Minnehaha Creek Watershed District

04/22/2026

Happy Earth Day! 🌎

At the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD), we believe the future of our environment rests in bringing our built and natural systems into balance.

Our Balanced Urban Ecology (BUE) vision recognizes that land, water, and people are all part of one interconnected system. Through this mindset, we can create places where healthy ecosystems and vibrant communities thrive together.

That means:
🔷 Improving water quality while supporting other community needs
🔷 Restoring natural systems in ways that enhance everyday life
🔷 Partnering across communities to deliver solutions that benefit everyone

This Earth Day, we’re proud to continue working with our partners to turn this vision into reality.

Learn more about our BUE vision: https://minnehahacreek.org/our-approach/balanced-urban-ecology/

Looking for ways to get involved?

Contribute to your community this Earth Day by helping clean up your local natural systems! Many cities in the watershed host community clean-up events, like the City of St. Louis Park’s Minnehaha Creek Cleanup this Saturday: https://www.stlouisparkmn.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/10148/4784

03/25/2026

We were honored to receive this award alongside our partners, as Arden Park continues to be recognized as a transformational project rooted in strong partnership!

Learn more about the award and Arden Park Restoration project: https://minnehahacreek.org/2026/03/arden-park-named-2025-minnesota-watersheds-project-of-the-year/

03/02/2026

💧Maintenance dredging is complete at the Twin Lakes Park Stormwater Pond in St. Louis Park 💧

Since 1996, the pond has treated runoff from 1,390 acres — improving water quality in Twin Lakes and downstream Cedar Lake.

Over five weeks this winter, crews removed nearly 3,500 cubic yards of built-up sediment to restore the pond’s treatment capacity and keep it functioning effectively.

Heavy equipment has been removed, and pedestrian trails are now reopened. Erosion control measures will remain in place through the rest of winter, with vegetation restoration planned for this spring as the pond refills with snowmelt and rain.

02/10/2026

THANK YOU!

Our 2027 Watershed Management Plan (Plan) Kickoff Event was a resounding success, and we’re grateful to everyone who joined us.

The energy in the room captured why the past decade has been so impactful—and why this next Plan will help shape another decade of progress.

Missed the event?

Presentation slides are available on our Plan webpage, and a recording of the presentation will be added shortly: https://minnehahacreek.org/2027-watershed-management-plan-update/

01/30/2026

❄️ As another Winter Salt Week comes to a close, let’s take a moment to think about how we salt this season!

Salt is a permanent pollutant once it reaches lakes, rivers, and groundwater, and too much of it harms aquatic life and can even affect drinking water. It takes just one teaspoon of salt to contaminate 5 gallons of water.

That’s why smart salting matters: applying salt only when, where, and in the amount needed helps keep people safe and protects our water resources. Every effort, big or small, makes a difference.

🔹Shovel first
🔹Scatter lightly
🔹Choose sand or grit when appropriate
🔹Sweep up excess after ice melts

Let’s keep sidewalks and driveways safe and be kind to our lakes and streams. 💙

For more information on how you can be a smart-salter, visit the Winter Salt Week webpage: https://wintersaltweek.org/about/

01/20/2026

🚨 2027 Watershed Management Plan Kickoff Update 🚨

Please note: The evening session of the 2027 Watershed Management Plan Kickoff Event has been cancelled due to low registration.

✅ The morning session is still scheduled and open for registration!

Register here: https://minnehahacreek.org/2027-watershed-management-plan-update/

Join us to learn more about the Plan and connect with our staff as we look to the future.

📍 Location: Minnetonka Community Center – Banquet Room
14600 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka, MN 55345

🚗 Parking available on site | ☕ Refreshments provided

🗓 Date: January 27, 2026
⏰ Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

• Check-in opens at 9:30 AM
• Presentation begins at 10:00 AM

We hope to see you there!

01/07/2026

🚨 Don’t forget to RSVP! 🚨

Join us at the 2027 Watershed Management Plan kick-off event and help shape the future of our water resources!

Learn more about the event and RSVP by January 15: https://minnehahacreek.org/2027-watershed-management-plan-update/

12/22/2025

We're excited for this project to be moving forward this Winter!

MCWD and the City of Victoria have worked together over the past decade to implement high-impact, integrated projects in the Six Mile Creek-Halsted Bay Subwatershed, which is the watershed's headwaters and a focal geography for MCWD. This wetland restoration adds to our partnership's portfolio of projects that meaningfully improve water quality, while creating valuable community spaces.

Learn more about the East Auburn Wetland Restoration on MCWD's website: https://minnehahacreek.org/project/east-auburn-wetland-restoration/

The trails near Six Mile Creek, including the boardwalk, will be closed from early January through March 2026 for a wetland restoration project and boardwalk replacement. This work will help improve water quality and create a smoother boardwalk once complete.

Thank you for your patience as the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District and City of Victoria work to improve water quality in the area.

12/19/2025

💧 Save the Date! 💧

Join us as we officially kick off the development of our 2027 Watershed Management Plan and help set the vision for the next decade!

🗓 Tuesday, January 27, 2026
⏰ Two session options (same day):
• Morning session: 9:30–11:30 AM (presentation begins at 10:00 AM)
• Evening session: 6:30–8:30 PM (presentation begins at 7:00 PM)

📍 Minnetonka Community Center – Banquet Room

All watershed residents are welcome to attend. Each session will include time to learn, share input, and connect with others as we shape the future of our watershed, together. Both event sessions are free, and ample on-site parking is available. Refreshments will be provided.

🔗 Learn more and RSVP by January 15:
https://minnehahacreek.org/2027-watershed-management-plan-update/

We hope to see you there!

12/03/2025