It’s easy, make and take a rain barrel.
What’s one of the simplest, high-impact ways to save water and help protect our watershed? Using a make & take rain barrel.
The workshop will begin with a presentation on how home lawn and garden practices impact our waters and how we can make a difference. Next we’ll discuss the watershed-friendly benefits of rain barrels in more detail, then review how to build, incorporate, install and maintain them.
With guidance from Friends of the Mississippi River staff, participants will then build their very own rain barrel to take home following the workshop. Participants will receive the necessary parts ($35 per kit) and be guided through the process of converting used syrup barrels from Coca-Cola into a rain barrel to take home and install.
It’s easy, make and take a rain barrel.
What’s one of the simplest, high-impact ways to save water and help protect our watershed? Using a rain barrel.
The workshop will begin with a presentation on how home lawn and garden practices impact our waters and how we can make a difference. Next, we’ll discuss the watershed-friendly benefits of rain barrels in more detail, then review how to build, incorporate, install and maintain them.
With guidance from Friends of the Mississippi River staff, participants will then build their very own rain barrel to take home following the workshop. Participants will receive the necessary parts ($35 per kit) and be guided through the process of converting used syrup barrels from Great Lakes Coca-Cola of Eagan, into a rain barrel to take home and install.
MPCA Smart Salting for Parking Lots & Sidewalks Certification Training
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.
The training will be held in-person.
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
Earn the MPCA Smart Salting for Parking Lots & Sidewalks certification by taking the optional online test at the end of training and be listed on the MPCA Smart Salting webpage. Certificates are sent to Minnesota participants only and are valid for 5 years.
MPCA permittees are allowed registration preference. If the training exceeds capacity, those that are not permittees will be put on a waitlist and notified accordingly.
Training questions? Contact the MPCA Smart Salting Training Program smartsalting.pca@state.mn.us.
This training is hosted by Dakota County and the MPCA Chloride Reduction Program. with Clean Water Fund and the Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund.
MPCA Turfgrass Maintenance Certification Training
Attend this workshop to learn best practices for lawn/turf maintenance with reduced environmental impacts. The practices taught will save you money and time and protect our water. Take the test to become Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Level 1 certified in turfgrass maintenance best practices. Participants will receive a Turfgrass Maintenance Manual.
Who should attend?
- Private maintenance companies
- Property managers
- Employees maintaining park, cemetery, city or school grounds
Training topics include:
- How turf management affects surface & groundwater
- Equipment calibration & maintenance
- Life cycle of turf & weeds & how it affects maintenance
- Efficient & effective irrigation
- Soil testing, fertilizer selection and application
- Mowing techniques
- Pesticide application tips
- Best practices for turf management
- Weed control practices
- In-field reference materials, such as turf care matrix
Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. March 22. Register online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/526531689457 or call 952-891-7000. Morning coffee and refreshments and lunch provided.
Funding by Dakota County and the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization as well as the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency with Clean Water Funds.
Landscaping for Clean Water Design Course
After completing the Introduction to Clean Water class, you are eligible to enroll in the Landscaping for Clean Water Design Course. While the Landscaping for Clean Water program is open to anyone, the $250 cost share grants are only available to Dakota County residents and Lower Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization residents in Ramsey County.
The Landscaping for Clean Water Design Course helps residents like you create and install beautiful landscaping projects that are unique to your yard! This course is a great opportunity to learn about garden planning from the experts, whether you are interested in finding out about site design, plant selection, raingarden installation, or adding native plants to the landscape.
In 2023, the Design Course Online Learning Materials will be provided to all participants for project planning at home. In addition, we are offering three in-person Design Course options this year:
IN-PERSON DESIGN COURSE OPTIONS
- Tuesday/Thursday – April 18/20
Burnsville City Hall
6:00 – 8:00 p.m. - Friday – May 12
Apple Valley Municipal Center
12:00 – 4:00 p.m. - Tuesday/Thursday – June 20/22
Mendota Heights Fire Station
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
There is a $25.00 registration fee for the Design Course that includes a copy of the Blue Thumb Guide to Raingardens book, a Design Folder including aerial property maps and design tools, online instruction materials and one-on-one help.
Are you a returning Design Course participant? Register again for the Design Course and the FEE is WAIVED!
APPLY FOR A $250 GARDEN GRANT!
At the end of the Design Course you will have a complete garden project planned and ready to install. You then have the opportunity to apply for a $250 cost share grant, funded by Dakota County watershed organizations. The grant (paid at completion of project) includes in-person site visits at your property and technical assistance from our staff available to you throughout the installation process.
The 2023 grants will be awarded in three rounds, as follows:
| 2023 | Application Date | Project Completion |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | April 26, 2023 | July 21, 2023 |
| Round 2 | May 31, 2023 | August 25, 2023 |
| Round 3 | July 12, 2023 | October 6, 2023 |
In-person Landscaping for Clean Water Introduction Class
Join us for a one hour IN-PERSON class at Ritter Farm Park in Lakeville! Learn how native plants, raingardens, and shoreline plantings can bring pollinator and water quality benefits to your yard. The class is FREE and is a pre-requisite to taking part in the hands-on design course and grant program! Learn more.
