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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Bone Lake removed from the impaired waters’ list after more than a decade of watershed work

The water in Bone Lake is clean enough for fishing, swimming, and water recreation for the first time in 20 years, thanks to a comprehensive watershed restoration effort led by the Comfort Lake – Forest Lake Watershed District, in partnership with the Bone Lake Association. Join the Delisting Celebration on Thursday, June 11 at 5pm.

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A killer in the forest

Want to learn about caring for your trees and woodlands? Join us for a walk in the woods next Tuesday, May 28, 5:30-8:30pm at Belwin Conservancy. Register at tinyurl.com/2024woodlands.

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Local and statewide programs aim to identify contaminants in drinking water

On Tuesday, May 21, local partners in the East Metro will offer a free well water screening clinic from 1-6pm at the Hardwood Creek Library in Forest Lake. Read on for more info about water testing programs statewide.

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