Attend a virtual or in-person introduction class to learn about creating beautiful gardens that help keep water clean.

Creating landscaped areas with native plants or gardens that soak up rainwater is the secret to leisurely living in great-looking yards. Attend a Landscaping for Clean Water Introduction to Clean Water class to see how others in your city have created landscaped areas that benefit local lakes, rivers, and wetlands. Choose one of five dates and locations, all from 6-7 p.m.:

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20

Burnsville City Hall

MONDAY, MARCH 10

Apple Valley Municipal Center

MONDAY, APRIL 7

Dakota Lodge, West St. Paul

TUESDAY, MAY 6

Online Via Zoom

MONDAY, JUNE 2

Farmington Library

Pre-registration for the free class is required. Please visit www.DAKOTASWCD.org to register. Registration is open to everyone, Dakota County residency not required. Contact Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation district at 651-480-7777 or LCW@co.dakota.mn.us with any questions!

After seeing dozens of affordable designs that have transformed bland urban landscapes to beautiful retreats, participants can attend a Landscaping for Clean Water design course where you will receive guidance to create a design for your yard.

For more information about Landscaping for Clean Water go to www.DAKOTASWCD.org.

Give fishing a try and learn something new on the way. VRWJPO will be at a table at Take a Kid Fishing Day, hosted by Dakota County Parks, on Sunday, June 8.

Dress for the weather. Equipment will be provided. No fishing license required.

This event is part of Twin Cities Trout Unlimited's Vermillion River Initiative.

TCTU is looking for up to five volunteers to identify & remove wild parsnip & other invasive species, as well as any trash they find.

–Read this about wild parsnip

What You Should Bring:

• dress for the weather
• a willingness to work hard
• a bottle of water
• chest waders to help protect yourself from ticks & wild parsnip sap
• a camp chair so you have a place to sit to eat lunch

What TCTU Will Provide:

• tools & supplies
• protective gear for handling wild parsnips
• bug spray

Watch for an email from TCTU the day before the event for any updates or changes. Registration will close 24 hours before the event.

Virtual meeting access will be posted here when available.

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

Virtual meeting access will be posted here when available.

Virtual meeting access:

Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 214 803 442 490 4

Passcode: xZ62nv3b
Dial in by phone

+1 651-273-3070,,842595818# United States, Hastings

Find a local number

Phone conference ID: 842 595 818#

The public is invited to the Hastings Kernza® Field Day on Aug. 14 to explore Kernza, a groundbreaking perennial grain that offers a powerful combination of environmental and agricultural benefits. This event will provide a close-up look at how Kernza is transforming farming practices by improving soil health, reducing runoff, and creating new opportunities for sustainable food and forage production.

Hosted in partnership with Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District, the Forever Green Initiative, University of Minnesota Extension, and Dakota County, the event will highlight Kernza's dual role as both a grain and forage crop. Participants also will learn about emerging market opportunities and cost-share programs available to farmers interested in transitioning to perennial systems.

Event Details

Hastings Kernza® Field Day
Aug. 14 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
2500 Enterprise Ave, Hastings
(Across the road from the Hastings Water Tower)
For more information, visit the event page: Hastings Kernza Field Day

Kernza is one of a suite of perennial crops that the Forever Green Initiative has included in its research and crop commercialization efforts. Its comprehensive approach moves new crops out of the lab and onto the landscape, where they can make a difference for farmers, the environment, industry, and society. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture receives Clean Water Funds to support the Forever Green Initiative.

When compared to annual crops, perennial crops require fewer resources to farm and provide living cover year-round. Continuous living cover has been shown to enhance water and soil quality, sequester carbon, build soil health, and provide greater biodiversity and pollinator habitat. Significant environmental benefits of these crops will result from widespread production.

Kernza is an intermediate wheatgrass that has diverse characteristics that make it desirable for food, beverages, and animal forages. Through private and public investment, the market for Kernza is growing in Minnesota.

Attendees will:

• Learn about Kernza's environmental benefits and agronomic potential
• Hear from experts and producers advancing perennial agriculture
• Discover cost-share and conservation funding opportunities
• Network with farmers, researchers, and agricultural professionals

This free, in-person field day will take place rain or shine. Lunch will be provided, and attendees are welcome to stay for a casual social hour following presentations. Registration by Aug. 1 is required to ensure lunch is provided. Register online at Hastings Kernza Field Day.

This event is made possible through the collaboration of Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District, Forever Green Initiative, Dakota County, University of Minnesota Extension, and with support from Minnesota's Clean Water Fund, which is dedicated to restoring and protecting Minnesota's water resources for future generations.