Introducing ‘Water Wednesdays,’ Our New Summer Workshop Series

*Editor’s note: This post was written by Michele Ross, who left the MWMO in September 2016.

We all want to do our part to protect our water resources. And we all want to be good neighbors, taking good care of our yards. But not everyone realizes these two things are connected.

This summer, the MWMO is offering a series of “Water Wednesdays” workshops on sustainable yard care. People of all skill levels are invited to learn how changing the way we care for our lawns, gardens and landscapes can help the environment by preventing pollution, protecting water quality and providing habitat.

From June through August, the second Wednesday of each month will feature a workshop at the MWMO Stormwater Park and Learning Center. These free classes will offer practical tips on how to capture, clean and reuse stormwater runoff and provide pollinator habitat in your own yard.

The workshops are detailed below. Join us for one or all three!

What You Can Do For Pollinators: Creating a Pollinator-Friendly Garden Habitat

June 8 — 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Landscape designer Heather Holm will show you how to create a pollinator-friendly garden. Learn about the various types of native pollinators and how we can foster all parts of their life cycles, including providing food, water and nesting habitat. The top native plant species for pollinators will also be discussed.

Raingardens for Clean Water

July 13 — 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Raingardens help runoff soak into the soil to be cleaned naturally, provide excellent homes for bees and butterflies, and recharge groundwater. Metro Blooms will give you an overview of a do-it-yourself approach to raingardens and native plants for your yard.

Your Fall Yard

Aug. 10 — 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Local expert Kim Sullivan and MWMO staff will provide practical tips to prepare your yard for fall. Learn the best ways to care for your yard while keeping pollution out of our stormdrains and waterbodies.

(Top photo of butterfly courtesy Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.)