The Introduction to Clean Water class focuses on general water quality practices of raingardens, native gardens, and shoreline stabilization.

Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District staff will provide an overview of Minnesota’s watersheds and our local water quality challenges, providing beautiful and practical ways to improve pollinator habitat and reduce runoff pollutants from your yard that might be contributing to water quality issues.

The Intro to Clean Water class is FREE, and registration is open to everyone – Dakota County residency not required. You only need to attend or view the Intro to Clean Water class one time – no need to repeat in future years if you want to enroll in the Design Course!

Are you an irrigator concerned about matching your irrigation with crop water use? Are you wondering how to improve water use efficiency and reduce water costs? The University of Minnesota Extension is offering the Minnesota Irrigator Program (MIP), to help answer these questions and more.

The three-day MIP will be held in person at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center in Farmington (same building as our office and Dakota County SWCD) on March 1, 8, and 15 from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm. Topics will include general water use and flow, irrigation sprinkler systems, variable rate irrigation, agronomics, maintenance, energy costs, and much more. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Participation is capped at 25 individuals and the cost is $75. For more information and to register, go to https://z.umn.edu/MIP23registration.

MIP attendance is one of the requirements for the Irrigation Endorsement awarded by the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program and certified producers are eligible for tuition reimbursement. Contact your local MAWQCP certifier for more information.

Are you an irrigator concerned about matching your irrigation with crop water use? Are you wondering how to improve water use efficiency and reduce water costs? The University of Minnesota Extension is offering the Minnesota Irrigator Program (MIP), to help answer these questions and more.

The three-day MIP will be held in person at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center in Farmington (same building as our office and Dakota County SWCD) on March 1, 8, and 15 from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm. Topics will include general water use and flow, irrigation sprinkler systems, variable rate irrigation, agronomics, maintenance, energy costs, and much more. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Participation is capped at 25 individuals and the cost is $75. For more information and to register, go to https://z.umn.edu/MIP23registration.

MIP attendance is one of the requirements for the Irrigation Endorsement awarded by the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program and certified producers are eligible for tuition reimbursement. Contact your local MAWQCP certifier for more information.

Attend this workshop to learn best practices for lawn/turf maintenance with reduced environmental impacts. The practices taught will save you money and time and protect our water. Take the test to become Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Level 1 certified in turfgrass maintenance best practices. Participants will receive a Turfgrass Maintenance Manual.

Who should attend?

• Private maintenance companies
• Property managers
• Employees maintaining park, cemetery, city or school grounds

Training topics include:

• How turf management affects surface & groundwater
• Equipment calibration & maintenance
• Life cycle of turf & weeds & how it affects maintenance
• Efficient & effective irrigation
• Soil testing, fertilizer selection and application
• Mowing techniques
• Pesticide application tips
• Best practices for turf management
• Weed control practices
• In-field reference materials, such as turf care matrix

Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. March 22. Register online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/526531689457 or call 952-891-7000. Morning coffee and refreshments and lunch provided.

Funding by Dakota County and the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization as well as the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency with Clean Water Funds.

The Introduction to Clean Water class focuses on general water quality practices of raingardens, native gardens, and shoreline stabilization.

Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District staff will provide an overview of Minnesota’s watersheds and our local water quality challenges, providing beautiful and practical ways to improve pollinator habitat and reduce runoff pollutants from your yard that might be contributing to water quality issues.

The Intro to Clean Water class is FREE, and registration is open to everyone – Dakota County residency not required. You only need to attend or view the Intro to Clean Water class one time – no need to repeat in future years if you want to enroll in the Design Course!

Join us at the Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 22 at Lakeville’s Central Maintenance Facility from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be several education stations, earth-friendly prizes to win and free lunch.

After the kick off celebration, the official Watershed Cleanup portion will start for those who are interested. You and your group can start the pickup after the celebration at 1 p.m., or you can schedule a more convenient time, as long as it is before dark. Sign up at https://www.lakevillemn.gov/1027/2023-Earth-Day-Celebration-and-Watershed and indicate on the map at the bottom where you plan on picking up trash. Specific locations will not be assigned, but by placing the pin on your main route or area, it will help others know someone is there. If your area looks clean, we hope you will consider picking up in an area that can use it. To place your location pin on the map and officially sign up, you need to make sure you know your group’s t-shirt sizes and a guess on how many bags you will need as the signup will require that information.

Take the trash you’ve collected to local dumpster drop-off locations. Information will be sent out on the dumpster locations closer to the event. Please don’t leave bags along the curb line or in parks. If you find items that are too heavy to deal with (furniture, tires, etc.), report that by emailing environmental@lakevillemn.gov.