Lop sumac at Grey Cloud Dunes SNA
2023-08-15 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area, 113th St S, Cottage Grove, MN, 55016, United States
Located in Cottage Grove, this spectacular Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) features two sandy terraces along the Mississippi River and dramatic views. Home to a rare dry prairie, this area provides essential native bee, butterfly and wildlife habitat and is home to a variety of rare plant and animal species. After a brief orientation and short hike, volunteers will work with FMR ecologists to help remove sumac, a shrub that is native to Minnesota but spreads rapidly and prevents other plants from growing in this prairie ecosystem. By removing sumac, we’re tending to this rare habitat and ensuring that a greater diversity of plant species and wildlife can thrive here.All tools and training will be provided at the event, and no experience is necessary. All volunteers are encouraged to work at their own pace. However, due to tool usage, including loppers and saws, this event is not suitable for youth. The designation of this type of natural area is meant to protect rare, fragile plant and animal habitat. Please note that Grey Cloud Dunes SNA does not allow pets, nor does it feature amenities such as trails or restrooms. (Learn more about this special site.)

Accessibility
A hike of up to 1/2 mile is required to get to the worksite. Volunteers may then work on slopes with uneven and difficult-to-navigate terrain.

Ready to Register?
Please email volunteer@fmr.org(link sends e-mail) with the name of the event, your name, address and phone number and the number of people in your party. If you have questions or concerns, contact the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@fmr.org(link sends e-mail) or (651) 222-2193 x27.

Vinai Farm Dinner with Tree Range Farms
2023-09-16 17:30 - 21:00 | Salvatierra Farm, 8400 Baldwin Ave., Northfield, MN, 55057, United States
Learn about sustainable agriculture and responsible farming at this outdoor farm dinner hosted by Vinai, Tree Range Farms, and Regenerative Agriculture Alliance. Chef Yia Vang and his chef team will create a memorable feast experience using the freshest ingredients from the regenerative poultry farm – everything from maple syrup and garlic, to tomatillos, hazelnuts, and of course, Tree-Range chicken! This event includes a tour of the farm as well as a full outdoor communal dining experience.
Tickets are available here.

MPCA Smart Salting for Roads Certification Training
2023-09-19 08:00 - 13:00 | Mississippi Watershed Management Organizaiton, 2522 Marshall Street NE, Minneapolis, MN, 55418, United States
This MPCA Smart Salting for Roads Certification Training class offers more efficient winter maintenance best practices for plowing, de-icing and anti-icing application, storage, and more. The new chloride requirements in the recently released MS4 permit will also be covered. Participants will learn how to integrate science with practical winter maintenance on roads while minimizing impacts on the environment.
Who should attend:

City, county, or state plow drivers
Private winter maintenance contractors and staff
Those who supervise winter maintenance professionals

What you’ll learn:

Environmental impacts of chloride
Plowing and physical removal
Calculating application rates
Equipment calibration
Use real-time weather condition information more efficiently
BMPs for storing materials
De-icing and anti-icing
Customer and staff educational resources

The MPCA Smart Salting for Roads Certification test will be offered at the end of training. Those that pass will be listed on the MPCA Smart Salting Training webpage. The certification is valid for five years.
This is an in-person training and lunch will be provided.
Training questions? Contact the MPCA Smart Salting Training Program: smartsalting.pca@state.mn.us
This training is hosted by Mississippi Watershed Management Organization and the MPCA Chloride Reduction program. Funding is provided by MPCA through the Clean Water Fund and the Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund.

An Evening in the Prairie Walking Tour Series
2023-09-26 17:00 - 19:00 | 6811 485th Street, 6811 485th Street, Rush City, MN, 55069, United States
Are you considering converting your land to prairie, but not sure where to start? Our prairie walking tour series is the perfect opportunity to learn more about this vital ecosystem and how to create a beautiful and sustainable prairie landscape on your own property.
Participants will learn about what plants and animals create a thriving prairie ecosystem, prairie management strategies and maintenance schedules, managing drainage and erosion issues, how to create habitat for birds and wildlife, and technical and financial resources available for prairie conversion and restoration.
Registration: tinyurl.com/prairiewalk2023
Experience a prairie throughout the seasons:

Spring Prairie Walk – May 9th, 5-7 pm

Summer Prairie Walk – July 11th, 5-7 pm

Fall Prairie Walk – September 26th, 5-7 pm

You can register for one, two, or all three walking tours!
Attendees will be expected to walk up to one mile. Wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to stand for longer periods of time (you are welcome to bring a camp chair for your use!). This is a family-friendly event, but please leave the dogs at home. Access to a bathroom will be limited.
Hosted by the Lower St. Croix Watershed Partnership and the Chisago SWCD.

