Aquatic Biology – Page 3 – East Metro Water

Keeping invaders out of Minnesota waters

By: angiehongmn May 24, 2025May 20, 2025

Aquatic BiologyAIS, Aquatic Invasive Species, featured, Minnesota lakes, starry stonewort, zebra musselsLeave a Comment

In 2024, Minnesota deployed more than 800 watercraft inspectors to public boat launches around the state to help staunch the spread of zebra mussels, spiny waterflea, and other aquatic invaders. The goal? Preserve Minnesota’s famed “good life” and protect fishing, tourism, and cultural mainstays such as wild ricing and “up north at the cabin.”

One reason for optimism is that we are seeing fewer new infestations and better compliance with state laws for watercraft cleaning and inspections.

Unfortunately, however, the DNR still reported 41 new AIS infestations in Minnesota lakes and rivers last year.

Froggy Figaro

By: angiehongmn April 25, 2025April 24, 2025

Aquatic Biology, Wildlifefeatured, frogs, native plants, nature, spring, WetlandsLeave a Comment

Minnesota is home to 14 species of frogs and toads. During the spring, their chorus rings out as the males search for females and compete to present themselves as the most attractive option with whom to settle down and make a few thousand babies. Because each species has a distinctly different call, you can determine which types of frogs live in your area simply by listening to their symphony.

Tips for dry feet and healthy wetlands

By: angiehongmn April 11, 2025April 11, 2025

Aquatic Biology, Outdoor Adventures, Wildlifebirds, bogs, featured, marshes, Wetlands, WildlifeLeave a Comment

Though Minnesota might be known as the “Land of 10,000 lakes,” we could just as easily call ourselves the “Land of 1,000,000 wetlands.”

two hot air balloons touch down on a lake

Minnesota Lakes – What’s in a Name?

By: angiehongmn April 4, 2025

Aquatic Biology, Uncategorizedbeauty, featured, lakes, lifestyle, Minnesota lakes, nature, travelLeave a Comment

Minnesota is home to 200 Mud Lakes, 150 Long lakes, and 120 Rice lakes.

In addition to their actual names, the Minnesota DNR also assigns lakes a shoreland classification – natural environment, recreational development, or general development – that is used to guide lot size, setbacks, and land uses on surrounding properties.

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

By: angiehongmn February 28, 2025February 28, 2025

Aquatic Biology, Partners and Updates, Wildlifeart, Browns Creek Watershed DIstrict, drawing, featured, painting, poetry, St Croix River, Stillwater, writingLeave a Comment

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.

Rivers re-wilded, fish return

By: angiehongmn February 18, 2025

Aquatic Biology, Partners and Updates, Wildlifedam removal, featured, fishing, Minnesota, remeander, rivers, streams, sturgeon, trout, WisconsinLeave a Comment

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

Local cities find innovative strategies to reduce chloride pollution

By: angiehongmn December 17, 2024

Aquatic Biology, Keeping water clean, Partners and Updateschloride, featured, Minnesota, salt, winterLeave a Comment

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

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

By: angiehongmn October 18, 2024October 14, 2024

Aquatic Biology, Keeping water clean, Partners and Updatescomfort lake - forest lake watershed district, featured, lakeshore, rice creek watershed district, shorelines, Washington Conservation DistrictLeave a Comment

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.

Heritage Brook Trout Return to Afton

By: angiehongmn October 4, 2024October 2, 2024

Aquatic Biology, Partners and Updates, Uncategorized, WildlifeAfton State Park, featured, fishing, Minnesota DNR, south washington watershed district, stream restoration, troutLeave a Comment

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.

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

By: angiehongmn October 3, 2024October 3, 2024

Aquatic Biology, Keeping water clean, Local Achievementsfeatured, Rice Creek, rice creek watershed district, stream restoration, wild riceLeave a Comment

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.