East Metro Water

A passion for birds inspires native gardens

By: angiehongmn November 9, 2026

Wildlife, Yards and Landscapingbirds, featured, gardening, lawns to legumes, middle st. croix watershed management organization, native plants, nature, planting for birds, Stillwater Area Community Foundation, Washington Conservation District, WildlifeLeave a Comment

Two years ago, Wendy’s love of birds inspired her to begin thinking about her Stillwater yard and how it could help to provide habitat connectivity between Lake McKusick, a nearby wooded ravine, and the St. Croix River. Now, Wendy hopes her yard can serve as inspiration for other people in Stillwater to go a little bit bird crazy.

Water Steward volunteers put passion and caring into action

By: angiehongmn November 5, 2026

Keeping water clean, Partners and Updatesclean water, climate change, environment, raingardens, volunteering, featured, nature, Minnesota Water Stewards, planting treesLeave a Comment

In the east metro and St. Croix Valley, Water Stewards help to support a wide range of watershed work – everything from building gravel bed tree nurseries, to helping run private well screening clinics.

Sunrise River Rambles

The Sunrise is a complex river system with multiple branches, tributaries, and pools, each with its own unique personality.

From watercraft inspections to loosestrife-eating beetles – lake managers discuss strategies for battling aquatic invaders

By: angiehongmn October 14, 2026October 14, 2026

Aquatic Biology, Partners and UpdatesAquatic Invasive Species, Eurasian watermilfoil, featured, Minnesota lakes, purple loosestrife, spiny waterflea, starry stonewort, volunteers, Washington Conservation District, zebra musselsLeave a Comment

Many AIS experts note that Minnesota’s county-led programs have “bent the curve” for aquatic invasive species. Prior to 2015, the rate of infestations was growing rapidly, with as many as 170 new lakes being impacted every year. After counties rolled out their prevention efforts, that rate began to fall and we are now seeing closer to 40 new infestations each year.

Finding giant puffballs, swimming swans, and fall colors in Washington County’s “Legacy Lands”

By: angiehongmn October 12, 2026

Partners and Updates, Uncategorized, WildlifeBrown's Creek Watershed District, featured, Minnesota lakes, Mississippi River, St. Croix River, Washington County ParksLeave a Comment

Since 2006, Washington County’s Land and Water Legacy Program has helped to protect 1900 acres of land, including 328 acres at Big Marine Regional Park, 102 acres at St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park, and smaller additions at Cottage Grove Ravine, Lake Elmo Park Reserve, and Pine Point Regional Parks.

County funds also helped to establish Lumberjack Landing in Stillwater and Bayport Park, both of which are located on the St. Croix River, Oxbow Trails along Valley Creek in Afton (Belwin Conservancy), and Mississippi Dunes Park on the Mississippi River in Cottage Grove.

In Woodbury, the county’s Land and Water Legacy program even played a role in restoring La Lake to good health.

Twenty years of partnership for clean water

By: angiehongmn October 1, 2026October 2, 2026

Aquatic Biology, Keeping water clean, Local Achievements, Partners and Updates, Yards and Landscapingclean water, environment, featured, Minnesota, Mississippi River, nature, raingardens, St. Croix River, sustainability, water, water pollution1 Comment

In the recipe for lake and stream restoration success, community engagement is an often overlooked but essential ingredient. Though the projects implemented vary from one location to another, it is almost always true that lakes and streams get better when people in the community care, show up at public meetings, volunteer, participate, and support local government and nonprofits in doing clean water work.

Keeping the water safe to drink

By: angiehongmn September 28, 2026

Groundwater, Partners and Updatesdrinking water, featured, groundwater, Health, municipal water, nitrates, PFAS, water, well testingLeave a Comment

You turn on the sink, and fill a glass to drink. Where does the water come from? The ocean? The Mississippi River? Maybe a nearby lake?

Caddisfly prints and bird costumes bring creativity to annual Brown’s Creek event

By: angiehongmn September 18, 2026

Aquatic Biology, Keeping water clean, Partners and Updatesaquatic macroinvertebrates, birds, Brown's Creek, Brown's Creek Watershed District, caddisfly, featured, Sustainable Stillwater MNLeave a Comment

When Brown’s Creek Watershed District hosts its annual Community Watershed Celebration & Bird Festival this Saturday (10am-1pm at Brown’s Creek Park in Stillwater), visitors will have the opportunity to take home something unique that they may not be expecting – their very own handmade caddisfly print.

If you really, really love birds, you can even dress up as your favorite bird and enter the second annual Bird Costume Contest. Costumes of all skill levels are welcome, from simple DIY outfits to elaborate feathered creations.

In addition to bug prints and bird costumes, the festival will include interactive stations led by local conservation groups, crafts, games, and interactive experiences designed to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. The event is free and easy to get to by bike, on foot, or by car.

Meet our 2026 Natural Shoreline Award winners!

We are excited to announce the winners of our 2026 Natural Shoreline Awards, sponsored by the East Metro Water Resource Education Program and Lower St. Croix Watershed Partnership. These awards recognize Minnesotans who are protecting lake, stream, and wetland habitat in Chisago, Isanti, Ramsey and Washington Counties.

Lake Phalen: 2026 Natural Shoreline Award Winner

By: angiehongmn August 26, 2026September 1, 2026

Keeping water clean, Local Achievements, Partners and Updates, Uncategorized, Wildlife, Yards and Landscapingenvironment, habitat restoration, Lake Phalen, lakeshore, Minnesota, native plants, nature, ramsey washington metro watershed district, shorelines, St. Paul1 Comment

With nearly two miles of restored shoreline, statuesque oak woodlands, and multiple ways for the public to access and enjoy the lake, the Lake Phalen shoreline in St. Paul is a showcase example for any city in Minnesota to aspire to. It is also one of the largest and most successful shoreline restorations in the upper Midwest.