Come join us!
Growing fruit trees and shrubs in Minnesota can be tricky because of our short growing season. One solution is to grow native fruit trees and shrubs!
Have you been looking for ways to make a positive impact on the environment around you? Convert your turf lawn to a pollinator-friendly habitat? Or attract more birds to your property? The South Washington Watershed District provides grant funding to eligible individuals and organizations within the district for water stewardship planting. This program promotes water quality improvement by focusing on the reduction of phosphorus in stormwater runoff, reducing erosion and sedimentation, and preserving and restoring natural lands throughout the watershed.
Join Comfort Lake-Forest Lake Watershed District for a demonstration of agricultural drone spraying by Minnesota Drone Spray. Agricultural drones are becoming more common, and can be used to apply pesticides, fertilizer, and seed.
The demonstration will take place in the field adjacent to the intersection of 235th St N and Meadowbrook Ave N in Scandia, MN. Please park on the shoulder of the road.
RSVP via email to aidan.read@clflwd.org or by phone to 651-583-6590
Join Brown’s Creek Watershed District to plant 75 more bare root trees at the Brown’s Creek Restoration Site!
Last year, volunteers helped plant over 200 trees. This year we are hoping to fill in where some may not have made it through the year.
Advanced registration required at https://forms.gle/1nZKzWF66K7k7e44A
Backup date is Sunday May 17th in case of bad weather.
Come visit us at the annual Belwin Bison Festival. We’ll be sharing info about prairies and native plantings and handing out prairie wildlife trading cards.
Have you been looking for ways to make a positive impact on the environment around you? Convert your turf lawn to a pollinator-friendly habitat? Or attract more birds to your property? The South Washington Watershed District provides grant funding to eligible individuals and organizations within the district for water stewardship planting. This program promotes water quality improvement by focusing on the reduction of phosphorus in stormwater runoff, reducing erosion and sedimentation, and preserving and restoring natural lands throughout the watershed.
Last year, Washington County and Carnelian-Marine-St. Croix Watershed District completed a large-scale stormwater retrofit project at Square Lake Park, which will help to keep the lake clean for years to come. Now, we need your help to plant a large raingarden near the beach!
Visit us at the Landscape Revival. We’ll be sharing information about native plants and habitat restoration.
Market: Purchase MN native plants from seven local growers. No systemic insecticides.
Expo: Learn to select and grow native plants for pollinators, wildlife, and water quality. Visit with educators and experts from conservation and environmental organizations. Get your landscaping questions answered.
We all want beautiful yards, but summer irrigation can place a major strain on municipal water supplies and cost homeowners a lot of money.
During this presentation, Angie Hong will share strategies for building drought resiliency in your lawn and gardens. We’ll talk about simple changes, such as modifying your mowing and irrigation, as well as bolder conversions that replace traditional turf grass with low-mow and drought resistant fescues. Angie will also provide recommendations for deep-rooted native plants to include in your garden areas.
Whether your yard is large or small, the little changes you make can help to preserve Woodbury’s groundwater resources for future generations.
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.
How healthy are the lakes, rivers, and other water resources in Washington County and the larger St. Croix watershed? Where are we seeing improvements and what new challenges have emerged in recent years?
Join us aboard a Stillwater River Boat for our signature networking and education event for local leaders, including city councils, planning commissions, township boards, county commissioners, SWCD and watershed board members.
Register at www.tinyurl.com/2026WOW.
This year’s event will include a popular “conservation speed dating” activity with learning stations about harmful algal blooms, healthy aquatic plants, ash tree management, stream restoration, comp plans and codes, and wake boat model ordinances.
During our keynote presentations, speakers will also share updates about the Minnesota Nutrient Reduction Strategy, the St. Croix TMDL, and the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway boundary sign project.
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 Watershed Partners for Adopt-a-Drain Day at the Minnesota Twins baseball game!
The game will be held at Target Field in Minneapolis on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026 at 1:10 PM with a pre-game parade around the field beforehand.
