By: angiehongmn June 1, 2023June 1, 2023 Keeping water clean, Partners and Updates, Uncategorizedfeatured, Hidden Falls, Mississippi River, redevelopment, St Paul, stormwaterLeave a Comment

Ford Plant closes, Hidden Falls returns

When the Ford Assembly Plant closed in 2011, the Capitol Region Watershed District and City of St. Paul seized the opportunity to engage the wider community and transform the site into a thriving residential neighborhood with parks and recreational amenities.

By: angiehongmn May 18, 2023May 16, 2023 Yards and Landscapingfeatured, gardening, gardens, native plants, pollinatorsLeave a Comment

Native Gardens for Sun and Shade

This week, I’m sharing two of my favorite “recipes” for gardens that are sure to attract butterflies and bees.

By: angiehongmn May 15, 2023May 4, 2023 Aquatic Biology, Keeping water clean, Partners and Updates, Uncategorized, Wildlifealum treatment, birds, comfort lake - forest lake watershed district, featured, Forest Lake, lakes, loons, MinnesotaLeave a Comment

Feeling Loony in Forest Lake

At the Forest Lake Lake Association (FLLA) meeting on Wednesday, May 17, 6:30-8pm, Rob Rabasco, coordinator of Minnesota’s Loon Restoration Project, will talk about efforts underway to protect loon habitat across the state, augment natural loon nesting with artificial nesting platforms in targeted locations, implement loon-friendly lake management plans, and increase survival rates for loon chicks. Robasco is one of three invited speakers for the event.

By: angiehongmn May 12, 2023May 11, 2023 Aquatic Biology, WildlifeAIS, Aquatic Invasive Species, featured, fishing, lakesLeave a Comment

Be AIS smart this fishing season

Currently, only 8% of the lakes in Minnesota have invasive species present and we need everyone’s help to keep it that way.

If you use waders or hip boots when fishing, be sure to clean off any visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud when you’re done and use a stiff brush to scrub the bottom of your boots where mud gets stuck in the treads. Using non-felt soled boots will further reduce the risk of spreading AIS.

It is also important to dispose of unwanted bait, worms, and fish parts in the trash instead of throwing them in the water or on the shore.

By: angiehongmn May 9, 2023 Yards and Landscapingbee lawns, featured, gardening, lawns, native plants, No Mow May5 Comments

Anti Being “Anti No Mow May”

There seems to be an “anti” No Mow May movement underway and I fear we are missing a golden opportunity to ride the wave of public enthusiasm and begin breaking the green grass chains that bind.

By: angiehongmn May 5, 2023May 4, 2023 Local Achievementscommunity forestry, featured, gravel bed tree nursery, trees, volunteeringLeave a Comment

A modern day Lorax or two

Volunteer Water Stewards John Goodfellow, Tom Furey, and Anna Barker helped to build gravel bed nurseries in their communities to support reforestation efforts.

By: angiehongmn April 28, 2023May 1, 2023 Wildlife, Yards and Landscapingfeatured, native plants, prairie, volunteeringLeave a Comment

Prairie rising

Cheer for bison returning to the prairie at Belwin Conservancy and Spring Lake Park, volunteer for one of three native planting projects in May, or enjoy an “Evening in the Prairie” to learn more about this special ecosystem.

By: angiehongmn April 21, 2023April 21, 2023 Aquatic Biology, Wildlifeendangered species, featured, Minnesota, Wildlife1 Comment

Meet the rare plants and animals of Washington County

Minnesota is home to 2000 known native wildlife species, 346 of which are identified as Species in Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN).