.

The Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Board is holding a special meeting on October 12, 2023 for the initial planning public meeting for the 2026-2035 Vermillion River Watershed Plan development, from 4-6 p.m. at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center.