Designing for Low Salt Use
2023-09-26 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom webinar, MN, United States
Join us for this timely webinar to learn about designing for low salt use! Connie Fortin of Bolton & Menk, Inc. will discuss the innovative ways she is working with engineers, architects, and planners to consider winter maintenance and chloride reduction in the design phase of buildings, roads, landscapes, and more.
We will have time to learn, ask questions, and discuss. This event is free; please register to receive the link.

Children’s Water Festival
2023-09-27 08:00 - 15:00 | Minnesota State Fair Grounds
The Children’s Water Festival is an annual festival is produced for 4th grade students in the Minneapolis and St. Paul metropolitan area and is held at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. The festival teaches children about water resources and how they can help ensure a future where both the quantity and quality of water resources are protected and managed wisely.
Volunteers are needed at the 26th annual festival on September 27, 2023, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Minnesota State Fair Grounds. Join over 1,900 fourth graders as they come to engage in interactive education about water.
What to know:

There are many types of volunteer positions, including greeter guides, water arcade assistants, water drop mascots, presentation helpers and floaters.
Positions are filled on a first come, first served basis.
All volunteers are provided lunch, and bagels and hot beverages in the morning.
Most volunteer shifts are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Some positions are only for half the day.

If you are interested, please send your name, email address, phone number, affiliation, and requested position to Madeline at mseveland@co.carver.mn.us or 952-687-7586.

Free Well Water Testing Clinic & Environmental Health Fair
2023-09-30 09:00 - 13:00 | Elko New Market Library, 110 J. Roberts Way, Elko New Market, MN, 55054, United States
If your drinking water comes from a private well, you can have it tested for nitrate and chloride while learning about groundwater at this free clinic organized by the Minnesota Ground Water Association and Minnesota Well Owners Organization. Arsenic lab tests are also available, with results available at a later date.
No reservations are needed, results are confidential, and professional water experts will be on-hand to answer questions.
Water samples
Bring drinking water from your home in a clean, hard plastic or glass container (8-ounce minimum, no plastic bags). If possible, fill the container the same day as the clinic. Your container will be returned. If you treat your water, you can bring in a treated and non-treated sample. You can wait for your results or request them via email.

Confluence: Minnesota Water Stewards 10-year program anniversary
2023-10-09 18:00 - 20:30 | Minneapolis Cider Company, 701 SE 9th Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55414, United States
Join us as we celebrate a decade of Minnesota Water Stewards! Learn about the capstone projects of graduating Stewards, look back on the past 10 years of this groundbreaking program, and get to know others who are working to improve the health of our waters.
Save the date, and stay tuned for more details about this special evening.

MPCA Smart Salting for Parking Lots & Sidewalks Certification Training
2023-10-10 08:00 - 13:00 | Mississippi Watershed Management Organizaiton, 2522 Marshall Street NE, Minneapolis, MN, 55418, United States
This MPCA Smart Salting Certification Training is an opportunity to learn more efficient winter maintenance best practices (BMPs) while taking a comprehensive look at the many aspects for managing snow & ice on parking lots and sidewalks. The training will also cover the new chloride requirements in the recently released MS4 permit, as well as resources available to help you reduce your salt use.
Who should attend?

