Local elected officials in the Vermillion River Watershed – County Commissioners, Mayors, City Councilmembers, Township Officers, and relevant staff – are invited to join the VRWJPO for a tour of four recently-completed Capital Improvement Program projects on September 25, 2025, from 9 a.m.-12 noon. Meet staff at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center to board a bus and visit sites. We will show how our work in the watershed benefits our communities.

Project locations will include:

• East Lake Invasive Fish Barrier and Removals, Lakeville
• Foxborough Park Stormwater Improvements, Lakeville
• City of Rosemount Public Works and Police Campus Stormwater Treatment
• Landowner raingarden completed through the Landscaping for Clean Water program, Rosemount

Contact VRWJPO Communications and Outreach Specialist Brita Moore-Kutz if interested: brita.moore-kutz@co.dakota.mn.us or (952) 891-7967.

Snacks and beverages will be available. Please wear appropriate footwear for walking outside. The tour will continue unless there is severe weather.

From the City of Burnsville:

This fall, we’re teaming up with volunteers of all ages to collect prairie seeds and plant native flowers and grasses in Burnsville parks like Alimagnet. It’s a hands-on way to learn, connect with neighbors, and leave a lasting mark on our community.

• Everyone is welcome; no experience with seed collecting or native plants is necessary.
• Activity level: Moderate-Traveling off-trail, standing, and walking on uneven ground is expected.
• City staff will provide gloves, glasses, and seed collection training. Feel free to bring your favorite garden gloves and a water bottle.
• Once registered, be on the lookout for an email with parking details and weather updates no later than 24 hours before the event.