2010 Water Education Events
CALENDAR
CALENDAR
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FEBRUARY
February 11: Water Resources Center Statewide Listening Session
12:30-3:30 & 4:00-6:00 pm Clarion Inn (Former Holiday Inn South) 1630 S. Broadway
As part of the Minnesota Water Sustainability Framework project, the Water Resources Center and Minnesota Board for Water and Soil
Resources are co-sponsoring "listening sessions" across the State to learn what's important to citizens about Minnesota's water
resources. The sessions will give all Minnesotans a chance to voice their opinion on water issues and priorities in their region and provide
updates on legislative priorities.
The meetings are free and open to the public. The first part of the meeting—from 12:30 to 3:30
p.m.—will focus on the concerns of local government units, soil and water conservation districts and watershed districts. The second part
of the meeting—from 4 to 6 p.m.—will focus on the concerns of citizens, community leaders, and elected and appointed officials.
February 13: WaterWise Gardening: Raingardens & Rain Barrels for Homeowners
11:30am-12:30pm, Rochester Area Builders Home Show, Mayo Civic Center, $5.00/adults
Learn how you can conserve, clean, and make the most of rainwater that comes off your roof or driveway while creating a beautiful
garden in the process. Learn about the City’s cost-share grants available for residents who install a raingarden in their landscape.
Presented by Sargent’s Landscape Nursery and the City of Rochester Public Works Department.
February 19: Rochester: To the Source - Brown Bag Lunch
12:00 - 1:30 pm, Heintz Center Commons (1926 College View Drive SE, Rochester, MN)
Moving Minnesota's Water Governance Upstream -- Join former state senator and DNR Commissioner Gene Merriam and St. Paul resident
and organizer Janna Caywood to discuss how the ways we manage water must become more collaborative in order to address water
problems. $3; free for RCTC and Winona State students with valid ID. Attendees are invited to bring a brown bag lunch
MARCH
March 3: “Realize Raingardens Rochester Grant Writing Workshop”
7:00 - 8:00pm, City Hall Conference Room 104, 201 4th Street SE, Rochester
Do you live in Rochester and want a rain garden in your yard, but could use some financial help? The City of Rochester has a cost-share
grant program that provides up to $750.00 toward your native planting project. Attend this workshop to learn more about the residential
raingarden program and how to apply for grants. You will learn how to size a raingarden, perform a percolation test, how to estimate
project costs, and how to present your project in an effective manner. To register call 328-2440 or email aplute@rochestermn.gov.
March 24-25: Agri-News Farm Show
Zumbro Watershed Partnership, Whitewater Watershed Project, Olmsted SWCD, Wabasha SWCD, Dodge SWCD, Rice SWCD and Goodhue
SWCD are co-hosting a large booth that will feature an informal educational session about water and agriculture, and opportunities for
one-on-one farmer assistance for conservation programs.
APRIL
April 3: Sponge and Drain - Part 1
9 am to 3 pm, Location: Upper Reaches of the Whitewater, Root and Zumbro River Watersheds
This tour will be given by Jeff Broberg and will focus on conservation work and studies in the upper reaches of the Whitewater, Root and
Zumbro River watersheds
April 13: “It’s a Raingarden Party!”
6:00-8:00pm, Location TBD
What is a raingarden? How do they work? Develop your "Blue Thumb" as you discover the many
benefits of raingardens, learn about native plants, and find out if this type of garden is right for your site. Plant lists, garden plans, and
other resources included in this interactive program.
Community Education Class – location and registration TBD, call 328-4000 for more information.
April 24: Earth Day Event: A free family event at Quarry Hill.
The pond may be under construction at this point, so there will be much to share with the public about the project.
April 30: “Arbor Day”
11:00am-1:00pm, Central Park, Rochester
Rochester Public Works will have one of many booths the public can visit during this free event. The RPW booth will have scavenger hunts
for students in K-4th grade and lots of information on storm water and the benefits of trees.
MAY
May 10: Water Everywhere Monday Preschool Program (child with an adult)
10-10:30 a.m
Water is everywhere! Listen to a story, learn about the water cycle, how we are connected to water, and how children can help protect
our water. Stickers and coloring books provided. Co-sponsored by Rochester Public Works, RPU and Rochester Library. RESERVATIONS
NEEDED -- For Reservations: www.rochesterpubliclibrary.org or 328-2309.
