Events | Organizations | Water Quality Data
There are events across the state and nationwide that promote the protection and enhancement of water resources. Search below for events in Southeast Minnesota and worldwide:
Looking for a particular month? February, March, April, May, June, September
Voices for the Lakes Essay Contest
February 1, 2010
Use the lakes as your inspiration, in the 2010 Voices for the Lakes Essay contest. Essays should describe a connection with Minnesota’s greatest natural resource – its lakes. Entries are due by 11:59 p.m. February 1.
http://www.1000fom.org/news/1000-friends/voices-lakes-essay-contest
World Wetlands Day
February 2, 2010
Each year government agencies, NGOs and groups of citizens at all levels of the community have taken advantage of the opportunity to undertake actions aimed at raising public awareness of wetland values and benefits and, in particular, of the Ramsar Convention.
http://www.ramsar.org/cda/ramsar/display/main/main.jsp?zn=ramsar&cp=1-63-78%5E24106_4000_0__
National Ground Water Awareness Week
March 7-13, 2010
About half the U.S. population receives its drinking water from wells! And more than 90 percent of the fresh water in the United States and around the world is ground water. Ground Water Awareness Week spotlights groundwater, as a valuable and renewable resource.
http://www.ngwa.org/public/awarenessweek/index.aspx
Fix a Leak Week – U.S. EPA WaterSense Program
March 15-21, 2010
Did you know that an American home can waste, on average, 11,000 gallons of water every year due to running toilets, dripping faucets, and other household leaks? By making just a few small changes to your daily routine, you can save a significant amount of water, save money and preserve water supplies for future generations. The WaterSense label will help you identify high-efficiency products and programs.
http://www.epa.gov/watersense/water_efficiency/fix_a_leak.html
Lawn Maintenance Class
Monday April 5, 2010
6:30-8:00 p.m.
This lawn care class will be an opportunity for any homeowner to learn the Best Management Practices for their home lawn maintenance. We will cover all aspects of making your home lawn aesthetically, environmentally, and financially ideal. Topics included will be mowing practices, irrigation use (scheduling), fertility practices, pest control, and aeration. Register through Rochester Community Education.
http://www.rochesterstormwater.com/happenings/upcomingactivities.asp
Conservation Farming and Clean Water in a Challenging Economy
Cannon River Watershed Partnership
April 7, 2010
8:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
American Legion Hall, 112 NE 5th St., Faribault
Sessions will include presentations from the Land Stewardship Project, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, the Nature Conservancy and local farmers who are making conservation happen on a budget.
Sponge and Drain – Part 1
April 10, 2010
9:30am to 3:30 pm
This tour will be given by Jeff Broberg and other area experts and will focus on conservation work and studies in the upper reaches of the Whitewater, Root and Zumbro River watersheds. Contact watermatters@charter.net for more information.
http://www.rochesterstormwater.com/happenings/upcomingactivities.asp
National Environmental Education Week: Be Water and Energy Wise
April 11-17, 2010
National Environmental Education Week (EE Week) is the largest organized environmental education event in the United States. EE Week increases the educational impact of Earth Day by creating a full week of educational preparation, learning, and activities in K-12 classrooms, nature centers, zoos, museums, and aquariums. By participating in EE Week, you encourage your students to make a difference in their schools, homes, and communities! EE Week’s 2010 theme is Be Water and Energy Wise.
It’s a Raingarden Party!
April 13th, 2010
6:00-8:00 pm
What is a raingarden? How do they work? Develop your “Blue Thumb” as you discover the many benefits of raingardens, learn about native plants, and find out if this type of garden is right for your site. Plant lists, garden plans, and other resources included in this interactive program.
http://www.rochesterstormwater.com/happenings/upcomingactivities.asp
Lawn Maintenance
Wednesday April 14, 2010
6:30-800 pm
This lawn care class will be an opportunity for any homeowner to learn the Best Management Practices for their home lawn maintenance. Eric will cover all aspects of making your home lawn aesthetically, environmentally, and financially ideal. Topics included will be mowing practices, irrigation use (scheduling), fertility practices, pest control, and aeration.
http://www.rochesterstormwater.com/happenings/upcomingactivities.asp
Silent Spring to Silent Night: A Tale of Toads and Men
April 29, 2010
11 am
Dr. Tyrone Hayes will speak at RCTC’s Hill Theater. Contact cory.rubin@roch.edu for more information.
http://www.rochesterstormwater.com/happenings/upcomingactivities.asp
Drinking Water Week
May 2-8, 2010
For more than 30 years, the American Water Works Association and its members have celebrated Drinking Water Week – a unique opportunity for both water professionals and the communities they serve to join together to recognize the vital role water plays in our daily lives.
http://www.awwa.org/Government/content.cfm?ItemNumber=3862&navItemNumber=3863
Rain Barrel Painting Party
May 8, 2010
1:00-4:00 pm
Rochester Public Library
http://www.rochesterstormwater.com/happenings/upcomingactivities.asp
Raingarden Party
May 13, 2010
6:00-7:30 pm
Rochester Public Library
http://www.rochesterstormwater.com/happenings/upcomingactivities.asp
Shoreland Conservation in Urban Settings
June 2, 2010
1:00 – 5:00 p.m. (check-in 12:30 p.m.)
Rochester, MN
Fee: $60
The original 1970 shoreland rules applied to just counties and not cities. Over time, the rules were amended to apply to both. However, the issues facing an urbanizing community or communities that have been largely built out or are undergoing redevelopment can be quite different from the typical “up north” Greenfield development people often associate with shoreland development. How can effective shoreland conservation be achieved in an urban setting? This half-day workshop provides information on new tools, how draft rules can be applied, local examples, much more.
For complete details on these programs and to register, go to http://www.mngts.org/LandUse/index.html. Questions? Contact Carol Schoeneck, cschoeneck@mngts.org or 651-222-7409 x205
World Environment Day
June 5, 2010
Commemorated each year on June 5, World Environment Day is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action.
World Oceans Day
June 8, 2010
Since 2002, The Ocean Project and the World Ocean Network have helped to promote and coordinate World Oceans Day events worldwide. We help coordinate events and activities with aquariums, zoos, museums, conservation organizations, universities, schools, and businesses. Each year an increasing number of countries and organizations have been marking June 8th as an opportunity to celebrate our world ocean and our personal connection to the sea.
http://www.theoceanproject.org/wod/index.php
Annual River Cleanup
September 18, 2010
Cannon River Watershed Partnership is having their Annual River Cleanup on September 18th. There will be sites at locations around Owatonna, Medford, Faribault, Northfield, Cannon Falls, Welch and Red Wing. If you are interested in participating, contact Lisa Carey at 507-786-3911 or lisa@crwp.net
World Water Monitoring Day
September 18, 2010
World Water Monitoring Day is an international education and outreach program that builds public awareness and involvement in protecting water resources around the world by engaging citizens to conduct basic monitoring of their local water bodies. Participants are encouraged to register their site and report their data before December 31 to be included in the Year in Review report. Test kits can be ordered online and resources are available as free downloads.
http://www.worldwatermonitoringday.org/index.html