STORMWATER MANAGEMENT AND EROSION CONTROL WORKSHOPS
The University of Minnesota Erosion and Sediment Control Program is currently accepting registrations for one and two day workshops.
Workshops are available in Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan Design, Construction Stormwater Management, and Stormwater BMP Installation and Inspection along with other topics. These workshops will meet Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Construction Permit Training Requirements.
Date Range: October 6, 2007 through April 2009 Time: typically 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Location: Various locations throughout Minnesota Fee: Registration fees range from $115 to $310.
Registration is limited, so sign up early for the best selection of dates and locations. For registration forms and more information call
RESIDENTIAL RAINGARDEN BASICS - FRIENDS OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER
WHEN: 1. Wednesday, November 12, 6:30-8:30 pm at Battle Creek Community Recreation Center, St. Paul
2. Thursday, November 20, 6:30-8:30 pm at Hallie Q. Brown Community Center, St. Paul (Near Marshall and Dale)
Directions and details will be emailed to everyone who registers with smuchowski@fmr.org.
The natural beauty and practical benefit of a raingarden make it an increasingly popular choice for home landscapers who want to do their part to improve water quality, and many residents seek resources on how to add these lovely features to their yards, schools and businesses.
The program features an engaging presentation by landscape ecologist Shawn Tracy from the Association of Metropolitan Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Shawn will describe what a rainwater garden is, how to build one, and why they can be important for our lakes, rivers and wetlands.
The workshop will take a how-to approach, giving participants information about where a rainwater garden should be placed, soil preparation, plant selection and other nuances of rainwater garden construction. Printed materials about rain gardens will also be provided for workshop participants.
Many people do not realize that rain carries pollutants from our yards, streets, sidewalks and parking lots to the nearest storm drain which leads directly to local lakes, streams and ultimately the Mississippi River. Rain gardens are designed with a center depression to help rainwater seep into the soil. This infiltration helps recharge groundwater supply and protects water quality by reducing polluted runoff in the urban landscape. Rain gardens can also feature hardy native plant species that thrive without fertilizers and pesticides.
Pre-registration is required as capacity is limited. To sign up, please email Sara Muchowski at smuchowski@fmr.org or call 651-222-2193 x23. Please include the name of the event, your name and complete contact information in your message. (You will receive a confirmation with details and directions via email within a week.)
MINNESOTA LANDSCAPE ARBORETUM - BUCKTHORN BUST FAMILY FUN
WHEN: SaturdayS and SundayS, November 1st through November 30th from Noon-4 p.m.
WHERE: The Marion Andrus Learning Center
WHAT: Join the brigade to dig out villainous buckthorn. What evil crime has this invasive shrub committed, perhaps right in your neighborhood? Be part of an interactive play to find out! Celebrate your accomplishment with a steamy cup of cocoa, create a victory badge, play buckthorn card games, and decorate a piece of buckthorn to wear home.
2009 JOINT MEETING - THE SOCIETY OF WETLAND SCIENTISTS, WISCONSIN WETLANDS ASSOCIATION AND THE WETLAND BIOGEOCHEMISTRY SYMPOSIUM
June 22-26, 2009 – Madison, WI
The North Central Chapter of the Society of Wetland Scientists is pleased to be hosting the Society's 30th annual meeting in Madison, WI with partners the Wisconsin Wetlands Association and the Wetland Biogeochemistry Symposium. The 2009 theme, Wetland Connections, is a deliberately broad and inclusive theme, and embodies this year's joint meeting of three groups that collectively represent the surprising breadth of wetland endeavors.
The Annual Meeting program will include plenary talks, field trips, symposia, contributed oral sessions and a poster session. Currently there is a call for abstracts, which are due February 27, 2009.
The conference will be held at the Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
The Society and its partners also invite submissions of symposium proposals. Symposia proposals are due by October 31; see www.sws.org/2009_meeting/symposia.mgi for details.
HAMLINE'S CENTER FOR GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION (CGEE) - Continuing Studies
CGEE offers a number of courses that are environmentally based. This includes seminars such as "Identifying Minnesota's Trees & Shrubs: Tricks, Tips & Techniques", "Civic Action & Legislating for Environmental Solutions","MN Forest Ecology", "Geology of the Twin Cities" and "Spring Flora" among others. For more course descriptions and registration information, visit www.cgee.hamline.edu. For information about this and other CGEE courses, email Brenda Erickson at berickson08@hamlineedu.
