Mar
6
Thu
2025
Landscaping for Clean Water Maintenance Course @ Virtual
Mar 6 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Landscaping for Clean Water Maintenance Course

Join us for a Garden Maintenance Class that will provide season specific information on how to maintain and promote the health, performance, and beauty of your garden. The Garden Maintenance Class applies to raingarden, native garden, and native shoreline planting projects and will be held live virtually.

Thursday, March 6, 2025
5 – 6 p.m. with time for questions after the presentation

The Garden Maintenance Class is provided FREE and open to all – Dakota County residency is not required.

Mar
11
Tue
2025
Nitrate Testing for Private Well Water @ Farmington Library
Mar 11 @ 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Free Nitrate Testing for Private Well Water

Bring private well water samples in a clean container to get your water tested for nitrates. Get your questions answered by well and groundwater experts from Dakota County Environmental Resources. Water-themed coloring pages and activities will be provided for children. All are welcome.

Mar
27
Thu
2025
Canceled – Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Board Meeting @ Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center
Mar 27 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Canceled – Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Board Meeting

This meeting has been canceled due to a lack of pertinent agenda items.

Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Board Meeting @ Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center
Mar 27 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Board Meeting

Virtual meeting access will be posted here when available.

Mar
29
Sat
2025
TCTU Habitat Day: Buckthorn Cutting at South Branch AMA @ South Branch Vermillion River Aquatic Management Area
Mar 29 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

TCTU Habitat Day – Buckthorn Cutting at South Branch Vermillion River AMA

 Under the expert eye of Mark Nemeth of the Minnesota DNR, Twin Cities Trout Unlimited (TCTU) will cut invasive buckthorn and other species and treat stumps to prevent regrowth. TCTU needs 20 volunteers for this event.

The Plan

  • Meet at the start time at the parking lot of the South Branch Vermillion River Aquatic Management Area (AMA).
  • Sign waivers, drink some coffee and then get to work cutting, treating stumps and stacking brush!

What You Should Bring

  • Chest waders (in water work) or be prepared to wet wade
  • Long sleeve shirt
  • Sunblock
  • Heavy work gloves
  • Drinking water!

What the DNR & TCTU Will Provide

  • All equipment
  • Bug spray
  • LUNCH afterwards

Please check your email the night before and morning of the event in case of cancellation.

Registration will close 24 hours before the event.

Apr
10
Thu
2025
Turfgrass Maintenance Certification Training @ Dakota County Empire Transportation Facility
Apr 10 @ 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

Turfgrass Maintenance Training – April 10 in Empire

The summer turf grass maintenance training focuses on best management practices (BMPs) for lawns and turf. You will learn how turf management affects local lakes and rivers, equipment calibration, selection and application of fertilizers, mowing techniques, pesticide application tips, legal issues and additional resources.

Who should attend: contractors maintaining private/public grounds, employees maintaining park, cemetery, city or school grounds, property managers writing contracts, distributors of turf care products.

Registration information

Registration is required, please make sure to submit details for all individuals planning to attend.

This training is hosted by Dakota County. Funding is provided by MPCA through the Clean Water Fund.

Apr
14
Mon
2025
Landscaping for Clean Water Natural Shoreline Course @ Dakota Lodge at Thompson County Park
Apr 14 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Landscaping for Clean Water Natural Shoreline Course

Do you own a shoreline in Dakota County? The Dakota County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) will host a Natural Shoreline Class in collaboration with the Lower Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization (LMRWMO). We will show you how a natural shoreline installed with native plants can protect your shoreline, beautify your property, and provide habitat for pollinators and aquatic animals. We’ll talk about the process to install such a project, necessary permits, as well as technical assistance and grants to make it a reality. There is no charge to attend this class.

Apr
22
Tue
2025
Earth Day
Apr 22 all-day