The Landscaping for Clean Water Design Course helps residents like you create and install beautiful landscaping projects that are unique to your yard! This course is a great opportunity to learn about garden planning from the experts, whether you are interested in finding out about site design, plant selection, raingarden installation, or adding native plants to the landscape.

After completing the Landscaping for Clean Water Introduction Class, you are eligible to enroll in the Landscaping for Clean Water Design Course. While the class is open to anyone, the $250 cost share grants are only available to Dakota County residents and Lower Mississippi River Watershed Maintenance Organization residents in Ramsey County.

Design Course Online Learning Materials will be provided to all participants for project planning at home. In addition, there are six in-person Design Course options in two 2-hour blocks or one 4-hour block.

There is a $25 registration fee for the Design Course that includes a copy of the Blue Thumb Guide to Raingardens book, a Design Folder including aerial property maps, design tools, online instruction materials, and one-on-one help.

Are you a returning Design Course participant? Register again for the Design Course and the FEE is WAIVED!

You’re invited! Join us for a morning field day focused on land protection and sustainable habitat management options in the Vermillion River Watershed. Learn about land protection options and partners, hear about practical strategies to enhance your land’s health and productivity, and tour an example habitat restoration project.

Date: July 23, 2025 (rain date: July 28, 2025)
Time: 8:30 – 11 a.m.
Location: South Branch Vermillion River Aquatic Management Area (on the south side of 200th St. E, just west of highway 52)
Parking information: A small parking lot exists at the site. Overflow parking exists along the shoulder of 200th St. E.

Highlights of the Day:

• Meet and interact with non-profit and local government partners, including:
  • Friends of the Mississippi River, Dakota County SWCD, Vermillion River Watershed JPO, Dakota County, MN DNR
• Tour an active prairie and stream restoration project and see electrofishing demos
• Complimentary coffee and breakfast pastries will be provided

Please RSVP by Friday, July 18, 2025

To RSVP, please contact Alex Roth, FMR’s Land Conservation Program Director, at:

• Email: aroth@fmr.org
• Phone: 651-477-0928
  *RSVP list will be contacted if event moves to rain date*

What to Bring:

• Appropriate outdoor clothing (long pants and closed-toed shoes recommended)
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, etc.)
• Water bottle