It’s easy, make and take a rain barrel.

What’s one of the simplest, high-impact ways to save water and help protect our watershed? Using a make & take rain barrel.

The workshop will begin with a presentation on how home lawn and garden practices impact our waters and how we can make a difference. Next we’’ll discuss the watershed-friendly benefits of rain barrels in more detail, then review how to build, incorporate, install and maintain them.

With guidance from Friends of the Mississippi River staff, participants will then build their very own rain barrel to take home following the workshop. Participants will receive the necessary parts ($35 per kit) and  be guided through the process of converting used syrup barrels from Coca-Cola into a rain barrel to take home and install.

The Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Board (VRWJPB) is the governing body of the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO). The  VRWJPB consists of two Commissioners from Dakota County and one Commissioner from Scott County. The VRWJPB makes decisions about VRWJPO policy, budget, and actions. The agenda and full packet of items for discussion are posted here at least one week before the meeting.

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. Attendees have an opportunity to attain MPCA Level 1 Certification in Snow and Ice Control Best Practices. Lunch will be provided. Workshop is free.

Training topics include: application rates and materials, weather conditions and storing materials, environmental effects, new maintenance methods, calibration, keeping surfaces safe, selection of materials, and policy.

Pre-registration is required by September 8. To register, send email to environ@co.dakota.mn.us.

The Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Board (VRWJPB) is the governing body of the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO). The  VRWJPB consists of two Commissioners from Dakota County and one Commissioner from Scott County. The VRWJPB makes decisions about VRWJPO policy, budget, and actions. The agenda and full packet of items for discussion are posted here at least one week before the meeting.

After a brief training on the importance of seed collecting and identification, volunteers will help hand collect much-needed native prairie seed while enjoying this rare example of a sand-gravel prairie in full fall bloom. Volunteers will work with FMR Lead Ecologist Karen Schik in the natural area most recently added to the Sand Coulee Scientific & Natural Area. Seed will be used for further habitat restoration. This is especially important as the Sand Coulee provides a home to 13 rare plant and animal species.

Previous seed collection experience is not required, all are welcome. However, this activity is very detail-oriented, and generally best suited for teenagers and up. (Learn more about FMR volunteer seed collection events here.)

This event is part of the Vermillion Stewards program, providing opportunities for hands-on stewardship of this unique cold prairie river and its watershed.

Ready to register?

To sign up and receive precise directions to the meeting spot, contact FMR Volunteer Coordinator Amy Kilgore via the contact form (please select Amy by name from the staff list under “Category”) or at akilgore@fmr.org, 651-222-2193 x31. Please include the name of the event, your name, address and phone number and the number in your party. If you’re under 18 and interested in volunteering without the company of your parent or guardian, please take a moment and have them fill out this brief minor permission form.

To ensure a high-quality experience, capacity is limited and pre-registration required. Registration closes Wednesday, September 27, or upon reaching capacity.

You will receive a confirmation email with details and directions from akilgore@fmr.org within two business days. (If you don’t, please check your SPAM folder.) Amy is typically in the office M-Th.

In a recent bipartisan effort, Governor Dayton created a goal to reduce water pollution by 25% by the year 2025. Without action, the quality of Minnesota’s waters is only expected to improve six to eight percent by 2034.

This summer and fall, the Governor’s office will hold 10 regional meetings across the state to gather input and perspective on what it could take to realize this goal.

To accompany the regional meetings, an information packet related to water quality in the Twin Cities Metro (Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Scott, Sherburne, Washington, and Wright) was created.