Have you been looking for ways to make a positive impact on the environment around you? Convert your turf lawn to a pollinator-friendly habitat? Or attract more birds to your property? The South Washington Watershed District provides grant funding to eligible individuals and organizations within the district for water stewardship planting. This program promotes water quality improvement by focusing on the reduction of phosphorus in stormwater runoff, reducing erosion and sedimentation, and preserving and restoring natural lands throughout the watershed.
ELIGIBILITY NOTE: This workshop is designed for members of the South Washington Watershed District (SWWD) community who plan to apply or have already applied for a SWWD Stewardship Grant. Your project must be within the watershed district to be eligible for funding. Not sure if you are in the District? Find out here!
Pre-registration is required.
Join Isanti SWCD to learn how you can play a role in protecting the health of Minnesota lakes!
We are eager to partner with local lakeshore property owners to design and install projects that protect and improve the water quality of the lakes we enjoy. Many of these projects involve coordination with technical staff and contractors to ensure long-term, effective results.
This workshop will center Fanny, Skogman, and Pauls Lakes, but residents from any lake are welcome to attend any workshop.
Workshop Topics
Stormwater and lake water quality
Approaches to protect and improve lake water quality
Understanding your lake property and site conditions
Taking action and addressing shoreline and runoff concerns
How to get involved and access project support and funding
RSVPs are encouraged but not required. To RSVP, contact Isanti SWCD at 763-689-3271 or email zolson@isantiswcd.org
Join Pine SWCD for a free water screening clinic on at the Rutledge Community Center in Willow River.
How do you participate? Bring at least one cup (16 oz) of your drinking water from your home tap in a clean, hard plastic or glass container. Onsite screening will test for nitrates and chloride, and you can wait for your results or have them emailed.
Hydrogeologists from the Minnesota Groundwater Association and Minnesota Well Owners Organization will also be on hand to offer private 5- 10 minute consultations. They can help you understand your test results, advise on additional testing for contaminants like arsenic, manganese, or bacteria, and answer questions about your well operation, maintenance, and water safety.
Is there anything more exciting than playing with bugs? Join Comfort Lake-Forest Lake Watershed District and dig right in to see what kind of buggy neighbors are swimming around the lakes and streams. This is a very hands-on session full of creepy crawly fun that will leave you with a better appreciation of how important insects are as well as what they can tell us about the water quality. All the supplies and materials are provided, just bring your creativity.
More information and registration here.
Join Isanti SWCD to learn how you can play a role in protecting the health of Minnesota lakes!
We are eager to partner with local lakeshore property owners to design and install projects that protect and improve the water quality of the lakes we enjoy. Many of these projects involve coordination with technical staff and contractors to ensure long-term, effective results.
This workshop will center Green, Spectacle, and Blue Lakes, but residents from any lake are welcome to attend any workshop.
Workshop Topics
Stormwater and lake water quality
Approaches to protect and improve lake water quality
Understanding your lake property and site conditions
Taking action and addressing shoreline and runoff concerns
How to get involved and access project support and funding
RSVPs are encouraged but not required. To RSVP, contact Isanti SWCD at 763-689-3271 or email zolson@isantiswcd.org
This presentation at Hardwood Creek Library in Forest Lake will introduce some of the most common native plants available in our area and address great ways to introduce them into your yard.
Join Freshwater and Washington Conservation District to learn more about PFAS, or so-called forever chemicals. These chemicals are used in many everyday products from nonstick pots and pans, to food packaging, and even clothing. They are now also in our environment and can cause harm to living organisms, natural systems, and human health. Come hear from Dr. Ali Ling, University of St. Thomas, to learn more about these chemicals, their effects, and what we can do about them moving forward.
Have you been looking for ways to make a positive impact on the environment around you? Convert your turf lawn to a pollinator-friendly habitat? Or attract more birds to your property? The South Washington Watershed District provides grant funding to eligible individuals and organizations within the district for water stewardship planting. This program promotes water quality improvement by focusing on the reduction of phosphorus in stormwater runoff, reducing erosion and sedimentation, and preserving and restoring natural lands throughout the watershed.
ELIGIBILITY NOTE: This workshop is designed for members of the South Washington Watershed District (SWWD) community who plan to apply or have already applied for a SWWD Stewardship Grant. Your project must be within the watershed district to be eligible for funding. Not sure if you are in the District? Find out here!
Pre-registration is required.
Join Isanti SWCD for lunch and a chance to discover new opportunities to strengthen your farm’s nutrient management and conservation efforts. Hear from Amy Robak of Centra Sota Coop on nutrient management strategies in different scenarios, and Jeppe Kjaersgaard from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture on emerging nutrient management technologies and the Ag Weather Network. Local partners will also share program updates and information on funding opportunities for conservation projects.
Contact Zoe to RSVP at 763-689-3271 or zolson@isantiswcd.org
Join Pine SWCD in conjunction with Wild Rivers Conservancy to talk about Estate Planning and what your next steps could be! In this workshop, we will have experts who specialize in landowner-focused estate planning share their tips on planning goals, issues, and considerations for landowners. This event will help attendees create a plan for their land, giving you control over the legacy of your property.
Reserve Here: Intro to Estate Planning for Landowners Tickets, Saturday, Mar 28 from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm | Eventbrite
This event is Free to everyone!
Stop on by for coffee, breakfast, and conversation! Just in time for spring, agronomists Joe Ailts and Ryan Lind will discuss integrating cover crops and no-till into your nutrient and weed management planning.
This is a FREE event, thanks to Carnelian-Marine-St. Croix Watershed District for sponsoring breakfast. Please RSVP by March 19th to save your plate! Call Ellen at 651-401-3330 or click here to RSVP.
Your yard can help to support songbirds, pollinators, and wildlife - AND look beautiful! March is the perfect time to begin planning gardening projects, but there are also some common mistakes that you should avoid. During this presentation, Angie Hong will talk about what to plant, how to get started, where to buy native plants in Minnesota, and where to find additional support for planting projects. Learn about native gardens, bee lawns, flowering trees and shrubs, and prairies, as well as spring gardening “dos and don’ts.”
Whether your yard is large or small, you can help to create pockets of habitat and protect Woodbury’s wetlands and lakes.
Join Brown’s Creek Watershed District at the Washington County Heritage Center to learn more about our art exhibition that was put together in collaboration with A House Unbuilt and 12 participating artists.
This will be an opportunity to see the artwork up close, learn more about the unique species in the watershed, and see a recently created video about the project and the watershed. There will also be a panel discussion about how this project came together.
More information about the exhibit can be found at The Water Where We Live. The art is on display until January 2027.
Your yard can help to support songbirds, pollinators, and wildlife - AND look beautiful! March is the perfect time to begin planning gardening projects, but there are also some common mistakes that you should avoid. During this presentation, Angie Hong will talk about what to plant, how to get started, where to buy native plants in Minnesota, and where to find additional support for planting projects. Learn about native gardens, bee lawns, flowering trees and shrubs, and large-scale habitat restoration. In addition, we'll also discuss spring gardening “dos and don’ts.”
Whether your yard is large or small, you can help to create pockets of habitat and protect Isanti County's wetlands and lakes.
Register at tinyurl.com/2026isantigardens
Barbara Heitkamp will be at the Chisago County Master Gardeners Expo on March 21st to teach this workshop about rain gardens. What is a rain garden? It’s more than a pretty landscape feature - it’s a smart, sustainable way to manage stormwater, reduce runoff, and better protect our lakes, rivers, and streams.
Winter road salt is tough on soil, water, and plants - but with the right design, your garden can handle it. In this workshop, you’ll learn which native plants are more tolerant of chloride, how to create a resilient garden design, and tips for keeping it healthy year-round.
Join Laura Irish-Hanson (MN Landscape Arboretum) to explore the factors that influence long-term landscape success, including site conditions, climate considerations, and maintenance practices.
Washington Conservation District will be hosting an activity table with information about birds and habitat restoration at this event.
We’ll be sharing information and resources to help private landowners improve their wildlife habitat, as well as opportunities to engage in projects on local public lands. Youth and families can also sign-up to Adopt-a-Drain in their neighborhood or help with storm drain stenciling.
Note: This event is for youth and their families. Learn more and buy tickets at Ducks Unlimited.