May 8: Rain Barrel Painting Party (children age 10-18)
1:00-4:00pm
Youth will enjoy learning about their connections to water and how they can reduce their impact on our watery environment. Participants
will paint rain barrels that will be given away via drawings during the Think Green Fair on June 26. Co-sponsored by Rochester Public
Works, RPU and Rochester Library. RESERVATIONS NEEDED -- For Reservations: www.rochesterpubliclibrary.org or 328-2309.
May 13: General Audience/Adult: Raingarden Party
6-7:30 p.m.
Come find the magic of native plants at this fun, interactive Raingarden Party! Learn about plants,
designs, benefits, and joys of raingardens. See examples of these pollution- battling, beautifying gardens. Free ideas, handouts,
blueprints, and resources available to take home. Co-sponsored by Rochester Public Works, RPU and Rochester Library. RESERVATIONS
NEEDED -- For Reservations: www.rochesterpubliclibrary.org or 328-2309.
JUNE
June 6: Scavenging the Shores of Silver Lake
2:00 to 4:00 pm; Meet at the east parking lot, just north of 7th St. NE at the east entrance to Silver Lake Park; rain or shine
Come alone or bring the family, but join Barb Huberty of Rochester’s Public Works Department for an “up close and personal” experience
with Silver Lake’s new shoreline. We will scavenge the shores to hunt for unusual flowers, insects, and clues that tell the history of
Rochester’s oldest and most famous lake. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for sun or rain
June 12: Sponge and Drain - Part 2
9 am to 3 pm; Location: Lower Reaches of the Whitewater, Root and Zumbro River Watersheds
This tour will be led by Jeff Broberg and will focus on conservation work and studies done in the lower reaches of the Whitewater, Root
and Zumbro River watersheds.
June 26: Think Green Fair
10:00am - 9:00 pm, Olmsted County Fairgrounds
The Think Green Fair has been an annual event since 2008. This year, over 60 vendors are expected to educate and offer practical ways
to save on energy use and other “green” practices through presentations, displays, and workshops.
February 11: Water Resources Center Statewide Listening Session
12:30-3:30 & 4:00-6:00 pm Clarion Inn (Former Holiday Inn South) 1630 S. Broadway
As part of the Minnesota Water Sustainability Framework project, the Water Resources Center and Minnesota Board for Water and Soil
Resources are co-sponsoring "listening sessions" across the State to learn what's important to citizens about Minnesota's water
resources. The sessions will give all Minnesotans a chance to voice their opinion on water issues and priorities in their region and provide
updates on legislative priorities.
The meetings are free and open to the public. The first part of the meeting—from 12:30 to 3:30
p.m.—will focus on the concerns of local government units, soil and water conservation districts and watershed districts. The second part
of the meeting—from 4 to 6 p.m.—will focus on the concerns of citizens, community leaders, and elected and appointed officials.
February 13: WaterWise Gardening: Raingardens & Rain Barrels for Homeowners
11:30am-12:30pm, Rochester Area Builders Home Show, Mayo Civic Center, $5.00/adults
Learn how you can conserve, clean, and make the most of rainwater that comes off your roof or driveway while creating a beautiful
garden in the process. Learn about the City’s cost-share grants available for residents who install a raingarden in their landscape.
Presented by Sargent’s Landscape Nursery and the City of Rochester Public Works Department.
February 19: Rochester: To the Source - Brown Bag Lunch
12:00 - 1:30 pm, Heintz Center Commons (1926 College View Drive SE, Rochester, MN)
Moving Minnesota's Water Governance Upstream -- Join former state senator and DNR Commissioner Gene Merriam and St. Paul resident
and organizer Janna Caywood to discuss how the ways we manage water must become more collaborative in order to address water
problems. $3; free for RCTC and Winona State students with valid ID. Attendees are invited to bring a brown bag lunch
MARCH
March 3: “Realize Raingardens Rochester Grant Writing Workshop”
7:00 - 8:00pm, City Hall Conference Room 104, 201 4th Street SE, Rochester
Do you live in Rochester and want a rain garden in your yard, but could use some financial help? The City of Rochester has a cost-share
grant program that provides up to $750.00 toward your native planting project. Attend this workshop to learn more about the residential
raingarden program and how to apply for grants. You will learn how to size a raingarden, perform a percolation test, how to estimate
project costs, and how to present your project in an effective manner. To register call 328-2440 or email aplute@rochestermn.gov.
