Join the Twin Cities Trout Unlimited (TCTU) Vermillion Riverkeepers for its last volunteer work day of the year! Volunteers will cut and haul away invasive buckthorn from the banks of the Vermillion River’s South Branch on Saturday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. The group meets at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Vermillion River Aquatic Management Area (AMA) at E. 200th St. at U.S. Hwy. 52 in Vermillion Township. The Vermillion Riverkeepers, now 55 members strong, plan to help re-establish native prairie, stabilize banks to reduce erosion, and restore wildlife habitat on the South Branch site. All community members are welcome to help shoulder the work, enjoy the great company, and have lunch. Please register by Thursday, December 1, by contacting Tony Nelson, if you plan to attend, to ensure TCTU has enough food and gear for every volunteer.

Turfgrass Maintenance Workshop is for property managers, groundskeepers, and other commercial and public turf managers.

Learn sensible, cost-saving ways to maintain turfgrass and practices that protect lakes and rivers while keeping turfgrass looking its best. Attendees have an opportunity to attain MPCA Level 1 certification in turf care maintenance practices. Topics include fertilizer selection and application, pesticide application, equipment calibration, mowing techniques, environmental effects, soil testing, irrigation best practices and more. Lunch will be provided. Workshop is free.

Pre-registration is required by July 11. To register, send email to environ@co.dakota.mn.us.

Winter Parking Lot and Sidewalk Maintenance Workshop is for ice removal contractors, property managers, facilities, parks, cities, and schools.

Learn sensible salting practices to save money, protect lakes and rivers, and keep parking lots and sidewalks safe. Receive a “Winter Parking Lot and Sidewalk Maintenance” manual. Attendees have an opportunity to attain MPCA Level 1 Certification in Snow and Ice Control Best Practices. Lunch will be provided. Workshop is free.

Training topics include: application rates and materials, weather conditions and storing materials, environmental effects, new maintenance methods, calibration, keeping surfaces safe, selection of materials, and policy.

Pre-registration is required by September 8. To register, send email to environ@co.dakota.mn.us.

Winter Roads Maintenance Workshop is for all winter maintenance professionals.

Improve your efficiency and reduce environmental impacts of winter road maintenance and see an equipment demonstration. Training is based on the MN Snow and Ice Control Field Handbook for Snowplow Operators. Attendees have an opportunity to attain MPCA Level 1 Certification in Snow and Ice Control Best Practices. Lunch will be provided. Workshop is free.

Training topics include: application rates, weather conditions and storing materials, environmental effects, new maintenance methods, calibration, selection of materials, anti-icing vs. de-icing, and more.

Pre-registration is required by September 26. To register, send email to environ@co.dakota.mn.us.