Pine SWCD and UMN Extension are hosting a Conservation Conversation about Row Crops & Soil Health following the East Central Corn and Soybean Conference at the Rock Creek City Center. Join us for a crop producer panelist revolving around the aspects of soil health such as cover crops, buffer strips, livestock incorporation, forage/grains addition to crop rotations, and tillage options.
RSVPs appreciated for this FREE event. Coffee and cookies provided!
University of Minnesota Extension educators and specialists will give updates on the latest research done for corn and soybeans, as well as provide valuable information for managing your crop land and business. Some topics include incorporating livestock into cover cropping systems, corn research, tillage systems for soil health, and row crop IPM, diseases, and weed management.
Cost is $15 per individual, cash or check at the door. Please make checks payable to “Regents of the University of Minnesota”.
Register online by Thursday, March 12th to secure a spot!
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.
Join us for a free professional training, with practical advice on maintaining beautiful lakeshores. Help your clients achieve the shoreline of their dreams, while also supporting fish, wildlife, and clean water.
Register online at tinyurl.com/2026lakeshore.
Join our friends across the river for their annual regional luncheon! Farmers will gather to hear speakers talk about practices that improve their farms' bottom lines as well as their soil health. This year, they will be hosting Dr. Richard Mulvaney, who will be talking about how you can save money on knowing how much nitrogen is in your soil already. Independent local agronomist, Joe Ailts, will discuss outcomes of his nitrogen research to help farmers dial in on their fertilizer needs. There will also be a panel of local farmers to talk about ways that they use less nitrogen.
Lunch is being generously provided by Compeer Financial. Please register in advance to save your plate! This event is provided free of charge.
Join Pine SWCD and UMN Extension for a Conservation Conversation about Small Farms and Land Stewardship at Doc’s Sport Bar & Grill in Sturgeon Lake.
RSVPs appreciated for this FREE event. Coffee and cookies provided!
Join Comfort Lake Forest Lake Watershed District for dinner and a presentation by Fawkes Char (MPCA) on the current status of Minnesota’s PFAS Blueprint.
This FREE workshop will be held at the Forest Lake Senior Community Center (767 4th St SW, Forest Lake, MN 55025) starting at 6:00 p.m. The workshop includes an hour presentation, a box supper, and time for open discussion after the presentation.
Please RSVP before Friday, February 6th for this workshop, so we have an accurate headcount for food and seating. To register, please contact the CLFLWD at 651-395-5850 or by email.
Join Comfort Lake-Forest Lake Watershed District for an evening all about Minnesota’s state bird! Whether you only know Common Loons by their iconic calls, or you are a long-time loon watcher, these charismatic birds will never stop surprising you. We will dive into the physical and behavioral characteristics that make Common Loons unique, while highlighting the relationship loons have with the intricate freshwater ecosystems. We will also learn what we can do to better protect loons from the environmental conflicts they face today.
Maddi Nistler is the Education & Outreach Manager at the National Loon Center in Crosslake, MN. Her life-long love for the outdoors and inner workings of the natural world has led her to become a MN Master Naturalist and advocate for Common Loons.
This FREE workshop will be held at the Forest Lake Senior Community Center starting at 6:00 p.m. The workshop includes a boxed supper, an hour presentation, and time for open discussion after the presentation.
Please RSVP before Friday, January 23rd for this workshop, so we have an accurate headcount for food and seating. To register, please contact the CLFLWD at 651-395-5850 or by email.
Wisconsin Salt Wise is hosting Winter Salt Week January 26th-30th. Tune in over the lunch hour all week for webinars on Freshwater Salinization, Salt Wise Stories, Smart Salting Contracts, Engineering Solutions, Advocating for Change, and Salt Monitoring 101. Check out the Salt Week website to register, find local in-person events, and learn more about the event.
Join Pine SWCD and UMN Extension for a Conservation Conversation about Livestock at the Little Mermaid Cafe in Askov.
RSVPs appreciated for this FREE event. Coffee and cookies provided!
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.
Lower St. Croix One Watershed-One Plan (LSC1W1P)
