Wildlife – East Metro Water

Trout return to Afton’s Trout Brook

By: angiehongmn March 9, 2023

Aquatic Biology, Local Achievements, Partners and Updates, WildlifeAfton Alps, Afton State Park, featured, south washington watershed district, trout, Trout BrookLeave a Comment

The stream restoration project creates different types of habitat that fish need, including deep pools with slow-moving water, shallow riffles with fast, turbulent water running over rocks, and runs with deep, fast water and little to no turbulence.

An end to fish favoritism?

By: angiehongmn March 2, 2023March 2, 2023

Aquatic Biology, Wildlifeecology, featured, fish, fishing, rough fish1 Comment

This spring, Minnesota lawmakers consider new legislation, known as the “No Junk Fish” bill, which would provide funding for the DNR to study native fish species that are currently classified as rough fish and propose updated regulations to better manage and protect their populations.

Strange facts about two of Minnesota’s favorite comeback animals

By: angiehongmn November 28, 2022

WildlifeDeer, featured, Minnesota, wild turkeys, WildlifeLeave a Comment

Deer and turkeys are two of the most common charismatic megafauna that we see in the east metro and lower St. Croix Valley, but that wasn’t always the case.

Help save monarch butterflies

By: angiehongmn April 14, 2022April 13, 2022

Wildlife, Yards and Landscapingbutterflies, featured, gardening, milkweed, monarchs, native plants, pollinatorsLeave a Comment

USFWS estimates that there is a 96-100% probability that western monarch populations will collapse within 50 years and an 80% probability that eastern monarchs will as well. But, people can prevent that from happening by planting more milkweed.

Waiting for the birds

By: angiehongmn February 24, 2022February 22, 2022

Wildlife, Yards and Landscapingbirds, featured, migration, native plants, planting for birds, winterLeave a 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.

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.

The secret life of the St. Croix’s freshwater mussels

By: angiehongmn December 9, 2021December 9, 2021

Aquatic Biology, Wildlifeendangered species, featured, freshwater mussels, National Park Service, St. Croix RiverLeave a Comment

“The St. Croix River is a rare example of a complete and intact river ecosystem,” explains Marian Shaffer, an Aquatic Biologist with the National Park Service. “In fact, all of the freshwater mussel species that existed in the St. Croix Riverway before European settlement are still here today.”

Can that baby dragon fly?

By: angiehongmn June 10, 2021June 9, 2021

Aquatic Biology, Wildlifeaquatic macroinvertebrates, dragonflies, featured, insects2 Comments

Most people consider dragonflies and damselflies to be terrestrial flying insects, but in fact, they spend more than half of their lives in the water.

Online classes for gardeners and nature enthusiasts

By: angiehongmn January 21, 2021January 19, 2021

Wildlife, Yards and Landscapingfeatured, gardening, nature drawing, nature photography, online classes, pollinators, prairie, prairie restoration, trees, wolves1 Comment

Explore new interests, build skills, begin planning for a summer landscaping project at your home, or simply enjoy a few hours of escape from the doldrums of winter.

To Bison or to Monet?

By: angiehongmn November 27, 2020November 23, 2020

Partners and Updates, Wildlifebison, featured, habitat restoration, Pine Point Regional Park, Pollinator Friendly Alliance, pollinators, prairie, prairie restoration, Washington Conservation District, Washington County ParksLeave a Comment

Washington County Parks is haying the prairie at Pine Point Regional Park to imitate natural processes that would occur if the land were being grazed by bison.