Jun
2
Thu
2016
Community Workshop on New Resources for Developing your Comprehensive Plan @ Dakota County Western Service Center
Jun 2 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Dakota County jurisdictions will begin developing their Comprehensive Plans and interested communities want tips, tools, and resources to develop this 10-year planning document. Alliance for Sustainability, Dakota County, and a host of other sponsors offer a free workshop for communities looking for resources. Pre-register online at www.allianceforsustainability.com/dakotaworkshop

Jun
23
Thu
2016
Vermillion Stewards Rare Prairie Work Night @ Sand Coulee Scientific and Natural Area
Jun 23 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Join Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) and Vermillion River Stewards to remove invasive species from the native tall-grass prairie in Sand Coulee Scientific and Natural Area in Hastings. On Thursday, June 23, 6:00-8:00 p.m., volunteers will help remove spotted knapweed and cow vetch to protect and preserve this rare and unusual environment. Pre-registration is required.

Jun
25
Sat
2016
Planting Pollinator Patches in Hastings @ Vermillion Falls Park
Jun 25 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Friends of the Mississippi River and the Hastings Environmental Protectors join forces to bring pollinator habitat to Vermillion Falls Park and CP Adams Park in Hastings. Volunteer on Saturday, June 25, 9-11 a.m. to plant pollinator patches in the two parks. Planting these beautiful native species in patches helps birds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators find the pollen they need. Tools and training will be provided. Pre-registration is required.

Jun
28
Tue
2016
Make Your Own Rain Barrel Workshop @ Apple Valley Senior Center
Jun 28 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Join Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) for a Make and Take Rain Barrel Workshop on Tuesday, June 28, 6-7:30 p.m. at the Apple Valley Senior Center. A rain barrel is a simple, high-impact way to save water and protect water quality in lakes and rivers. The cost of materials for building your own rain barrel is only $35, thanks to donated barrels from Coca-Cola Refreshments of Eagan. Pre-registration is required.

Aug
26
Fri
2016
Winter Parking Lot & Sidewalk Maintenance Workshop @ Dakota County Western Service Center
Aug 26 @ 8:30 am – 1:30 pm
Winter Parking Lot & Sidewalk Maintenance Workshop @ Dakota County Western Service Center | Apple Valley | Minnesota | United States

Winter Parking Lot and Sidewalk Maintenance Workshop is for ice removal contractors, property managers, facilities, parks, cities, and schools.

Learn sensible salting practices to save money, protect lakes and rivers, and keep parking lots and sidewalks safe. Receive a “Winter Parking Lot and Sidewalk Maintenance” manual and a certificate for professional development hour (PDH) credit. Attendees have an opportunity to attain MPCA Level 1 Certification in Snow and Ice Control Best Practices. Lunch will be provided. Workshop is free.

Pre-registration is required. To register, send email to water@co.dakota.mn.us.

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.

Sep
24
Sat
2016
Vermillion Stewards: native prairie seed collection at Sand Coulee SNA @ Sand Coulees Scientific and Natural Area
Sep 24 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
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.