Workshops/Presentations
Backyard Habitat
It’s all about the birds and bees…and butterflies. Learn how to attract more pollinators and songbirds to your backyard by making some simple changes. We will discuss various species of pollinators and what perennial plants will have them buzzing to your backyard. Participants will receive an informational folder full of great publications and several door…
Native Plants for Small Spaces and Containers
Hardwood Creek Library 19955 Forest Rd N, Forest Lake, MN, United StatesSmall spaces don’t need to limit your gardening possibilities! Do you have a small garden space, patio, or containers and want to add color, texture, and plants? Don’t overlook using native plants that attract birds, bees, and butterflies. We will look at using some smaller and better-behaved native perennials in your garden spaces. Participants will…
Watershed Connections: Carp Management for Water Quality
Forest Lake Senior Community Center 767 4th St SW, Forest Lake, MNEvent Flyer The ecological effects of carp on the environments which they invade are negative and numerous. They can include decreased native aquatic vegetation, increased turbidity, increased nutrients, increased algae blooms, and an overall decrease of fish and wildlife diversity. The science of carp management has significantly changed since 2010. The ability to quantify carp…
Top Twenty Native Plants
Forest Lake Area Schools Education Center 943 9th Ave SW, Forest Lake, MN, United StatesLearn how to put down some roots and use native plants in your landscaping and flower gardens. We will identify some of our favorite no-fail natives for a wide variety of soils, shade levels and overall hardiness. These are the rough, tumble, aggressive and easy to find native plants. Also learn some easy ways to…
Top Twenty Tough Native Plants
Chisago Lakes High School 29400 Olinda Trail, Lindstrom, MN, United StatesLearn how to put down some roots and use native plants in your landscaping, flower gardens, and everywhere else. We will help identify some of our favorite no-fail natives for a wide variety of soils, shade levels, and overall hardiness. These are the rough, tumble, aggressive, and easy to find native plants. Also learn some…
Watershed Connections: Changing Climate Trends and Local Impacts
Forest Lake Senior Community Center 767 4th St SW, Forest Lake, MNEvent Flyer Kenny Blumenfeld is a Minnesota DNR climatologist who has been fascinated by storms and weather extremes his whole life, and who enjoys helping Minnesotans understand their weather and climate. He will discuss long-term, ongoing, and projected climate trends, along with recent weather and climate extremes in the region. The Comfort Lake-Forest Lake area…
Perennial Pocket Plantings
Hardwood Creek Library 19955 Forest Rd N, Forest Lake, MN, United StatesA native wildflower garden will attract beautiful butterflies and bees to your yard and help pollinators stay healthy. You can plant a garden anywhere from the tiniest corner of your city lot to an open prairie setting and about anything in between. We will cover it all, from weeds to seeds and from start to…
Many MN Milkweeds
We have over a dozen milkweeds that are native to Minnesota. Let’s chat about the wide variety of these great pollinator plants! Some are wildly popular and very common growing in gardens and local sceneries. We will also discuss where to buy milkweed plants and seed, plus how and where to add these pollinator magnets…
Rain Barrels 101
Chisago Lakes High School 29400 Olinda Trail, Lindstrom, MN, United StatesRain barrels harvest rainwater from roofs and other structures that can then be used to water gardens, lawns, and potted plants. Installing a rain barrel is an excellent way to reduce run-off and pollution as well as save MONEY! As much as 40% of residential water is used for irrigation in the summer. Participants will…
Shoreline Restoration and Maintenance
Chisago Lakes High School 29400 Olinda Trail, Lindstrom, MN, United StatesAre you losing ground? Is your shoreline eroding, unsightly or seem to be a goose magnet? Did the excessive rains last year take a toll? Is the ice pushing up a new ridge every year? Learn how to improve water quality, reduce erosion and beautify your property using native plants, simple installation techniques and smart…