Please note:

This email may have been sent to you as a Practical Water Wisdom or Blue Thumb workshop registrant. If you do not wish to be included in future monthly announcements please reply to this email or call 218-256-5998.

Next in the Practical Water Wisdom series:



Septic Health Check:

A Deep Dive into Inspections & Manitenance


THIS THURSDAY ~ JUNE 5th ~ 12 noon - 1PM

This edition of our online program is: "Septic Health Check: A Deep Dive into Inspections & Maintenance," featuring Rebecca Olson from Northwoods Excavating, a family-owned business that has been designing, installing, and inspecting septic systems in Itasca County since 1998.


In early May, Rebecca performed a septic system inspection in Itasca County, highlighting key aspects assessed during evaluations. Proper installation and maintenance are crucial for the longevity of septic systems, which often provide superior waste treatment compared to municipal plants, ensuring that water returned to the environment is safe for humans and wildlife. ​


During our online program on June 5, we will first play the inspection video and then answer your questions. There is a chance this program may run 10-15 minutes over the hour due to this month's format.


Register for the June 5th program at https://itascawaters.org/water-wisdom-2025. For more details, email info@itascawaters.org.

Youth Water Summit 2025

Wonderously Windy & Water-Wise!


A group of students visiting with the folks from WaterLegacy of Duluth, with a hands-on demonstration of the effects of sulfates and methylmercury on wild rice and human health.

Despite a late start, busy presenters, and a blustery weather report, 5th grade students from Grand Rapids, Bigfork, Cohasset, Coleraine, Nashwauk and Keewatin schools were once again treated to a full day of water-related science, skills, and crafts from experts from all over the county - and the state!


Yes, the students even had a chance to dip a paddle thanks to The Kayak Lady and her intrepid volunteer assistants. (above)


Have you ever created a cloud? Those lucky to visit with Environmental Scientist Sam Guida get to try their hand at it. (left)

An aspect of the surface tension of water is being demonstrated by Roberta Zimmerman and David Hayes. We are very happy to have this presentation return to the water summit lineup.

The Youth Water Summit committee wants to thank the many volunteers, teachers, students, organizers, fairgrounds crew, and sponsors who put so much effort into making this event possible. We look forward to working with you all again next year!

Click here to watch Itasca Community TV coverage of the event!

University of MN Aquatic Invasive Species

Registration is open for UMN's July webinar, How low can we go?: Zebra mussel control with low-dose copper treatments. Visit https://z.umn.edu/ZMCopper to register. This is part of their AIS Detectors Program.

Click here for more information about the AIS Detectors Program.

Interested in a Shoreland Visit?

Itasca Waters Shoreland Advisor Program is focused on restoring and preserving shoreland here in Itasca County by using helpful practices that can positively impact lake water quality. Our volunteer advisors make personal onsite visits with lakeshore owners who want information about managing shoreland property in an ecologically friendly way that helps water quality.


Yes, I am interested in a free Shoreland Visit! 

Native plants available locally...


Our local garden centers carry a selection of native plants including some that are recommended specifically for shoreland.


Beier's and Bloomers have given us their lists of native plants they will be carrying this season. Click here to request a copy. 

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Beier's

2707 Midway Lane,

Grand Rapids MN

218-326-5357

beiersgreenhouse.com

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Bloomers

1037 Golf Course Rd,

Grand Rapids, MN

218-326-0668

bloomersmn.com

Upcoming Events:

The next ICOLA meeting is Wednesday June 18, 6-8pm at Itasca County Courthouse.


There is the option to attend via Zoom as well. Email for more information.

What is ICOLA? Click here!

Head's up!

July's Water Wisdom program will be on July 10th - the SECOND Thursday of the month due to the holiday.


Biology and Management of

Starry Stonewort

Click here to Register

From our friends at Cohasset Parks & Rec: PADDLE & PINT 2025!

Drop kayak, canoe, or SUP off at Tioga Beach, and drive to Pokegama dam to park your car. A PARTY BUS will shuttle you back to Tioga Beach where the paddle will begin at 9:00 am. Bring your friends because once we land, we can all drive in our cars to Bear Ridge Pizza in Cohasset. The event is free and a free waterproof phone case will be provided to help you take pictures on your journey.



Date: Saturday, July 12, 2025 Time: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Location: 24308 Tioga Beach Rd, Cohasset MN 55721


RSVP here: Paddle & Pint


Unfortunately there will not be a Visitor's Day at the NCROC this year.


Learn about the plants of Minnesota's underwater forests.

This popular aquatic plant identification workshop is back again this summer! Offered by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the AIS Detectors Program at the University of Minnesota, this workshop will give you the opportunity to learn how to identify many of Minnesota's aquatic and wetland plants using live specimens.

July 24, 8am-4pm, St Paul campus. Click Read More button for more details.

All our earlier Practical Water Wisdom programs are available to watch any time:


Bookmark ItascaWaters.org/water-wisdom-2025- your access to the entire series! First Thursday, online at no cost.


You'll also find a link to our previous years there as well.

Love our waters?

Itasca Waters appreciates your donations and interest in continuing to preserve and protect our beautiful lakes and waters.

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