We are on a mission to inspire and empower people to value and preserve water.
Cover chosen for 2026 Weatherguide wall calendar
We're thrilled to announce that Bemidji photographer Janet Nelson's photo, "Expecting," has been chosen for the cover of the 2026 Minnesota Weatherguide Environment wall calendar – 50th Anniversary edition! You can expect the new edition on sale here in August.
Nearly 1,800 votes were cast in our annual cover photo contest, and this photo was an overwhelming favorite. Congratulations to Janet, thanks to KARE 11 for promoting the cover contest, and thanks to all of the amazing photographers who shared their talents to help support our work for water.
Ice-out on Lake Minnetonka declared March 29
Freshwater and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office Water Patrol declared ice-out on Lake Minnetonka on March 29, a sure sign of spring for the Twin Cities’ largest lake. This year’s milestone is more than two weeks earlier than Lake Minnetonka’s median ice-out date of April 13.
Ice-out on the 14,528-acre lake is observed when a boat is able to safely navigate from any shore to any other shore, through any channel, and around any island without being stopped by hard ice. Freshwater accompanies the water patrol each year to jointly call ice-out.
Apprenticeship programs make waves for the water workforce
The Cities of Chaska and Plymouth are leaning into developing the next era of the water workforce and are exploring what it means to run successful apprenticeship programs – with different approaches. Their goal remains the same: to make it easier and more accessible for people to join secure, well-paying careers in the water workforce.
Read more on the Freshwater blog, and visit our Water Workforce Pathways page. This program connects across public and private sectors to increase visibility and access to jobs in the water industry.
Five water policy issues to watch this legislative session
The 2025 Minnesota legislative session is up and running, and Freshwater is an active participant, providing nonpartisan science-based perspectives to help policymakers make informed decisions.
Freshwater is focused on five key water issues this session, including siting of water-intensive industries like data centers, water infrastructure funding, nitrate mitigation for private wells, soil and water conservation district funding, and dedicated state environmental funds. Visit our blog and Policy page to learn more.
Weatherguide calendars are now half price!
Get your 2025 Minnesota Weatherguide Calendar and Almanac today and enjoy a 50% discount! Stay in tune with Minnesota’s ever-changing weather while enjoying stunning seasonal photography and helpful nature tips. Plus, your purchase supports Freshwater’s water research, policy and education work — making a difference one season at a time.
For nearly 50 years, the Weatherguide has been Minnesota's favorite source for weather and astronomical information, phenology, nature facts and photos, and much more!
Water planning is critical for data centers and other large projects
In Minnesota and throughout the Midwest, Freshwater is observing tension that has arisen for many of our partners. Large water users like data centers, industrial scale agriculture, and beverage companies are eyeing water-rich states in Great Lakes region. State and local governments need to provide guidance for responsible economic development while sustaining water for the long term.
Freshwater thinks there are ways to support large water users by carefully planning for circular water use systems, while reserving groundwater only for applications where no substitutes are available.
Minnesota Water Stewards program to go statewide
It’s a time of change for the Minnesota Water Stewards program! Recent conversations with current and potential partners, as well as Stewards and program supporters, show a clear path forward.
In response to the changing needs and constraints of our Twin Cities area partners, and expanding interest throughout the state, we are adapting Minnesota Water Stewards into a more affordable, sustainably funded online program that will be widely available across the state and region.
Site visits provide valuable learning on stormwater reuse
Last fall, Freshwater co-hosted three visits to stormwater reuse sites with the cities of Waconia, Hugo and Woodbury, Minnesota. The goal was to invite attendees to see the sites firsthand and ask questions about their design, operation and maintenance.
Visit the Freshwater blog for some key takeaways from these interactive sessions, along with details about each site.
Greater Lakes Promise supports clean water through healthy lands
Freshwater is leading an innovative partnership for clean water called Greater Lakes Promise. With support from the Great Lakes Protection Fund, the project includes several land trusts collaborating on a regional approach to land protection around the Great Lakes.
Using state-of-the-art watershed modeling paired with local insights, our team selects high priority lands for conservation. These lands are then permanently protected with funding generated by individuals and businesses who live and work in the region.
Freshwater gathers input for Minnesota Drinking Water Action Plan
The Minnesota Department of Health is developing a 10-year action plan to better manage drinking water, and Freshwater played a key role in engaging water professionals and community members.
This work is outlined in two reports: Lessons from Drinking Water Professionals: An Assessment of Drinking Water Governance in Minnesota and Minnesota Drinking Water Action Plan Community Engagement Feedback. These insights will help guide policies to protect drinking water in Minnesota.
Fight plastic pollution with Adopt a River
We invite you to help clean up plastics and other litter around a lakeshore, riverbank or neighborhood street near you.
Check out our Adopt a River toolkit for resources and tips on how to organize a community cleanup. It's easier than you think, and it can make a big difference. Thanks for joining together and helping keep our waters clean!
Freshwater continues groundwater governance work
Freshwater is leading a second phase of work to build capacity for groundwater governance in the Great Lakes region funded by the Joyce Foundation. The team will be following recommendations summarized in the report, Groundwater Governance, Well Cobbled?, which assessed the technical, legal and structural capacity of the six Great Lakes states and 35 federally recognized tribes in EPA Region 5.
The initial Phase 1 study showed that groundwater governance in the Great Lakes Region is in different stages of development and in need of better alignment to thoughtfully and sustainably manage aquifers and groundwater-surface water connections. In addition, there is an important need to amplify tribal government perspectives and advance indigenous leadership in groundwater governance.
Explore water news and resources
Members, this is your one-stop shop for Freshwater news and happenings! Click through and check it out.
Purchase your Weatherguide Environment Calendar and Almanac at a retailer near you!
Beautify your instagram feed
Be sure to follow Freshwater on Instagram for water news and some fantastic photos! Photo credit for this image: Jon Wood
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