Local and statewide programs aim to identify contaminants in drinking water

By: angiehongmn
Groundwater, Partners and Updates, , , , , , 1 Comment on 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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Brown’s Creek takes a few twists and turns for the better

By: angiehongmn
Aquatic Biology, Buckthorn, Partners and Updates, Wildlife, , , , , Leave a Comment on 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

By: angiehongmn
Aquatic Biology, Wildlife, , , , Leave a Comment on 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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Rainy days and velvet moss

By: angiehongmn
Outdoor Adventures, , , Leave a Comment on Rainy days and velvet moss

Much like the Danish word hygge can be used to describe the cozy and comfortable feeling you get when sitting indoors beside a fire on a cold winter day, it turns out that there is also a word – pluviophile – to describe a person who enjoys rain and is fascinated with the sights, sounds, and smell of rain falling on the earth.

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Back from the brink of extinction

By: angiehongmn
Keeping water clean, Wildlife, , , , Leave a Comment on 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

By: angiehongmn
Uncategorized, Wildlife, Yards and Landscaping, , , , , , Leave a Comment on 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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713,495 Pounds of Schmooka and Counting

By: angiehongmn
Keeping water clean, , , , Leave a Comment on 713,495 Pounds of Schmooka and Counting

In most cases, it takes less than five minutes to walk out your front door, grab a snow shovel and wheelbarrow, and scoop up the schmooka along the curb line in front of your home.

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Way down south on the Mississippi River

By: angiehongmn
Keeping water clean, Outdoor Adventures, , , , Leave a Comment on Way down south on the Mississippi River

“Imagine that a crusty old curmudgeon of a guy agrees to let you tag along while he goes fishing in the Louisiana bayou. You get up at 4:45am and sip coffee while yawning on the drive down from New Orleans. When you arrive at the landing, he glances at you and your family, makes a noise that sounds sort of like “eh” and sort of like “well,” and then climbs onto a boat. You follow….”

In this week’s East Metro Water blog post, Angie Hong writes about a fishing adventure way down south on the Mississippi River and the connections our state shares with the people and water quality in the Mississippi River Delta.

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‘Tis the Season to Turn out the Lights

By: angiehongmn
Wildlife, , , , , , 1 Comment on ‘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!

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Burn Baby, Burn

By: angiehongmn
Yards and Landscaping, , , , , 3 Comments on Burn Baby, Burn

Prairie, oak savanna, pine barrens, and wet meadows all have something in common – they like to burn, baby burn.
This week’s East Metro Water blog explores the unique habitat found in wet meadows. If you’re interested in learning more about prescribed fire, visit the open house at Lake Elmo Park Reserve on Tuesday, April 2, 4-7pm. Yes! There will be fire!

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