This MPCA Smart Salting for Rural Roads Certification Training offers efficient road maintenance best practices for those who primarily maintain roads that do not require quick bare pavement levels of service for winter maintenance including gravel roads.

Become a Water Steward! Build your skills with classes in water science, policy, and public engagement. Then, plug into watershed work in your community.

Learn about the program, class schedule, and how to apply in this quick 40-min info session.

Become a Water Steward! Build your skills with classes in water science, policy, and public engagement. Then, plug into watershed work in your community.

Learn about the program, class schedule, and how to apply in this quick 40-min info session.

Join South Washington Watershed District, MN Pollution Control Agency, and East Metro Water Education Program for a Smart Salt Training for property managers & owners, sustainability, environmental & safety coordinators, and those who hire or supervise winter maintenance staff.

Using less salt reduces indoor and outdoor salt damage and related costs. You will be able to recognize sustainable practices amongst your maintenance crew, hear ideas for managing liability, discover possible improvement areas and more.

Become a Water Steward! Build your skills with classes in water science, policy, and public engagement. Then, plug into watershed work in your community.

Learn about the program, class schedule, and how to apply in this quick 40-min info session.

Become a Water Steward! Build your skills with classes in water science, policy, and public engagement. Then, plug into watershed work in your community.

Learn about the program, class schedule, and how to apply in this quick 40-min info session.

Join Washington Conservation District, the City of Forest Lake, the East Metro Water Resource Education Program, and the MPCA Chloride Reduction Program for a Smart Salt Training! Participants will learn how to integrate science with practical winter maintenance and save money while minimizing impacts on the environment.

Learn about ways to safeguard your property from shoreline erosion. We'll talk about bioengineering strategies that combine vegetation and hard-armoring, as well as lessons-learned from previous bluffland projects along the St. Croix. This workshop will also connect you with resources and techniques to help you manage invasive species like buckthorn and improve wildlife habitat.   

Whether you’re interested in planting prairies, teaching nature programs for local students, or planning watershed art events, there are numerous ways to volunteer in our watershed.   

Join us on Tuesday, Nov. 4 (6-8pm) for a cozy bonfire and night hike outside the Nordic Center at Lake Elmo Park Reserve (1515 Keats Ave N).

This event is an opportunity to make friends, meet some of our local Water Steward volunteers, and learn about training and volunteer opportunities in 2026.  And yes! There will be s’mores, hot cocoa, and hot apple cider.

RSVP here.

Become a Water Steward! Build your skills with classes in water science, policy, and public engagement. Then, plug into watershed work in your community.

Learn about the program, class schedule, and how to apply in this quick 40-min info session.

Become a Water Steward! Build your skills with classes in water science, policy, and public engagement. Then, plug into watershed work in your community.

Learn about the program, class schedule, and how to apply in this quick 40-min info session.

Presenting together, Kenneth "Kenny" Blumenfeld, Senior Climatologist at the Minnesota State Climate Office, and Jen Kader, Administrator of the Clean Water Council at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, will discuss climate science and change through the lens of facts and numbers, people and community, and how to create practical change.

Is our water safe to swim in, fish from, or drink?

This presentation explores the health of Chisago County’s lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater—what it means for a waterbody to be “impaired,” local pollution trends, and how our waters are changing. Whether you’re a resident, landowner, or simply water-conscious, you’ll leave with a better understanding of the issues—and potential solutions—facing our local waters, along with actions you can take to help protect and improve water quality.

What’s in your drinking water? To participate in this free water screening clinic, bring water from your home tap (minimum of one cup - 8oz) in a clean, hard plastic or glass container and include the location and date that you collected the sample. We will run a screen test on your water for nitrate and chloride. You can wait for your results or request them via email.

During the clinic, experts will also be on hand to discuss wellhead protection and groundwater concerns, including arsenic, bacteria, pesticides, and Perfluorinated Alkylated Substances (PFAS). Stop by anytime to pick up fact sheets and talk with clinic volunteers. This clinic is free and open to everyone, regardless of what city, county or state they live in. 

Join us for a cool treat and a clearer view of lake health during this hands-on, outdoor event.

Enjoy ice cream while learning what causes algal blooms, murky water, and habitat loss in our lakes—and what lakeshore property owners can do to prevent it.

We'll break down how everyday shoreline choices affect water quality and wildlife—and share practical, lake-friendly strategies that protect your investment while preserving the lake for everyone to enjoy.

Take a trip back in time and spend a summer evening cruising the St. Croix River!

Entertaining stories about the area’s history presented by Angie Hong, hearty hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar await you on this exquisite sojourn hosted by the Washington County Historical Society.

For property managers & owners, sustainability, environmental & safety coordinators, and those who hire or supervise winter maintenance staff.

Using less salt reduces indoor and outdoor salt damage and related costs. You will be able to recognize sustainable practices amongst your maintenance crew, hear ideas for managing liability, discover possible improvement areas and more.

Do you farm corn & soy? Hop on board for a bus tour and chat with local row crop farmers about adapting management practices to the variable soils of east central Minnesota, all while meeting goals like maximizing your ROI and saving you time. We’ll even buy you lunch!

Registration is required by August 1st to save your spot on the bus and make sure you have a plate at lunch.

Is our water safe to swim in, fish from, or drink?

This presentation explores the health of Chisago County’s lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater—what it means for a waterbody to be “impaired,” local pollution trends, and how our waters are changing. Whether you’re a resident, landowner, or simply water-conscious, you’ll leave with a better understanding of the issues—and potential solutions—facing our local waters, along with actions you can take to help protect and improve water quality.