Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization

06/02/2026

Upcoming events for June!

📆Wednesday June 3rd at 6pm: Lawns Re-Imagined Workshop | Join us at Eagan City Hall to learn how to transform your traditional lawns into low-maintenance, water-efficient fine fescue lawns that are visually appealing and meet city ordinances requirement. The class is FREE, 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.

📆Tuesday, June 9th at 6pm: Landscaping for Clean Water Introduction Class | Join us Tuesday June 9th at Rosemount Police & Public Works Campus 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 about these classes and register by clicking on the link in bio🔝and selecting either Landscaping for Clean Water Program or Lawns Re-Imagined Workshop!

06/01/2026

Farmers - you may have just gotten your crops planted, but it's a great time to plan ahead for fall soil health practices. Contact Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District or Scott Soil & Water Conservation District for helpful people and potential financial support for cover crops and so much more.

Agricultural conservation practices like planting cover crops and reducing soil disturbance help keep soil in place, prevent erosion, increase farm productivity and profitability, and protect nearby habitats. 🌾🚜🧑‍🌾

Conservation districts work with local farmers and producers to implement soil health practices on their lands! In Dakota County, there are all sorts of farmers. From canning crops like sweet corn, peas, and potatoes to grazing cattle on alfalfa, we support local producers through our cost-share and technical assistance. Give us a call at 651-480-7777 or send us an email at [email protected] to find out how we can partner with you!

05/07/2026

🦋 We're hiring - Resource Conservationist!

The primary objective of this progressively responsible, professional position is to plan, coordinate and implement projects relating to soil health, habitat improvements, and water quality within urban and rural landscapes including the establishment of native plant communities, vegetated buffers, wetland and shoreline restorations, stormwater retrofits, agricultural best management practices, research, and related education activities.

The Resource Conservationist will work with staff from the SWCD, County Departments, Natural Resources Conservation Service, cities and various other organizations including watershed management authorities. The position will coordinate work with landowners, residents, stakeholders and contractors and at times help direct the work of assigned or temporary staff.

CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on Monday May 11, 2026
Go to www.dakotaswcd.org/about-us/ and select Employment to learn more and apply!

05/07/2026

05/05/2026

Want to join a great team of volunteers and spend some of your summer in the great outdoors?
Dakota County is looking for volunteers to help monitor our wetlands. No experience is needed and training is provided. Volunteers will get the chance to learn about aquatic life and collect data that helps us understand and protect our wetlands. Join a team in a Dakota County City near you!
Sign up by May 15: https://app.betterimpact.com/PublicOrganization/027c1bca-37ac-4dd1-9ade-b6eb99513aab/ActivityCategory/75343/1

05/04/2026

Drinking Water Awareness Week starts today, May 3!
Most Dakota County residents get their drinking water from a city water system. These systems are regularly tested and must meet safety standards.
Each year since 1996 all public water suppliers share a Drinking Water Report, also known as a Consumer Confidence Report. These reports include details about water sources, treatment, and testing results.
Many communities post their reports online. Find yours here: https://www.co.dakota.mn.us/HealthFamily/HealthyLiving/Environment/Pages/drinking-water.aspx

05/01/2026

Summer watering restrictions are in effect May 1 through September 30. Between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily, the use of sprinklers and unattended hoses is prohibited.

Why it matters: Mid-day heat and dry air cause water to evaporate before it even reaches grass roots. This forces the system to pump significantly more water just to keep up with lawn watering, putting a strain on our resources. ☀️🚰

By shifting your watering schedule, we can reduce wasted water and help maintain the critical water pressure needed for everyday household use and emergency fire protection.

Exceptions: The watering of new trees and sod, washing cars, and outdoor water toys are exempt.

Let’s work together to manage our resources responsibly this summer.

04/30/2026

We've sent our 2025 annual report to the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources! It's rewarding to look back and see what we've accomplished together.

Link in comments to the full report.

04/27/2026

Just ahead of the rain, School of Environmental Studies students joined us on Friday to clean and stencil storm drains in a City of Apple Valley, MN neighborhood in the Farquar Lake subwatershed. Not only was the weather perfect, but most of the drains were already clean - which left time for sidewalk chalk art!

Thanks SES for working with us for your service learning!

04/23/2026

Happy Earth Week!

Our team spent Earth Day cleaning up around the Avonlea development in Lakeville - more specifically, the area near Middle Creek and its adjoining wetland that we helped restore in 2015. We kept all this trash from flowing into our streams as part of the City of Lakeville Earth Day Celebration and Watershed Cleanup.

It was also an apt way to celebrate the approval of our 2026-2035 Watershed Management Plan by the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources!