angiehongmn

Tracking the health of Forest Lake area lakes and streams

By: angiehongmn March 21, 2022

Keeping water cleancomfort lake - forest lake watershed district, featured, Forest Lake, Minnesota lakes, rice creek watershed district, water monitoringLeave a Comment

Who tracks water quality in the Forest Lake area, and how do we nurse impaired lakes and streams back to good health?

Using rain barrels to save water and money

By: angiehongmn March 3, 2022

Groundwater, Water Conservationfeatured, rain barrels, stormwater reuse, water conservationLeave a Comment

Rain barrels are a simple and inexpensive way to capture rainwater from your rooftop that would otherwise go to waste.

Waiting for the birds

By: angiehongmn February 24, 2022February 22, 2022

Wildlife, Yards and Landscapingbirds, featured, migration, native plants, planting for birds, winter1 Comment

While a back-yard bird feeder is a great way to attract and enjoy watching birds in your yard, you can actually do far more for the birds by planting native flowers, shrubs, and trees.

Wandering out of winter into spring

By: angiehongmn February 18, 2022

Water Conservation, Yards and Landscapingfeatured, forest, forestry, pollinators, spring gardening, sustainable landscaping, water conservationLeave a Comment

Beginning next week, local conservation partners are offering a variety of online and in-person workshops to help you transition from winter into spring, and, hopefully, create a more environmentally sustainable landscape in the process.

Is it safe to eat the fish?

By: angiehongmn February 10, 2022February 4, 2022

Aquatic Biology, Wildlifefeatured, fish, fishing, Lake Elmo, mercury, Mississippi River, PFAS, St Croix RiverLeave a Comment

The short answer is, it depends.

A World Without Us or Solarpunk?

By: angiehongmn February 3, 2022February 1, 2022

Uncategorizedeco living, featured, habitat restoration, solarpunk, urban designLeave a Comment

Is there a different pathway to the future in which we humans get to stay on earth but find new and better ways to live in harmony with nature?

When the flowers bloom again

By: angiehongmn January 28, 2022

Yards and Landscapingfeatured, lawns to legumes, native plants, pollinators, winterLeave a Comment

The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) is currently accepting applications for its Lawns to Legumes program. Apply online by February 15 for the opportunity to receive $300 in grant support to install native pocket plantings, native trees and shrubs, pollinator lawns, and pollinator meadows in order to restore and enhance habitat for birds and pollinators.

Salt continues to pollute Minnesota lakes and streams

By: angiehongmn January 20, 2022January 18, 2022

Aquatic Biology, Keeping water cleanchloride, chloride impairment, featured, salt, water pollution11 Comments

Once concentrations are high enough, the chloride becomes toxic to fish and invertebrates and can even prevent lakes from turning over the in spring and fall.

After 100 years underground, Phalen Creek will finally see the light

By: angiehongmn January 13, 2022January 13, 2022

Local Achievements, Partners and Updatesfeatured, Lake Phalen, Lower Phalen Creek Project, Mississippi River, Phalen Creek, stream restoration1 Comment

Lower Phalen Creek Project, a Native-Led, East Side environmental organization, has secured $2.8 million in funding from the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council to begin daylighting Phalen Creek.

Adulting 101: Checking for water leaks in your home

By: angiehongmn January 6, 2022January 5, 2022

Groundwater, Water Conservationfeatured, fixing leaks, home improvement, water conservationLeave a Comment

According to the U.S. EPA, the average American household wastes 10,000 gallons of water per year, purely due to leaking toilets, sinks, and sprinkler systems.