birds – East Metro Water

Feeling Loony in Forest Lake

By: angiehongmn May 15, 2023May 4, 2023

Aquatic Biology, Keeping water clean, Partners and Updates, Uncategorized, Wildlifealum treatment, birds, comfort lake - forest lake watershed district, featured, Forest Lake, lakes, loons, MinnesotaLeave a Comment

At the Forest Lake Lake Association (FLLA) meeting on Wednesday, May 17, 6:30-8pm, Rob Rabasco, coordinator of Minnesota’s Loon Restoration Project, will talk about efforts underway to protect loon habitat across the state, augment natural loon nesting with artificial nesting platforms in targeted locations, implement loon-friendly lake management plans, and increase survival rates for loon chicks. Robasco is one of three invited speakers for the event.

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.

Wildlife-friendly fall gardens

By: angiehongmn September 23, 2021September 21, 2021

Yards and Landscapingbees, birds, fall, featured, gardening, leavesLeave a Comment

In the coming weeks, there are several steps you can take to prep your yard and gardens for winter and continue to support pollinators, birds and other wildlife.

Create pockets of habitat with native plants

By: angiehongmn June 3, 2021June 3, 2021

Yards and Landscapingbirds, featured, gardening, native plants, plant grants, pollinators, sustainable landscaping, WildlifeLeave a Comment

Minnesotans can help to restore habitat for wildlife by planting native flowers, shrubs and trees in our yards to create pocket oases and connected corridors near larger parks and natural areas.

The hills [will soon be] alive with the sound of music

By: angiehongmn February 27, 2020

Keeping water clean, Wildlife, Yards and Landscapingbirds, featured, gardening, Habitat, landscaping, native plants, planting for clean water, pollinatorsLeave a Comment

It is never a secret when my son and I go for a walk. You can hear us coming from at least a block away. I’m usually singing because I consider myself to be either Julie Andrews or June Carter, depending on the day. Charlie is tripping along behind me in oversized boots replacing all…

Putting Down Roots in the Prairie

By: angiehongmn August 7, 2018

Wildlife, Yards and Landscapingbirds, featured, leadplant, monarchs, native plants, prairie, soil and water conservationLeave a Comment

The roots of the leadplant chart a course toward the center of the earth. Thirsty and longing for stability, they branch, spread and burrow further and further into the soil. Encountering a rock or a flat pan of clay, they will pause, turn, and then continue their travels laterally. In sandy soils, where rainwater is…

Gray Skies Got You Down? Turn up the Volume.

By: angiehongmn May 1, 2017

Wildlifebirds, Habitat, migration, Mississippi River, spring, St. Croix RiverLeave a Comment

The Mississippi River is a flyway for 60% of all the birds in North America and 320 species of birds migrate through the St. Croix River Valley.

Join the PolliNATION

By: angiehongmn August 23, 2016

Wildlife, Yards and Landscapingbees, birds, Blue Thumb, clean water, monarchs, native plants, pollinators, Washington Conservation DistrictLeave a Comment

Since your own lawn is small, you might be surprised to learn that turf grass covers more acres of land in the U.S. than the eight largest agricultural crops combined. Imagine what a difference it would make if all of us converted ¼ of our lawn to native plantings that provide habitat for pollinators, birds and wildlife.