Back from the brink of extinction

The first Earth Day on April 22, 1970 ushered in a wave of environmental legislation and action. As a result, we have saved numerous species from extinction, have cleaner air and water, and are able to enjoy pristine wilderness areas.

Learn more about Earth Day and find a volunteer event in your community to help keep these good changes moving forward.

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Three ways to help pollinators this spring

The single most important thing you can do to protect pollinators is to plant and preserve native habitat on your land and in your community. Washington Conservation District and Blue Thumb – Planting for Clean Water have resources to help you get started.

Pollinator Friendly Alliance, Washington County Parks, Washington Conservation District, and Wild Ones – St. Croix Oak Savanna are also seeking volunteers to help plant more than 1000 native plants at Lake Elmo Park reserve on Saturday, May 4 at 11am. Visit http://www.pollinatorfriendly.org to learn more and register.

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713,495 Pounds of Schmooka and Counting

In most cases, it takes less than five minutes to walk out your front door, grab a snow shovel and wheelbarrow, and scoop up the schmooka along the curb line in front of your home.

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Way down south on the Mississippi River

“Imagine that a crusty old curmudgeon of a guy agrees to let you tag along while he goes fishing in the Louisiana bayou. You get up at 4:45am and sip coffee while yawning on the drive down from New Orleans. When you arrive at the landing, he glances at you and your family, makes a noise that sounds sort of like “eh” and sort of like “well,” and then climbs onto a boat. You follow….”

In this week’s East Metro Water blog post, Angie Hong writes about a fishing adventure way down south on the Mississippi River and the connections our state shares with the people and water quality in the Mississippi River Delta.

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‘Tis the Season to Turn out the Lights

Allison Mcginnis might not be a twitcher, but she does love birds! In this week’s East Metro water blog, Mcginnis talks about leading Sustainable Stillwater’s Bird City Stillwater initiative and shares advice for area bird-lovers.

A few tips for the coming spring:
– Turn out exterior lights to protect migrating birds
– Protect against bird strikes with window applications
– Plant a native tree, shrub, and garden
– Join a birding hike near you or enjoy one of the brand new self-guided tours!

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Burn Baby, Burn

Prairie, oak savanna, pine barrens, and wet meadows all have something in common – they like to burn, baby burn.
This week’s East Metro Water blog explores the unique habitat found in wet meadows. If you’re interested in learning more about prescribed fire, visit the open house at Lake Elmo Park Reserve on Tuesday, April 2, 4-7pm. Yes! There will be fire!

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Shorelines and Fish Tales

“Unfortunately, we’re seeing more and more people removing the vegetation along their shorelines and it’s causing a chain reaction in the aquatic food web that’s affecting fish, as well as insects and other wildlife.”

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Leave some for the birds and bees please

I pretended to eat a maggot in the name of science. Once you learn why, you’ll you’ll want to do it too.

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With spring in sight, local communities prepare for an early boating season

From 2016 to 2023, the number of inspected watercraft In Washington County with drain plug violations dropped from 7% to 1%. This is an indication that watercraft inspections and AIS education programs are working.

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Resource Highlight: Blue Thumb – Planting for Clean Water

There is a growing (pun intended?) movement across Minnesota as more and more people begin to think of their yards, not just as a place to relax and recreate, but also as a living landscape that can help to support wildlife and keep water clean. One group of people helping to fuel this movement is the Blue Thumb – Planting for Clean Water partnership, which was formed in 2007.

Learn about upcoming workshop, native plant retailers, garden templates, and other resources to help you go blue & green!

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