Education & Outreach
The purpose of the education and outreach program is to effectively communicate the activities of the Comfort Lake - Forest Lake Watershed District (CLFLWD) to Stakeholders as well as increase the awareness of the Stakeholders as to water resource issues and their roles in improving the quality of our water resources. Presentations to Cities, Townships and County officials, the preparation of newsletters, fact sheets and flyers, and conducting tours of CLFLWD activities are important aspects of the education and outreach program.
Upcoming Events & Workshops
 |
Watershed CleanupAs part of Xcel Energy's Day of Service, in partnership with EMWRP and Community Thread, the Watershed District will be hosting a two hour cleanup event on Saturday, September 11th from 10:00am - 12:00pm starting at Lakeside Memorial Park in Forest Lake. Full details and registration link can be found here. |
|
 |
2020 Turf Talks CANCELLEDSpring 2020 workshops have been cancelled. If you are interested in learning about the topic on your own check out the links below from previous years!
Turf Talk lvl 1 | Turf Talk lvl 2 - Video (MWMO) | Soil Testing |
|
 |
EMWREP Annual ReportIn 2008, the CLFLWD became a member of the East Metro Water Resource Education Program (EMWREP). The EMWREP is a partnership formed to develop a comprehensive water resource education and outreach program for member partners. Over 22 partner organizations comprise EMWREP's membership covering all of Washington County as well as a small portion of Chisago and Ramsey Counties. 2020 Annual Report | EMWREP Plans & Reports | EMWREP Water Blog |
Presentations & Articles
 |
2017/2018/2019 Turf Care Truths & TipsPresented by Master Watershed Steward Jack MacKenzie, this informational series on turf grass best practices has provided many homeowners with the knowledge they need to manage their lawns. How short should I cut my grass? What fertilizer should I use? When should I fertilize? How do I take a soil test and what do the resutls mean? When should I treat my weeds? MacKenzie answers all of these questions and more! Turf Talk lvl 1 | Turf Talk lvl 2 - Video (MWMO) | Soil Testing | |
|
 |
2017 Storm Drain StencilingMaster Watershed Steward Jack MacKenzie organized a community event aimed at educating the public on the importance of keeping storm drains clear of debris. Over 25 community members joined forces on September 23rd 2017 to stencil "No Dumping" messages in front of local storm drains. This is an ongoing community project, if you are interested in learning how you can help contact the CLFLWD office at 651-395-5850. |
|
 |
Don't Dump Yard Waste Into WetlandsDumping yard waste into wetlands/swamps/roadside ditches causes a chain reaction ultimately resulting in our lakes turning more and more green. Visit the following webpage for more information and tips for disposing of yard waste. |
Brochures
- Tools and Rules Guide for Shoreline Homeowners
- The Comfort Lake - Forest Lake Watershed District and You
- The Comfort Lake - Forest Lake Watershed District - Budgets and Levies
- Common Submerged Aquatic Plants Found in CLFLWD
Other Material
- Watershed Champion Award
- Video by EMWREP: Fishing and Swimming Tour Around Forest Lake, MN
- Aquatic plants provide many lake benefits
- A watershed is like a funnel that collects runoff
- Shoreline buffers offer many benefits
- Waste from pets can contribute to lake pollution
- Clean boating practices best
- Curly leaf pondweed by the book and what you need to know
- Not too late in the season to rethink lawncare methods
- Don't 'leave' lawn care chores until spring
- Raingardens continue to work throughout the winter
- What will melting snow reveal on your property
- MDH well sealing program
- DNR volunteer lake level monitoring program
- MPCA citizen lake monitoring program
Educational Videos
 |
 |
A Billion Gallons a Day 6.5-minute video by The New York Times about the NYC watershed and water supply system. |
Nature Works to Make Clean Water 4-minute video by Nature Conservancy about how nature, especially forests, cleans water. |