East Metro Water

Minnesota climatologists predict another year of major spring flooding

By: angiehongmn February 21, 2020February 22, 2020

Partners and Updatesfeatured, flood insurance, flooding, Mississippi River, St. Croix River, Washington CountyLeave a Comment

The National Weather Service and Minnesota Climatology Department are both predicting another wet spring with major flooding in 2020. There is a high chance of flooding on the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers, as well as in lakes, ponds, farm fields, and low lying areas. Says Craig Schmidt, a hydrologist with the National Weather Service,…

Feedback from local communities helps to shape Lower St. Croix 10-Year Watershed Plan

By: angiehongmn February 11, 2020February 10, 2020

Keeping water clean, Partners and UpdatesAnoka County, Chisago County, clean water, featured, Isanti County, Pine County, St. Croix River, Washington CountyLeave a Comment

Learn more: Feb. 20 in North Branch or March 2 in Stillwater Over the past two years, 15 local government partners in Anoka, Chisago, Isanti, Pine, and Washington Counties have been working to create a shared watershed plan to guide collaborative work in the Lower St. Croix region for the next 10 years. Known as…

2020 Brings $1.9 Million in New Clean Water Funds to the Lower St. Croix area

By: angiehongmn February 10, 2020

Groundwater, Keeping water clean, Partners and UpdatesCarnelian Marine St. Croix Watershed District, Clean Water Fund, clean water grants, comfort lake - forest lake watershed district, featured, Forest Lake, middle st. croix watershed management organization, St. Croix River, Stillwater, Sunrise River, Washington Conservation DistrictLeave a Comment

On January 22, the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources approved $13.9 million in Clean Water Fund grants to improve water quality in lakes, streams, and groundwater aquifers across the state. Forest Lake emerged as a big winner in this round of funding, with the Comfort Lake – Forest Lake Watershed District securing two…

Nurturing the Wild

By: angiehongmn January 23, 2020January 22, 2020

Outdoor Adventures, Yards and LandscapingCharlie Mackesy, featured, native landscaping, native plants, snowshoeing, St. Croix River, Wild Ones Design With Nature Conference, wildernessLeave a Comment

Design with Nature Conference: Sat., Feb. 29 in St. Paul “What is that over there?” “It’s the wild,” said the mole. “Don’t fear it.” “Imagine how we would be if we were less afraid.” – Charlie Mackesy, The Boy, the mole, the fox and the Horse A friend gave us a new book for Christmas…

Ode to a an old dead log

By: angiehongmn January 18, 2020January 17, 2020

Wildlifefeatured, trees, wildlife habitat1 Comment

Driving down a country road last week, I turned to gaze at a lone tree in the west that always stands so firmly, silhouetted against the evening sky. On this night, however, one half of the tree lay sprawled across a nearby farm field, toppled over by wind or age. “How sad,” I thought to…

WaterBar offers a unique opportunity to share and hear new stories

By: angiehongmn January 17, 2020January 17, 2020

Uncategorizedculture, drinking water, featured, public art, storytelling, Water BarLeave a Comment

“Growing up in Jamaica, my family had a deep connection with the land and the ocean where we lived,” says Angelo Williamson. “When I moved to the United States, I felt a strong sense of identity as a Jamaican. When other people looked at me and saw me as a black, African-American man, that was…

Ten years of hard work result in big accomplishments for local water, land, and wildlife

The clock strikes midnight as another page turns over on the calendar of life. Goodbye nameless decade; hello roaring ‘20s! This week many of us are thinking about changes in our lives over the past ten years – children born, loved ones lost, new homes, new jobs, vacations, and special events. In the conservation world,…

A story that keeps on telling

By: angiehongmn December 24, 2019December 23, 2019

Uncategorizedwinter solstice1 Comment

Gather round close and lend me your ear, shoulder to shoulder near the fire’s warm light. Watch sparks from the flames dance into the air – bright stars below meeting bright stars above. You might not believe the tales that I tell. You may have forgotten the magic of this world. Close your eyes, rest…

Master Water Stewards lend a helping hand to local lakes and streams

By: angiehongmn December 23, 2019

Keeping water clean, Partners and Updatesfeatured, Master Water Stewards, ramsey washington metro watershed district, volunteers, Washington Conservation District, WoodburyLeave a Comment

Everyone has pet peeves. It drives me crazy when people throw bottles and cans away in the garbage – especially when the recycling container is literally right there. I also hate finding dirty socks on my kitchen counter. Or when I have to perform evasive maneuvers to avoid getting trampled by people looking at their…

Scientific and Natural Areas protect Minnesota’s natural heritage

By: angiehongmn December 12, 2019December 12, 2019

Outdoor Adventuresfeatured, Habitat, land conservation, Scientific and Natural AreasLeave a Comment

A grasshopper perches on a tattered black-eyed susan. Two red and black striped beetles dance a tango atop a lilac spray of vervain. Gentle summer breezes carry the sound of laughter as an impish four-year old boy balances carefully on a time-weathered rock. Around him, the swaying grasses, muted prairie colors, and tumbled down, lichen-covered…