Restoring Hay Lake, one prairie at a time

Water monitoring data has shown a steady improvement in Hay Lake’s water quality over the past ten years as a result of planting projects completed on the land in the surrounding watershed. In 2022, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency officially “de-listed” Hay Lake, meaning it is no longer considered impaired.

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In the land of the laughing hippos

Last month, my family and I took a once-in-a-lifetime trip to southern Africa. Among our many awe-inspiring experiences was a two-day trip into the Okavango Delta of northwestern Botswana, where we traveled by mokoro canoe and slept in two-man tents on the ground, with hippos, elephants, and other wildlife rustling and chattering throughout the night.

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Lake Living 101

Owning a lake home is the quintessential Minnesota dream, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. Two of the most common “problem scenarios” for lakeshore owners include creating beaches and installing rock riprap. Learn more about the rules.

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And it was all yellow

If you peruse the Minnesota Wildflowers online field guide, you will find an impressive 303 species of plants native to Minnesota that all have yellow flowers. Check out this weekend’s Master Gardener Garden Tour or an upcoming event to learn more about gardening with native plants.

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In Woodbury, a stormwater park takes shape

Construction is underway at Hasenbank Park in Woodbury, where the South Washington Watershed District and City of Woodbury are combining nature, art, and human engineering to build a one-of-a-kind “Stormwater Park.” The goal is to protect Powers Lake from runoff pollution, while also creating a community gathering space with walking trails, public art, and beautifully restored native habitat.

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Local officials set sail to learn about shorelines and development

This year’s workshop focused specifically on St. Croix Riverway Rules, strategies for dealing with sticky issues and variance requests, and better site design for development and redevelopment projects. 

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Exploring the St. Croix Valley: Adventures on & off the Water

In February of 2022, I took a week off of work, loaded up the dog, a pair of snowshoes, and copious amounts of coffee, chocolate, and wine, then headed up north to Pine County, Minnesota. My goal was to see if I could maybe, sort-of write a book. Now, two years later, this little book of mine finally makes its grand debut to the rest of the world!

The official launch party is next week (YES! You are invited!) and I’ll also be doing speaking events in Marine on St. Croix (July 9) and Lake Elmo (July 13). I’d love to see you in real life!

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A rising tide lifts all boats…and roads and houses

In the east metro area, “No-Wake” restrictions are in effect for the St. Croix River and watershed districts are also urging boaters to go slow on local lakes to avoid damaging shorelines with large wakes and waves.

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Enjoying wilderness & solitude on the Namekagon River…with a hearty dose of rain

The Namekagon River is located in northwestern Wisconsin and flows 101 miles from the Chequamegon–Nicolet National Forest to the St. Croix River, ending a few miles northeast of Danbury. It is the St. Croix’s longest tributary.

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With eyes set on National Heritage designation, North Woods and Waters continues working to connect people and organizations in the St. Croix Region

“This organization is all about developing a collective pride in place and helping our small towns to thrive,” says Executive Director Monica Zachay.

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