Landscaping for Clean Water Maintenance Course
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 Shoreline Course
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 |
Special meeting – Watershed tour: Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Board
The Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Board is having a special meeting for a bus tour of conservation practices and projects. The tour is being held jointly by the Minnesota Board of Water & Soil Resources and partners within the Vermillion River Watershed. It begins at the GrandStay Hotel in Apple Valley, MN at 7:30 a.m., running until about 5 p.m.
Contact Valerie Neppl with questions – (952) 891-7019 or valerie.neppl@co.dakota.mn.us.
Special meeting – Watershed plan: Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Board
The Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Board is holding a special meeting on October 12, 2023 for the initial planning public meeting for the 2026-2035 Vermillion River Watershed Plan development, from 4-6 p.m. at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center.
