Vadnais Lake Area Water Management Organization (VLAWMO)

06/03/2026

Summer is in the air! Before the school year’s end, students and educators from Birch Lake Elementary School joined the Rotary Club of White Bear Lake, City of White Bear Lake - Government, volunteers, and VLAWMO for a day of hands-on learning at the Rotary Nature Preserve.

Students brought curiosity and thoughtful questions to their field trip. Here they are at the macroinvertebrate lab station, learning about bugs who live in the nearby wetland.

Why are we interested in “water bugs”? Different species tolerate different levels of water pollution. These small but mighty macroinvertebrates offer important insight into the health of a lake, stream, or a wetland. Students looked for water quality clues during the field trip. 🔎💧

Thanks to all the partners and volunteers who made this day of learning possible!

05/29/2026

Are you looking for garden inspiration? Wondering how your plants can play a part in helping pollinators and protecting water? Curious about grant funding?

Join us for this summer's neighborhood garden tours! These events feature a variety of clean water projects throughout the watershed, all of which have received VLAWMO grant funding. Learn about planting practices that can beautify outdoor spaces while protecting local lakes, streams, and wetlands.

The first tours will take place on June 30th. The second round of tours will be held on August 25th.

Learn more and register for one evening or both at vlawmo.org/events.

05/27/2026

Happy World Otter Day! Did you know that otters have been spotted in the VLAWMO watershed?

These charismatic creatures are important indicators of watershed health. River otters need healthy lakes, streams, and wetlands. Protecting water protects otters!

VLAWMO is proud to partner with the national Otters for Water initiative through The River Otter Ecology Project. This project leverages the river otter’s recovery to support water conservation efforts across the country with organizations like VLAWMO.

Have you seen otters? Learn more about how to report your sightings and discover where otters have already been spotted at vlawmo.org/otters.

04/30/2026

Spring is in the air! Do you have landscaping on your mind? Whether you're curious about native plants, pollinators, water quality, or all three, we have a learning opportunity for you! 🌱🌧

Join us on May 7th for a Planting for Clean Water workshop with Blue Thumb - Planting for Clean Water and Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District. Landscape design experts will share information about clean water planting practices, then we'll have designated time for consultations. Bring your plant questions and curiosity!

This workshop is free for VLAWMO and RWMWD residents. Learn more and sign up at bluethumb.org/events.

04/24/2026

We couldn't let Volunteer Appreciation Week (and Earth Week) pass without sharing our gratitude for VLAWMO's wonderful Watershed Action Volunteers! Volunteers help bring VLAWMO's mission of protecting and improving the watershed's water and natural resources to life. They bring grit, heart, and stewardship to community events, programs, and meetings. 🌊

Thank you, volunteers! You make a difference.

Want to get involved? Join us for a cleanup event tomorrow morning (Saturday, 4/25) from 10 am - noon at Vadnais-Snail Lake Park! Find details at vlawmo.org/events.

04/21/2026

As Earth Week continues, we’re highlighting how plants can protect lakes, streams, and wetlands. The main takeaway? Resilient landscapes are key to a healthy watershed!

• Native plants are well adapted to local conditions, and they help rain soak into the ground.
• Native plants’ long roots help filter pollutants out of water. They stabilize soil and reduce erosion, protecting water while benefiting pollinators.
• Many native plants and alternative turfs require less water than non-natives to stay healthy once they’re established. This helps conserve water.

Learn more in a Planting for Clean Water workshop on Thursday, May 7th. We’ll be teaming up with Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District and Blue Thumb - Planting for Clean Water to bring practical tips and local resources for pursuing clean water planting projects at home. Bring your curiosity and plant questions!

Sign up and save your spot at: bluethumb.org/events

04/20/2026

Happy Earth Week! We’ll be highlighting ways to get involved with protecting water throughout the week. From volunteering with a group to adopting a storm drain independently or attending a workshop, there are many ways to celebrate Earth Week in the watershed. 🌊🌎

Today’s featured action is a lake cleanup happening this Saturday, April 25th. Join a group of Watershed Action Volunteers in removing trash from the beautiful lakes at Vadnais-Snail Lakes Park! Past participants have seen firsthand how a big difference can be made in just a couple of hours. Learn more and RSVP at vlawmo.org/spring2026cleanup.

Wondering how else to get involved during Earth Week? Find more ideas in a new web story at vlawmo.org/news.

04/15/2026

Your plants can support pollinators and improve water quality! Join us for an upcoming Planting for Clean Water Workshop with Blue Thumb - Planting for Clean Water and Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District to learn more. We'll gather on Thursday, May 7th from 5:30 - 7:30 pm at the Maplewood Library.

This in-person workshop will feature:

- an educational presentation
- time for questions and consultation with garden experts
- resources to support your clean water planting projects, including an overview of local grant opportunities

We hope to see you there! 💧🌱 Learn more and sign up today: https://bluethumb.org/event/planting-for-clean-water-rain-gardens-vlawmo-and-rwmwd/

Join our Planting for Clean Water Workshop with Vadnais Lake Area Water Management Organization (VLAWMO) and Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District on Thursday, May 7 from 5:30 - 7:30 pm in Maplewood. 💧🌱

Learn how every yard can have an impact on improving water quality. Designers from Metro Blooms Design+Build will walk through the steps of assessing your yard, landscaping with native plants, installing a rain barrel, siting a rain garden and more. You’ll then have the chance to meet with landscape designers and master gardeners to discuss your project ideas!

Registration is free for residents of Vadnais Lake Area Water Management Organization and Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District, and $15 for others! Learn more and secure your spot on the Blue Thumb website: https://bluethumb.org/event/planting-for-clean-water-rain-gardens-vlawmo-and-rwmwd/

03/20/2026

Happy spring! This time of year, storm drains are hard at work. Anything melting snow can carry down storm drains will travel directly to the waters our community loves.

You can help keep water clean by making sure only rain (or snow) goes down the drain!

• Keep trash away from storm drains. Trash can clog drains and pipes, causing potential flooding and harming wildlife.
• Always clean up after your pet. Dog poo carries harmful bacteria.
• Keep leaves and dirt off driveways or streets. When they fall down storm drains, they lower water quality on the other side.
• Join fellow community members opting to protect local lakes, streams, and wetlands by adopting a storm drain! With just 15 minutes a couple of times a month, you can make a real difference for water quality. Join them today at mn.adopt-a-drain.org or visit Adopt-a-Drain MN for helpful tips.
• Never dump anything into a storm drain or ditch—this is an illegal offense known as an “illicit discharge.”

When it comes to clean water, every little bit helps. As you enjoy the spring sunshine, remember “only rain down the drain!”

Photo by the MPCA

02/19/2026

Even with the winter snow, it’s not too soon to dream of spring's arrival to your yard. 🌱☀ Alternative turfs like bee lawns and fescues are one possibility to explore. These require less water than traditional turfgrass, and some offer benefits to pollinators. Bonus: a VLAWMO grant may be available to support local watershed residents with implementing this type of project.

Looking to learn more? Join VLAWMO and Blue Thumb - Planting for Clean Water for a Turf Alternatives workshop on Wednesday, March 4th from 6:00 - 7:30 pm. Learn more and sign up at bluethumb.org/events.