Hands-on public or private winter maintenance staff
Those who hire or supervise winter maintenance staff
Private contractors
Those who may influence others or are interested in making a difference at work

What you’ll learn:

Environmental impacts of chloride
Equipment calibration
Using weather condition info more efficiently
Application rates
Plowing and physical removal
BMPs for storing materials
De-icing and anti-icing
Regulatory issues and managing liability
Customer and staff educational resources
Success stories

The MPCA Smart Salting for Parking lots & Sidewalks Certification test will be offered at the end of training. Those that pass will be listed on the MPCA Smart Salting Training webpage. The certification is valid for five years.
This is an in-person training. Lunch will be served.
Training questions? Contact the MPCA Smart Salting Training Program: smartsalting.pca@state.mn.us.
This training is hosted by the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization and the MPCA Chloride Reduction Program. Funding is provided by MPCA through the Clean Water Fund and the Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund.

Low Salt, No Salt Workshop
2023-11-07 18:30 - 20:00 | Zoom webinar, MN, United States
The leading source of chloride pollution is from deicing chemicals (salts) used for winter maintenance. Chloride damages property and the environment, harms aquatic species, and impacts drinking water quality. About 50 waterbodies in Minnesota already have dangerous chloride levels, and another 75 waterbodies are close to the danger zone.
To help address this issue, the Hennepin County Chloride Initiative created Low Salt, No Salt Minnesota, an innovative new program that builds community capacity to maintain winter safety while reducing chloride-based deicer use and its associated damages through relationships with local properties managed by resident boards.
Low Salt, No Salt Minnesota is a research-based program created and tested by professionals from cities and watershed organizations in Hennepin County for implementation by local government units in their communities to build on relationships and ongoing opportunities to provide continued program support. Come learn about this mega-resource where you will find customizable tools for your local salty situation.
Register for this free Zoom webinar at: minnesotawaterstewards.org/low-salt-no-salt/

Manoomin/Psin Knowledge Symposium
2023-11-13 - 2023-11-15 | Black Bear Resort, 1785 MN-210, Carlton, MN, 55718, United States
Join tribal members and agency leaders, students, researchers, colleagues from NGOs/non-profits, federal and state agency representatives, and others from across the Western Great Lakes for two-plus days to share knowledge and build relationships with Manoomin (Ojibwe)·Psin (Dakota)·wild rice (English). Participants will have opportunities to engage in community panels, facilitated workshops, and poster sessions on topics such as: monitoring; harvesting and processing; restoration and stewardship; culture; and climate adaptation.

MPCA Smart Salting for Property Management Certification Training
2023-11-14 08:00 - 13:00 | Online
This MPCA Smart Salting Property Management Certification Training is hosted by the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Learn how to reduce indoor and outdoor salt damage and related costs, recognize sustainable practices amongst your maintenance crew, hear ideas for managing liability, and more. Learn about the hidden costs of salt use on properties you own or manage. Gain understanding and take a comprehensive look at your winter maintenance strategy to discover possible improvement areas. The training will cover the new chloride requirements in the recently released MS4 permit.
The learning environment for this class is an interactive online format. Instructors will teach class online in real-time. Participants will interact with instructors and other participants through live chats, polls, and class discussion using the WebEx platform. We require attendees to actively participate in the online interactive class in addition to passing the online test to receive certification.
Who should attend?

Management-level property managers
Business owners/private contractors
Environmental professionals
MS4 permit staff
Public works directors and local government decision-makers
Public and private property owners and managers
Those who hire or supervise winter maintenance staff

What you’ll learn:

More efficient operations – Improve winter maintenance practices on your properties; hear others success. Becoming salt smart allows more time for other tasks.
Save money – Reduce salt purchases annual infrastructure and vegetation damage costs and more
Salt and snow storage – Rethink usual habits and reduce chloride runoff from wasted salt
Know your legal issues – Discuss managing liability and regulatory requirements
Reduce complaints – Guidance and resources for managing customer and staff expectations
Protect Minnesota’s valuable water resources – Learn about the permanent environmental impacts of chloride pollution

Imagine the benefits your organization could see from reducing salt use on your property!
Take the online test at the end of training to get certified and be listed on the MPCA Smart Salting webpage. Certificates are sent to Minnesota participants only and are valid for 3 years.
Registration is required. There is no limit on number of participants watching from the same device, but each individual must also be registered.
Training questions? Contact the MPCA Smart Salting Training Program: smartsalting.pca@state.mn.us.
Funding for these trainings is provided by Mississippi Watershed Management Organization and the MPCA Smart Salting Training Program through the Clean Water Fund and the Environmental & Natural Resources Trust Fund.

