Sign up for a Landscaping for Clean Water Introduction Class to learn about native plants, raingardens, AND how you can start planning your upcoming planting project now!
During the class, we introduce water quality challenges facing Minnesota watersheds. We also discuss the many beautiful and practical ways to reduce stormwater runoff from your yard and improve pollinator habitat. There are FOUR more chances to participate this year!
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22nd - Online
MONDAY, MAY 4th - Eagan City Hall
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13th - Apple Valley City Hall
TUESDAY, JUNE 9th - Rosemount Public Works & Police Campus
All Landscaping for Clean Water Introduction classes start at 6:00 pm, except April 22nd which starts at 12NOON. Contact the DCSWCD at LCW@co.dakota.mn.us or (651) 480-7777 with any questions.
At our Natural Shoreline Class, you will learn all about property and habitat beautification, native plants and pollinators, natural shoreline installation processes, as well as permit processes, and technical assistance and funding opportunities.
TUESDAY, APRIL 21st - Eagan City Hall
The class starts at 6:00 pm. There is no fee to attend, but registration is required.
Tree pick-up is scheduled to take place at the Dakota County Fairgrounds (4008 220th St W, Farmington, MN 55024) on the following days/time:
THURSDAY APRIL 23rd – 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
FRIDAY APRIL 24th – 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Additional pickup information can be found on our website and reminders will be sent to purchasers soon.
Contact the Dakota SWCD at (651) 480-7777 or SWCD@co.dakota.mn.us with any questions. Happy planting!
Final Call for Tree Sale!
Stock is running low, so order your trees today!
The Dakota SWCD Tree Saleprovides the opportunity for landowners to purchase high quality bare root seedlings at a low cost for urban and rural conservation purposes
Online ordering will close on Monday, April 20, 2026. Remaining stock will be available for sale (cash or credit card) during the pickup days and times listed. First come, first served. No guarantee on species or quantity availability.
OurLawns Re-Imagined helps residents transform their traditional lawns into low-maintenance, water-efficient fine fescue lawns that are visually appealing and meet city ordinances requirement.
In these workshops, participants learn about the benefits of fine fescue versus traditional Kentucky bluegrass lawns. Fine fescue requires less water, fertilizer, and mowing, and is better suited to Minnesota’s climate—that is, they require less input to grow well!
We’ll demonstrate the relatively simple process of converting your lawn over a few weeks, with long-lasting results. Our seed mixes, sunny and shady, contain no forbs, which means your lawn won’t attract bees—making it ideal for those concerned about bee activity in their yard. Plus, by attending the workshop, you’ll be eligible to apply for free fine fescue seed (sun and/or shade mix), compost, and on-site technical guidance from SWCD staff to support your project.
If you’re ready to reduce watering, fertilizing, and mowing while creating a lawn that’s easy to maintain, don’t miss out on these informative workshops.
Dakota SWCD Convenes Locally Led and Collaborative Grant Process
The Watershed Based Implementation Funding Grant Program is using a relatively new and alternative funding method to the traditional project-by-project competitive grant process often used to fund water quality improvement projects. This funding source is intended to accelerate water management outcomes and improve consistency and efficiency across the state. The program reduces competition and promotes collaboration among local governments to pursue timely solutions based on a watershed's highest priority needs and reduce time spent on competitive grant applications. Local governments that can apply for funding are Metro Cities, Counties, SWCDs, and Watershed Management Organizations (WMOs).
The DCSWCD plays a vital role helping take these funds from concept to completion. This starts with convening collaborative meetings of all local stakeholder organizations to identify priority water resources to focus efforts on, as well as identify projects or studies which could be implemented to reduce erosion, minimize stormwater runoff or pollution, and improve the water quality of local water resources. The DCSWCD may also facilitate project implementation and manage the grant funds or assist partners in doing so.
This approach depends on comprehensive watershed management plans developed under the One Watershed, One Plan program or the Metropolitan Surface or Ground Water Management framework to provide assurance that actions are prioritized, targeted, and measurable.
The primary purpose of activities funded through this program is to implement projects and programs that protect, enhance, and restore surface water quality in lakes, rivers, and streams; protect groundwater from degradation; and protect drinking water sources. The DCSWCD, Cities, County, and WMOs will be working collaboratively throughout 2026 and 2027 to decide how to allocate funding to benefit local water resources.
For more information about the process, please contact the DCSWCD at (651) 480-7777 or SWCD@co.dakota.mn.us.
Spring Burn Season is Underway!
