The Sunrise is a complex river system with multiple branches, tributaries, and pools, each with its own unique personality.
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All articles filed in nature
Twenty years of partnership for clean water
In the recipe for lake and stream restoration success, community engagement is an often overlooked but essential ingredient. Though the projects implemented vary from one location to another, it is almost always true that lakes and streams get better when people in the community care, show up at public meetings, volunteer, participate, and support local government and nonprofits in doing clean water work.
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Lake Phalen: 2026 Natural Shoreline Award Winner
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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Ode to oaks
Oak trees are a powerful keystone species that can live for centuries, produce millions of acorns, and support more wildlife than any other tree genus in North America.
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Big waves, big problems?
Wake-surfing and wakeboarding have grown in popularity in recent years, leading many people to worry about the possible impacts to Minnesota lakes.
Lake associations and communities in Minnesota are considering a variety of approaches, including education and outreach, community engagement, monitoring, voluntary guidelines, and local policy.
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It takes a village – planting and tending to raingardens in Washington County
Since 2006, community residents and local government partners have completed nearly 6000 conservation planting projects in Washington County to protect our lakes, rivers, and streams. More than 1600 of these are raingardens, designed to catch nutrient-rich runoff from rooftops, driveways, and streets and soak the water into the ground before it reaches a storm sewer or nearby waterway. Raingardens beautify our local communities and provide habitat for pollinators, but do require specialized knowledge to design, construct, and maintain them for long-term success.
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Five years in, the Lower St. Croix Watershed Partnership makes strides toward cleaner lakes and rivers
The Lower St. Croix Watershed Partnership includes 15 local government partners in Anoka, Chisago, Isanti, Pine and Washington Counties who are working collaboratively to improve the St. Croix River, as well as local lakes and streams.
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Rebuilding lost habitat connections, one yard at a time
More than 47,000 people have joined the “Homegrown National Park” in its first five years and these regular everyday Americans have collectively restored 170,000 acres of native habitat.
Here in Washington County, Minnesota, we’ve observed similar enthusiasm over the past twenty years as native landscaping has grown in popularity.
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Live, love, laser loon
The Science of a Walk
Feeling stressed or anxious? Going for a walk is good for your body, mind, and soul. Additionally, research shows that the benefits are even greater if you’re able to take that walk outside in nature.
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