Give to the Max Day
2023-11-16 | MN
Minnesota’s 15th annual Give to the Max Day celebrates more than 6,000 nonprofits and schools across our state, and it’s a great time to show your support for Freshwater!
Early giving begins on November 1st, and you can make your tax deductible donation at: www.givemn.org/organization/Freshwater-Society.

"Purified" Book Launch
2023-11-16 17:30 - 19:30 | Hamline University, 774 Snelling Avenue North, Saint Paul, MN, 55104, United States
Hamline’s Center for Global Environmental Education is hosting a free event for the launch of Peter Annin’s new book, Purified: How Recycled Sewage is Transforming Our Water. Peter is the Director of the Burke Center for Freshwater Innovation at Northland College and the author of Great Lakes Water Wars.
In his new book, Peter explores how recycled water has been consumed in California, Florida, Texas and Virginia – in some cases for years – as surface and groundwater sources for drinking water are limited. In some areas of the country, primarily because of climate change, there are only two realistic sources for new water supplies – the ocean and the toilet. Surprisingly, the toilet is the more sustainable option. Recycled water is so heavily treated it is often cleaner than existing water supplies.

Minnesota Water Steward Info Session
2023-11-21 12:00 - 13:00, 2023-11-28 17:00 - 18:00 | Online
Come learn what it takes to become a Water Steward! Along with submitting an application, all program applicants need to attend an information session. Anyone is welcome to attend.
Register at minnesotawaterstewards.org/info-sessions/

Environmental Justice Series: What's in your water?
2023-11-30 18:30 - 20:30 | 30K FT, 1351 Arcade Street, Saint Paul, MN, 55106, United States
Join the Environmental Justice Coordinating Council and Freshwater for an educational session on water issues facing Saint Paul’s East Side community.
Register at https://rb.gy/cao89. The first 25 people to register will receive a $50 gift card for participating!

UPRIVER: A Watershed Film
2023-12-05 19:00 - 20:30 | The Main Cinema, 115 SE Main Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55414, United States
Our next Moos Family Speaker Series presentation will feature a free big-screen showing of UPRIVER, a documentary that explores one of the nation’s most active river conservation movements. Within Oregon’s Willamette River system, the film focuses on people from all walks of life who are coming together to revive the health of this large river and the life it supports.
We hope this film inspires new thinking on watershed partnerships here in the Midwest – and how we might creatively share our conservation stories.
The post-show panel discussion will include:

Jeremy Monroe (Freshwaters Illustrated founder and director of “UPRIVER”)
Barbara Coffin (producer of “Troubled Waters: A Mississippi River Story”)
John Whitehead (Emmy Award winning documentary filmmaker)
Patrick Moore (former communications director for Pioneer PBS)

Doors at 6:30 p.m., film at 7 p.m., panel discussion at 8 p.m. Register here.

Little Falls Community Drinking Water Meeting
2023-12-15 18:00 - 20:00 | City Council Chambers at City Hall, 100 7th Avenue NE, Little Falls, MN, 56345, United States
Do you trust your tap water? Do you drink it? Who is responsible for protecting it? Where can you get more information? We’re engaging Minnesota communities in a conversation about tap water. You’ll have the opportunity to share your thoughts, connect with neighbors, and learn about the tap water where you live.
Snacks and childcare are provided, and the first 25 participants to register will get a $50 gift card.
Join us for the conversation in Little Falls

St. Cloud Community Drinking Water Meeting with Community Grassroots Solutions
2023-12-16 16:00 - 18:00 | Nelson Mandela Center, 3333 West Division Street, Suite 125, St. Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Do you trust your tap water? Do you drink it? Who is responsible for protecting it? Where can you get more information? We’re engaging Minnesota communities in a conversation about tap water. You’ll have the opportunity to share your thoughts, connect with neighbors, and learn about the tap water where you live.
Snacks and childcare are provided, and the first 25 participants to register will get a $50 gift card.
Join us for the conversation in St. Cloud

