Community art project explores flora and fauna of the Brown’s Creek Watershed

The Water Where We Live is open for viewing Mondays through Fridays from 10am – 3pm or by appointment at A House Unbuilt’s Art & Water Space (321 Main Street S  – second floor). There will also be a reception on Thursday, March 6 from 4-7pm that is free and open to the public. Stop by to meet the artists, have a drink at the “Water Bar,” and learn from environmental professionals at Brown’s Creek Watershed District and EOR.

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Rivers re-wilded, fish return

From dam removals to re-meander projects, many rivers and streams in Minnesota are regaining their wildness and seeing fish and other wildlife return.

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Local cities find innovative strategies to reduce chloride pollution

From heated sidewalks to GPS-based snow plow systems, local cities are taking big steps to reduce chloride pollution.

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As phosphorus inputs decline, watershed organizations focus their attention on shorelines

A recent report from the Natural Shorelines Partnership noted that Minnesota has lost 50% of its natural shorelines over the past 100 years, and continues to lose shoreline habitat at a rate of 1-2% per decade.

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Heritage Brook Trout Return to Afton

Next week, Trout Brook in Afton will welcome its very own community of heritage brookies, thanks to a multi-year effort to improve water quality and restore aquatic habitat.

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Carrying stories around the bend – A restoration tale from Rice Creek

When the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant closed in 2005, it created an opportunity for Ramsey County to restore the surrounding landscape and for Rice Creek Watershed District to nurse the neglected stream back to good health.

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Zebra mussels found in Big Carnelian Lake

Fourteen new zebra mussel infestations were discovered in Minnesota in 2024, including Big Carnelian Lake in northern Washington County.

While news of a new zebra mussel infestation is discouraging, it is important to remember that 96% of lakes in Minnesota do NOT have zebra mussels and can still be protected from future infestations if lakeshore landowners, contractors, boaters, and anglers commit to taking action. 

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Restoration work underway along Brown’s Creek in Stillwater

Trail users and local residents can expect to see buckthorn and tree removal continuing into the fall. The watershed district will also work with Trout Unlimited and volunteers to plant native shrubs and trees in key locations along the stream next spring.

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Brown’s Creek takes a few twists and turns for the better

This week, Brown’s Creek Watershed District begins work on a stream restoration project designed to reduce bank erosion and improve habitat for fish along a half-mile stretch of water that flows between McKusick Ave. and the Brown’s Creek State Trail.

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Avoid spreading AIS during this year’s 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.

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