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Fall 2019 Newsletter
Itasca Waters would like to take this opportunity to thank you for being a member! 
To keep you informed about the activities that your membership donations help to support, and to highlight other local, national and worldwide water issues, we will be sending out a Newsletter to our members a few times a year.  If you have news or events that you would like to share, please send them to us!
Shoreland Advisor Program Implemented
With funding from the Blandin Foundation, and assistance from the University of Minnesota/Morris Extension, Itasca Waters has launched its Shoreland Advisor Program. This three-year program focuses on restoring and preserving shoreland in Itasca County to help maintain the greater water quality that we are blessed with.

Trained shoreland advisors are available to make informal visits with shoreland owners who are interested in improving their shoreland habitat as well as refer them to appropriate agency people if necessary.

We Are Water Traveling Exhibit is Here
The "We Are Water MN" traveling exhibit has come to the Reif Center. Hosted by Itasca Waters, the traveling exhibit is put on by the Minnesota Humanities Center. The Exhibit explores the connections we have with water that are not always apparent. Visitors are able to reflect on local stories and the meaning and experiences of water in Minnesota with space to add their own stories and reflections. The exhibit will be in Grand Rapids until September 16th and hours are Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

New Informational Display Unveiled
Executive Board Member, Shirley Loegering, along with our Coordinator, Zack Simpson, have been busy putting together a new informational display to promote and educate the work of Itasca Waters. The new display has so far been up at the following events:

  • Tall Timbers Day Education Tent
  • North Central Research Outreach Center Visitors Day
Itasca Waters the TV Show Now Up!
Itasca Waters is producing a series of water quality talks aired on ICTV and posted on our website. Those episodes that are done to date are:

  • Introduction to Itasca Waters with Dave Lick
  • The Aquatic Zone with Paul Radomski
  • Shoreland Management with Heather Baird
Annual Youth Water Summit for 5th Graders
This year's annual Youth Water Summit saw over 450 5th graders from area schools come out and enjoy a day of fun and learning. This day would not have been a success without the dedicated efforts of 47 presenters and the dedicated support of community volunteers. Comments from returned surveys included "Made learning fun!", "Great!", and "Best field trip ever!!".

If you participated in any way, we thank you!
Recent, Current, and Upcoming Events
September 13 - 14, 2019 - Nibi Walk along Lake Pokegama
September 9, 2019 - Chamber Luncheon featuring speaking Paul Radomski
August 2 - September 16, 2019 - We Are Water Exhibit at the Reif Center
August 22, 2019 - Northern Central Research and Outreach Center Visitor Day
August 1, 2019 - Water Bar at Klockow Brewery
May 31 & June 1 - Shoreland Advisor Workshop
May 25, 2019 - Annual Youth Water Summit
Other Exciting Information
Lawns to Legumes Grant Program
The Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) recently received state funding to develop a new “Lawns to Legumes” grant program focused on planting residential lawns with native vegetation and pollinator friendly forbs and legumes to protect a diversity of pollinators. Not only does this attract pollinators but it decreases the amount you mow and, thus, slows runoff into any nearby waterway—a win-win for you, the bees and healthy water. 
Water Footprint Calculator
Are you aware of how much water you use in a given day? You might just be surprised at the answer. Click on the link below to visit the Water Footprint Calculator to learn how much water you use and what steps you can take to save water.