Northfield Community Drinking Water Meeting
2023-12-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Northfield Community Education Center, 700 Lincoln Parkway, Northfield, MN, 55057, United States
Do you trust your tap water? Do you drink it? Who is responsible for protecting it? Where can you get more information? We’re engaging Minnesota communities in a conversation about tap water. You’ll have the opportunity to share your thoughts, connect with neighbors, and learn about the tap water where you live.
Private well owners: bring a sample of your water and get it tested for free! Testing provided by Rice Soil and Water Conservation District.
Snacks and childcare are provided, and the first 25 participants to register will get a $50 gift card.
Join us for the conversation in Northfield

Water Reuse Symposium 2024
2024-03-11 - 2024-03-14 | Hilton Denver City Center, Denver, CO, United States
Freshwater is a sponsor for the 2024 WateReuse Symposium in Denver, Colorado. This is the premier conference on water recycling — attracting water professionals and water reuse practitioners globally for knowledge-sharing, networking and collaboration.
The event is planned in collaboration with The Water Research Foundation and includes engaging sessions on the latest water reuse research on topics including agricultural, industrial, and onsite reuse. The event will include tours of innovative reuse projects in the region and a keynote address from photographer, adventurer and author Pete McBride, along with the inaugural Water Reuse Technology Showcase.

The Great Minnesota Icebreaker
2024-05-13 18:00 - 20:30 | Back Channel Brewing Co., 4787 Shoreline Drive, Spring Park, MN, 55384, United States
Join us May 13th for The Great Minnesota Icebreaker, celebrating ice-out season in the Land of 10,000 Lakes!
Register here
About the event
The Great Minnesota Icebreaker is a celebration and networking event to mark the conclusion of a historic ice-out season in Minnesota. We welcome Freshwater members and all champions of water conservation to join us for an evening of camaraderie, food and drink, and learning about what is shaping up to be a very early ice-out for many lakes across the state.
Our panel discussion and Q&A features Minnesota State Climatologist Luigi Romolo, and MPR Meteorologist Sven Sundgaard.
Set along the banks of Lake Minnetonka, not far from where Freshwater was originally founded, this event will be held Monday, May 13th, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Back Channel Brewing in Spring Park, MN.
General admission is $10, which includes hors d’oeuvres and a complimentary drink token. Admission is free for Freshwater members and their guests (watch your email for a coupon code, or contact us for details). Please be sure to register all guests ahead of the celebration.
Schedule

6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – Check-in, welcome by Tom Skramstad, Freshwater emeritus director
6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. – Panel discussion and Q&A
7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. – Socialize and wrap up

Thanks to our event sponsor!

An Update on Water Reuse in Minnesota
2024-06-06 15:00 - 16:30 | Barr Engineering, 4300 MarketPointe Drive, Minneapolis, 55435, United States
Water reuse projects are being implemented throughout Minnesota and across the country. There are numerous opportunities to leverage alternative water sources as a resource. Despite this opportunity, we continue to face barriers that limit implementation and successful operation of reuse systems. During this workshop, hosted by Freshwater and Barr Engineering, we aim to learn from one another and push the conversation related to water reuse forward.
This workshop will include a brief update on water reuse in the state and nationally, and then will focus on best practices and lessons learned for successful implementation and operations and maintenance of reuse systems.
Agenda

Recap of water reuse drivers and common applications.
Updates on regulation and guidance in Minnesota.
Updates on national reuse efforts.
Panel discussion on lessons learned for successful implementation and operation and maintenance (O&M) of reuse facilities, including:

Bryan Bear, City of Hugo
Kristin Seaman, City of Woodbury
Forrest Kelley, Capitol Region Watershed District
Nancy Stowe, Mississippi Watershed Management Organization

Discuss ideas for future discussions and schedule site visits for Summer 2024.
Post-session happy hour from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Lake of the Isles Trash Boom Installation
2024-06-26 17:00 - 19:00 | Euclide Place and Lake of the Isles Parkway East, Minneapolis, MN, United States
Join us at Lake of the Isles for installation of a new trash boom capture system, followed by an ice cream social at nearby Levin Park.
The boom has a twofold benefit – it will capture trash from entering the lake through a storm drain outfall, and it will raise awareness of how pollutants travel from city streets into our lakes and rivers.
Partners on this project include Freshwater, City of Minneapolis, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, East Isles Neighborhood Association, River Network, and Osprey Initiative.