Spring is the season of new beginnings, and there is no greater force to give your landscape a fresh “reset” than a prescribed burn. Fire, a natural phenomenon that was once a common occurrence across the land, has been greatly reduced as a result of continued development and urbanization. Restoration ecologists now actively seek to return fire to the landscape, recognizing the value that fire can bring to the different ecosystems found in Minnesota.
The benefits of burning, which are especially felt by grassland and savanna systems that evolved with fire, include improved nutrient cycling, increased native diversity, and management of woody encroachment and invasive species. Through careful planning and execution, practitioners can use a prescribed burn as a land management tool to reap these benefits, while minimizing risk to nearby infrastructure.
In early April, DCSWCD staff attended a prescribed burn at a restored prairie site located in Hampton Township just outside of New Trier. This 1.1-acre prairie was installed in the Spring of 2022 and received funding support through the SWCD’s Native Prairie Restoration cost-share program. This was the prairie’s first prescribed burn since being installed and is being used to help promote native warm season grass establishment and to knock back volunteer trees. Staff involved were trained in fire suppression and received the proper permits and approvals prior to conducting the burn.
Several companies offer prescribed burning as a service for hire, however, with proper training landowners can safely conduct burns on their land with support from organizations like Prescribed Burn Associations (PBAs).
If you are interested in bringing a native prairie planting to your property this year, or if you have any questions about prescribed burning as a practice, please contact the DCSWCD at (651) 480-7777 or SWCD@co.dakota.mn.us.
May is National Wetlands Month
Wetlands are among the most valuable, but least understood of all natural resources. They provide habitat, food, and resting areas for wildlife. They benefit communities by replenishing clean water supplies and reducing flood risks.
National Wetlands Month began in 1991 to encourage awareness and to educate each other about the important role wetlands play. Restoring wetlands on the landscape is a priority of many organizations because they are so important to our natural environment.
The DCSWCD offers multiple programs to restore wetlands. If you are interested in restoring wetlands on your land, contact David Holmen at 651-480-7791 or david.holmen@co.dakota.mn.us
Volunteers work with a community-based team to evaluate wetlands by collecting data on plants and macroinvertebrates like beetles, bugs and snails. Previous monitoring experience or a background in science is not necessary.
Contact Dakota County Water Resources at (952) 891-7000 with program and registration questions.
Upcoming Events
April: Citizen Science Month| Help celebrate people-powered science by signing up for One Million Acts of Science during Citizen Science Month! Individual acts add up to an important collective impact that accelerates scientific research, discoveries, and local actions that make a difference. Potential projects include sharing photos of nature to document biodiversity or tracking microplastics and air quality on your smart phone. Learn more.
Saturday, April 18th at 10am:Earth Day Celebration | Join us at Inver Glen Library in Inver Grove Heights for a story, a native plant craft, and other fun activities to celebrate Earth Day. This event is co-sponsored by the Eagan-Inver Grove Heights Watershed Management Organization. Learn more.
Tuesday, April 21st at 6pm:Landscaping for Clean Water Natural Shoreline Class| Join us for a one hour class at Eagan City Hall to learn how native plants can bring stability and beauty to your shoreline. The installation process and permits, as well as technical assistance and funding opportunities will also be covered. The class is FREE and is a pre-requisite to taking part in our hands-on Design Course and grant program! Learn more.
Wednesday, April 22nd at 12NOON:Landscaping for Clean Water ONLINE Introduction Class| Join us for a one hour class ONLINE to 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 our hands-on Design Course and grant program! Learn more.
Thursday April 23rd and Friday April 24th:Tree Sale Pick-Up| Pick-up will take place at the Dakota County Fairgrounds in Farmington (4008 220th St W, Farmington, MN 55024). Pick-up times are April 23rd - 11:00 am - 5:00 pm and April 24th - 10:00 am - 6:00 pm. Contact with questions.
Monday, May 4th at 6pm:Landscaping for Clean Water Introduction Class| Join us for a one hour class at Eagan City Hall to 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 our hands-on Design Course and grant program!Learn more.
Wednesday, May 13th at 6pm:Landscaping for Clean Water Introduction Class | Join us at Apple Valley City Hall for another night of native plants, raingardens, and shoreline plantings! The class is FREE and is a pre-requisite to taking part in our hands-on Design Course and grant program!Learn more.
Tuesday, June 9th at 6pm:Landscaping for Clean Water Introduction Class | Join us at Rosemount Public Works & Police Campus for the final Introduction Class of the year! Learn more.
Dakota County SWCD | 4100 W 220th Street | Farmington, MN 55024 US