March 24-25: Agri-News Farm Show
Zumbro Watershed Partnership, Whitewater Watershed Project, Olmsted SWCD, Wabasha SWCD, Dodge SWCD, Rice SWCD and Goodhue
SWCD are co-hosting a large booth that will feature an informal educational session about water and agriculture, and opportunities for
one-on-one farmer assistance for conservation programs.
APRIL
April 3: Sponge and Drain - Part 1
9 am to 3 pm, Location: Upper Reaches of the Whitewater, Root and Zumbro River Watersheds
This tour will be given by Jeff Broberg and will focus on conservation work and studies in the upper reaches of the Whitewater, Root and
Zumbro River watersheds
April 13: “It’s a Raingarden Party!”
6:00-8:00pm, Location TBD
What is a raingarden? How do they work? Develop your "Blue Thumb" as you discover the many
benefits of raingardens, learn about native plants, and find out if this type of garden is right for your site. Plant lists, garden plans, and
other resources included in this interactive program.
Community Education Class – location and registration TBD, call 328-4000 for more information.
April 24: Earth Day Event: A free family event at Quarry Hill.
The pond may be under construction at this point, so there will be much to share with the public about the project.
April 30: “Arbor Day”
11:00am-1:00pm, Central Park, Rochester
Rochester Public Works will have one of many booths the public can visit during this free event. The RPW booth will have scavenger hunts
for students in K-4th grade and lots of information on storm water and the benefits of trees.
MAY
May 10: Water Everywhere Monday Preschool Program (child with an adult)
10-10:30 a.m
Water is everywhere! Listen to a story, learn about the water cycle, how we are connected to water, and how children can help protect
our water. Stickers and coloring books provided. Co-sponsored by Rochester Public Works, RPU and Rochester Library. RESERVATIONS
NEEDED -- For Reservations: www.rochesterpubliclibrary.org or 328-2309.
May 8: Rain Barrel Painting Party (children age 10-18)
1:00-4:00pm
Youth will enjoy learning about their connections to water and how they can reduce their impact on our watery environment. Participants
will paint rain barrels that will be given away via drawings during the Think Green Fair on June 26. Co-sponsored by Rochester Public
Works, RPU and Rochester Library. RESERVATIONS NEEDED -- For Reservations: www.rochesterpubliclibrary.org or 328-2309.
May 13: General Audience/Adult: Raingarden Party
6-7:30 p.m.
Come find the magic of native plants at this fun, interactive Raingarden Party! Learn about plants,
designs, benefits, and joys of raingardens. See examples of these pollution- battling, beautifying gardens. Free ideas, handouts,
blueprints, and resources available to take home. Co-sponsored by Rochester Public Works, RPU and Rochester Library. RESERVATIONS
NEEDED -- For Reservations: www.rochesterpubliclibrary.org or 328-2309.
JUNE
June 6: Scavenging the Shores of Silver Lake
2:00 to 4:00 pm; Meet at the east parking lot, just north of 7th St. NE at the east entrance to Silver Lake Park; rain or shine
Come alone or bring the family, but join Barb Huberty of Rochester’s Public Works Department for an “up close and personal” experience
with Silver Lake’s new shoreline. We will scavenge the shores to hunt for unusual flowers, insects, and clues that tell the history of
Rochester’s oldest and most famous lake. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for sun or rain
June 12: Sponge and Drain - Part 2
9 am to 3 pm; Location: Lower Reaches of the Whitewater, Root and Zumbro River Watersheds
This tour will be led by Jeff Broberg and will focus on conservation work and studies done in the lower reaches of the Whitewater, Root
and Zumbro River watersheds.
June 26: Think Green Fair
10:00am - 9:00 pm, Olmsted County Fairgrounds
The Think Green Fair has been an annual event since 2008. This year, over 60 vendors are expected to educate and offer practical ways
to save on energy use and other “green” practices through presentations, displays, and workshops.