Moos Webinar: Shannon Spurlock
2024-06-27 11:30 - 12:30 | Zoom webinar, MN, United States
“Opportunities for Water Reuse and Recharge in Minnesota”
Join Shannon Spurlock over the lunch hour on Thursday, June 27, for a virtual talk on water reuse and recharge. Spurlock is a senior researcher in Public Policy and Water Uptake at the Pacific Institute. Prior to the Pacific Institute, she ran a consulting business and worked on projects including researching interagency collaboration among water utilities to enhance water reuse. She received a Master of Nonprofit Management from Regis University and holds a B.A. from the University of Colorado.
Topics will include:

Local and global opportunities for water reuse and recharge across sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing.
The importance of technical evaluations and policy initiatives on water reuse and managed aquifer recharge projects.
Early-stage recommendations for Minnesota to develop its water reuse community, including establishing policies and guidelines.

Register and get more info on the event’s main page

Salt Symposium
2024-08-06 - 2024-08-07 | Livestream event
Salt Symposium, a 2-day livestream event, celebrates the optimization of necessary salt use to improve community sustainability and protect vital freshwater systems and infrastructure.

Big Island and Back Paddle Event
2024-08-10 09:00 - 13:00 | Excelsior Commons Beach, 135 Lake Street, Excelsior, MN, 55331, United States
Tune up your canoe, kayak or paddleboard and head on over to Excelsior for a friendly race out around Big Island and back. We’ll start 9 a.m. at Excelsior Public Beach and paddle to the starting line together. Our goal is to get paddlers of all ages and skill levels out on Lake Minnetonka for a great community summer event and raise money for a couple of very worthy causes.
Don’t miss the after-party at Excelsior Brewing Company beginning at 11 a.m. for refreshments from Joey Nova’s, music and of course, beer! Awards and door prizes will be given away by our wonderful sponsors. Make a day of it and explore beautiful Excelsior!
Proceeds from this event will be donated to the ICA Food Shelf program and Freshwater Society. Thank you for your support!
Register here!

Info session: Updating Minnesota's Nutrient Reduction Strategy
2024-08-12 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
Curious about changes in nitrogen and phosphorus levels in Minnesota’s major rivers?
Learn about the data collected and how it’s used to track river nutrient levels. Experts from the U.S. Geological Survey, Metropolitan Council, and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will share insights on the progress needed to meet nutrient reduction goals.
The speakers are among the 50 people working to complete a 10-year update to the Minnesota Nutrient Reduction Strategy. Established in 2014, this strategy guides our state’s efforts to reduce nutrient pollution
Excessive nutrients, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen, pose a significant problem for Minnesota’s lakes and rivers as well as downstream waters including the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg, and the Gulf of Mexico.
Who should attend: Anyone interested in the state’s efforts to reduce nutrients in our waters, including partners from agricultural, business, environmental communitiewastewater operators, environmental communities, and the general public.
Format: Information session with Q&A.
How to register: No advance registration required. Just click the event link to join on August 12 at 1 p.m.

Water Connects Us
2024-09-12 17:00 - 20:00 | Forgotten Star Brewing, 38 Northern Stacks Drive, Fridley, MN, 55421, United States
Join us for Water Connects Us, Freshwater’s annual benefit to connect around the role we can each play in protecting water now and for future generations!
Gather with supporters and partners of Freshwater for a night of networking, comradery, and learning about our work, from upstream to downstream. This won’t be a seated event, but rather an open house style opportunity to mingle, learn about Freshwater’s current work, and celebrate our shared commitment to inspire and empower people to value and preserve water. Heavy appetizers and a ticket for a beverage will be provided.
This year’s event will be held September 12, 2024, 5 p.m. at Forgotten Star Brewing in Fridley, Minnesota.
Register today!
