Sep
20
Tue
2016
Master Water Stewards Information Meeting @ Dakota County Western Service Center
Sep 20 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Do you want to protect clean water in a lake or stream you care about? The Master Water Stewards program can give you the knowledge, skills, and network to make it happen!

What began as a three-year pilot program in Minnehaha Creek Watershed District through a partnership with The Freshwater Society, is expanding in 2017. The program offers extensive training from top industry professionals — engineers, educators, planners and more. Participants also build a network with like-minded peers, with an emphasis on creativity and collaboration.

Armed with that knowledge, Stewards build projects in their communities that protect water quality and work to educate their neighbors on clean water issues. Everything on city streets flows to our water – oil from cars, bacteria, salt, litter, sediment, and fertilizer. Each year, more polluted runoff reaches our lakes and rivers. Your yard is connected to rivers, lakes, and streams, and you can make a difference in keeping water clean and health. Past certified Stewards have installed raingardens,rain barrels, cisterns, and water-permeable walkways that catch polluted rainwater before it makes it to a nearby lake or stream.

If you are interested in becoming a Master Water Steward, please plan to attend this informational session.

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.

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.

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.

Apr
12
Tue
2022
Lawns to Legumes Pollinator Talk with Scott SWCD @ Virtual
Apr 12 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Lawns to Legumes Pollinator Talk April 12 with Scott SWCD

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.

Oct
27
Thu
2022
Nitrate Clinic for Private Well Owners @ Pleasant Hill Library, Hastings
Oct 27 @ 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Nitrate Clinic for Private Well Owners

Bring private well water samples in a clean container to get your water tested for nitrates. Visit the interactive We are Water MN exhibit while you wait for your results.

Pleasant Hill Library
1490 S. Frontage Roa​d, Hastings
Thursday, Oct. 27, 4:30–6:30 p.m. ​