Collect and distribute native seed at Vermillion River Linear Park, a beautiful 60-acre park that’s part of a corridor of green space that runs through the heart of Hastings. Your contribution will mean a healthy, diverse array of plants are ready to grow next spring.

Do you farm or own cropland in the Hastings Drinking Water Supply Management Area (DWSMA)?

The City of Hastings has high nitrate in their city wells. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is working with a team of local farmers, crop advisers, and others to develop a list of region-specific farming practices to reduce nitrate in groundwater and the city wells.

Join us to learn and share ideas about the proposed practices and the Groundwater Protection Rule process. Practice adoption is voluntary but could become regulatory if the voluntary approach is unsuccessful.

MDA staff will be available to discuss these topics, collect comments and ideas from farmers, and answer questions. A 30-minute presentation will be shared at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

Come for the beautiful waterfall and stay to join FMR staff and fellow volunteers in hauling previously cut buckthorn and honeysuckle. You’ll help us prepare the area for oak savanna restoration at this unique site.

Learn more about where drinking water comes from, common pollutants impacting water and the treatment process that makes water safe to drink. Presented by the City of Hastings. Registration required. Geared for adults and youth ages 12 and older.

City of Hastings Water Trea​tment Plant
1300 North Frontage Road,  Hastings
Thursday, Oct. 20, 1–2 p.m. Register now.
Thursday, Oct. 20,  2–3 p.m. Register now.
Thursday, Nov. 17, 4:30–5:30 p.m. Register now.
Thursday, Nov. 17, 5:30–6:30 p.m. Register now.

Bring private well water samples in a clean container to get your water tested for nitrates. Visit the interactive We are Water MN exhibit while you wait for your results.

Pleasant Hill Library
1490 S. Frontage Roa​d, Hastings
Thursday, Oct. 27, 4:30–6:30 p.m. ​

The Introduction to Clean Water class focuses on general water quality practices of raingardens, native gardens, and shoreline stabilization.

Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District staff will provide an overview of Minnesota’s watersheds and our local water quality challenges, providing beautiful and practical ways to improve pollinator habitat and reduce runoff pollutants from your yard that might be contributing to water quality issues.

The Intro to Clean Water class is FREE, and registration is open to everyone – Dakota County residency not required. You only need to attend or view the Intro to Clean Water class one time – no need to repeat in future years if you want to enroll in the Design Course!