Join us for storytelling and collage with Julie Boada of the Fond du Lac people and Park Ranger Judy Geck who will share memories, relationships and the hidden histories that have shaped their own personal experiences in and near Minnesota waters. Presented by ArtStart. Registration required.

Pleasant Hill Library
Tuesday, Oct. 25, 3–5 p.m. Geared for teens. Register now.

Wescott Library
Wednesday, Nov. 2, 1–3 p.m. Geared for adults. Register now.

Burnhaven Library
Thursday, Nov. 3, 5:30–7:30 p.m. Geared for adults. Register now.

Bring private well water samples in a clean container to get your water tested for nitrates. Visit the interactive We are Water MN exhibit while you wait for your results.

Pleasant Hill Library
1490 S. Frontage Roa​d, Hastings
Thursday, Oct. 27, 4:30–6:30 p.m. ​

Stop by the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. to stroll along the activity trail or use your GPS or phone app to search for themed geocaches. For older adventurers, take on the annual medallion hunt. This year, the event is part of the We are Water MN Exhibit at Dakota County, a Minnesota Legacy program.

Location

When you arrive, head to the Visitor Center and look for the event information station. Each station includes signs with activity instruction information and take-along guides.

• Visitor Center Trailhead, Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Activities

• Water is Life Activity Trail: Explore the activity trail and investigate how critters (and other lifeforms) depend on water in interesting ways. The littlest kids will love this stroller-friendly scavenger hunt, searching for critters along a paved trail. All ages (especially fun for ages 6 and younger).
• Protecting our Waters Geocaching:  Search for the multi-cache and become a water saver superhero as you explore how you can help protect water quality. All ages (especially fun for ages 5 and older). Participants must provide their own smartphone with geocaching app or GPS unit for geocaching activity.
• Medallion Hunt: Solve clever riddles in our medallion hunt to find the “medallion” hidden somewhere in the park. All ages (especially for ages 10 and older). Riddles will be posted on Facebook, on the Opt Outside event page Nov. 24-25. Riddles will be posted at 8 a.m. and noon on Thursday, Nov. 24 and noon on Friday, Nov. 25.

Medallion finders must post a selfie near the location of the find to the Dakota County Parks – forever wild Facebook page and call the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center at 651-554-6530 to report their find. A fantastic prize package goes to the winner.

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.

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.