In this issue

New video: Planting for water conservation with Landscaping for Clean Water
North Creek habitat improvement projects supported with DNR grants
Rosemount Public Works/Police Campus features VRWJPO conservation cost-share
Groundwater Awareness Week March 9-15
NRCS Metro Area Soil Survey
Metro Children's Water Festival

New video: Planting for water conservation

The 2025 Landscaping for Clean Water classes are underway! The Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), with support from the County's watershed organizations and cities, offers a great variety of in-person and virtual class dates, focused on improving local water quality and creating pollinator habitat.

First, take the Introductory Class (register). Then you can take a Design class to lay out your raingarden, native garden, or shoreline restoration; apply for a grant for your project; and learn from conservation experts!

Did you know these projects may also help you save on your water bills? This new video* (filming pictured) explains, with a touch of humor, how native plants and turfgrass often need less watering than non-native ones. That means you could conserve groundwater, save money, and be a role model for your neighbors by planting native!

Watch the video

*This video is part of a campaign funded in part by a Groundwater Protection Accelerated Implementation Grant from the Minnesota Department of Health, allocated from the Clean Water Fund, one of four funds established by the Minnesota Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment. Additional funds are provided by Dakota County, Dakota County SWCD, Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO), Black Dog Watershed Management Organization, Eagan-Inver Grove Heights Watershed Management Organization, and Lower Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization.

North Creek habitat improvements supported by Minnesota DNR grants

One of the culverts on North Creek-Vermillion River slated for replacement.

Aquatic life in North Creek in Empire and Farmington will see some habitat upgrades thanks to new culverts and channel improvements.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently announced it will award Conservation Partners Legacy (CPL) grants to the VRWJPO for two stream habitat improvement and connectivity projects in North Creek near its confluence with the Vermillion River. One project is within the City of Farmington near Denali Way. The other project is in the City of Empire upstream of Minnesota Highway 3.

Currently, the locations contain field road and driveway culverts that are undersized and physically disconnect segments of North Creek, creating mini-waterfalls making the culverts impassable to fish and other aquatic organisms. With these grants, the VRWJPO will reconnect the stream segments using properly-sized box culverts with rock bottoms placed at the correct elevations. The culverts will also reduce stream velocities to provide easier passage for aquatic organisms.

The culvert replacements will be combined with natural bank stabilization techniques to secure eroded stream banks and improve habitats near the replaced culverts. Construction is scheduled for 2026 or 2027.

The CPL Grant supports conservation projects that restore, enhance, or protect Minnesota's forests, wetlands, prairies, and habitat for fish, game, and wildlife. It's part of the Minnesota Outdoor Heritage Fund, one of four funds established by the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy amendment.

For more information, contact Jeff Dunn, VRWJPO Water Resources Engineer at jeff.dunn@co.dakota.mn.us.

New Rosemount campus includes VRWJPO-funded stormwater basins

The City of Rosemount Police and Public Works Departments recently moved into their new campus building on Biscayne Ave. The campus includes stormwater infiltration basins constructed with cost-share funding from the VRWJPO.

City staff approached the VRWJPO about cost-share opportunities during the campus design phase. The engineering plans for two infiltration basins went above and beyond the design requirements of the VRWJPO Standards for runoff volume reduction using infiltration. VRWJPO agreed to provide cost-share of the project.

The basins are located on the east side of the building. The City plans to hold an open house for the public later in the spring.

Aerial photo of the new Rosemount Police/Public Works Campus. Stormwater infiltration basins can be seen at the bottom of the image. Courtesy of the City of Rosemount.

More VRWJPO Projects

Groundwater Awareness Week

Join us and our partners in observing Groundwater Awareness Week, March 9-15.

Groundwater is the primary source of drinking water in Minnesota. It feeds cold, clear water into the Vermillion River and tributaries - great for trout habitat and people. It's also vulnerable to contaminants from human and other activities that we can't see, taste, or smell.

Here are some ways to expand your groundwater awareness:

Dakota County Environmental Resources is hosting a free Nitrate Testing Clinic for private well water on Tuesday, March 11, 3-7 p.m. at the Farmington Library.
If you are a private well owner in Dakota County, you may qualify for a free water test kit. To learn more and to see if you qualify, complete this At Risk Testing Request Survey.
Private well users who meet low-income criteria may be eligible for financial assistance to address drinking water concerns. To apply, visit dakotacounty.us, search Safe Drinking Water Grant Opportunity.

Metro Children's Water Festival

Teachers and home school parents of fourth-grade students can register for a chance to attend the 28th annual Metro Children’s Water Festival, hosted with support from the VRWJPO.

The in-person event will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 24, at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Children learn about our natural environment and water resources with the Science Museum of Minnesota and about 50 other interactive learning stations.

Indicate your interest by March 15. Classes selected to attend in-person will be notified in May. A virtual version of the festival is available year-round, and registration is not required for this option. More info on the virtual festival is available on the “Festival” tab of the MCWF website.

What's your soil like? NRCS wants to know

The federal Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is conducting a Twin Cities metro area urban soil survey update, in collaboration with the University of Minnesota Jelinski Lab. The survey needs updated soil information for areas mapped as "urban land." This can help provide useful data to landowners, cities, and conservation staff.

If you're interested, sign up using this form. A team member will visit your property and collect a soil sample.

Upcoming Events

March 9-15, 2025 - Groundwater Awareness Week

March 10 - Landscaping for Clean Water Introduction Class, 6 p.m., Apple Valley Municipal Center, 7100 147th St W, Apple Valley

March 11 - Well Water Nitrate Testing, 3-7 p.m., Farmington Library, 508 3rd St., Farmington

April 2025 - Earth Month

April 22 - Earth Day

April 25 - Arbor Day

April 26 - VRWJPO at the City of Lakeville Earth Day Celebration and Watershed Cleanup Day

Collaboratively providing education, science, and support to restore and protect the Vermillion River Watershed’s natural resources for all who live, work, and play within its boundaries.

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