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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All articles filed in Wildlife
New grant funds will help to improve habitat connectivity in Washington County
In the coming year, Washington Conservation District (WCD) will receive $185,000 in funding through the Pollinator Pathways program and $246,000 through the Habitat Enhancement Landscape Program (HELP) to restore and improve wildlife and pollinator habitat in more than a dozen priority locations.
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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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Back from the brink of extinction
The first Earth Day on April 22, 1970 ushered in a wave of environmental legislation and action. As a result, we have saved numerous species from extinction, have cleaner air and water, and are able to enjoy pristine wilderness areas.
Learn more about Earth Day and find a volunteer event in your community to help keep these good changes moving forward.
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Three ways to help pollinators this spring
The single most important thing you can do to protect pollinators is to plant and preserve native habitat on your land and in your community. Washington Conservation District and Blue Thumb – Planting for Clean Water have resources to help you get started.
Pollinator Friendly Alliance, Washington County Parks, Washington Conservation District, and Wild Ones – St. Croix Oak Savanna are also seeking volunteers to help plant more than 1000 native plants at Lake Elmo Park reserve on Saturday, May 4 at 11am. Visit http://www.pollinatorfriendly.org to learn more and register.
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‘Tis the Season to Turn out the Lights
Allison Mcginnis might not be a twitcher, but she does love birds! In this week’s East Metro water blog, Mcginnis talks about leading Sustainable Stillwater’s Bird City Stillwater initiative and shares advice for area bird-lovers.
A few tips for the coming spring:
– Turn out exterior lights to protect migrating birds
– Protect against bird strikes with window applications
– Plant a native tree, shrub, and garden
– Join a birding hike near you or enjoy one of the brand new self-guided tours!
Leave some for the birds and bees please
I pretended to eat a maggot in the name of science. Once you learn why, you’ll you’ll want to do it too.
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East Metro Water 