Tips and tales about keeping water clean
We are excited to announce the winners of our 2026 Natural Shoreline Awards, sponsored by the East Metro Water Resource Education Program and Lower St. Croix Watershed Partnership. These awards recognize Minnesotans who are protecting lake, stream, and wetland habitat in Chisago, Isanti, Ramsey and Washington Counties.
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With nearly two miles of restored shoreline, statuesque oak woodlands, and multiple ways for the public to access and enjoy the lake, the Lake Phalen shoreline in St. Paul is a showcase example for any city in Minnesota to aspire to. It is also one of the largest and most successful shoreline restorations in the upper Midwest.
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At Wildwood Park in Mahtomedi, there is a baseball field, a playground, and a fishing pier on a secluded lake, surrounded by massive oak trees. Near the water’s edge, bumblebees buzz happily among bee balm, dotted blazingstar, black-eyed susans, and great blue lobelia. The lake is dappled with lilies with giant white flowers, like a Monet painting come to life.
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There are more than 3000 species of mayflies worldwide and Minnesota is home to 105. Two – the Hexagenia bilineata and Hexagenia limbata – have synchronized hatches and can form swarms so large they actually show up on local weather radars.
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Help gather data that road authorities and local communities can use to design safer roads and wildlife crossings. The Wildlife Casualty Count week of action will take place from May 22 to May 29.
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Though most people think of dragonflies as terrestrial flying insects, they actually spend most of their lives in the water. Learn how to spot a baby dragonfly the next time you’re by the water.
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Way down south along the Mississippi River, great blue herons are on the move. This week they crossed the border into Missouri. By the end of the month, we’ll welcome them back to Minnesota.
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The Legacy Amendment has catalyzed significant improvements in Minnesota’s natural environment, including 184 lakes and streams delisted and more than 1 million acres of wildlife habitat protected or restored.
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When the snow falls and lakes freeze over, Minnesota’s wildlife employ a variety of adaptations to stay alive.
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East Metro Water 