How Can You Help?

Want to know what else you can do to help protect your watershed? We've provided simple monthly tips that help keep our waters clean for you and future generations.

January

Do your part to help protect the water we use and enjoy. Lakes and streams are now more than ever becoming more polluted with chlorides from the salt we use in the winter. Take action to reduce chloride pollution by doing a few simple things. Use liquid de-icer before snowstorms to reduce ice build up. Break out that snow shovel or snow blower early and often during the storm if possible. Keeping the snow off the pavement will decrease the chances of ice sticking to the pavement. Be attentive to your driveway and sidewalks, keep them clear of snow.

February

The use of salt can help you get a grip in winter, however using too much can be harmful and toxic. Be sure to watch how much salt you use on your sidewalk and driveway. Excessive amounts of salt can saturate the soil and kill the vegetation near it. The death of these plants is what gives you that brown and patchy lawn in the Spring. Salt can be helpful but in moderation, only apply it on surfaces you want to treat.

March

As the snow begins to melt be sure to keep sand, salt, leaves, grass clippings, or any other stray debris off the streets and out of the drain. Anything that flows into a storm drain goes untreated into the nearest body of water. Things like motor oil, garbage and those things listed above are integrated into the flow system as soon as they pass the drain guard.

April

Gardens help provide structure for soil to cling to and not runoff. Rain gardens and other such gardens that contain natural Minnesota plants are the best way to have a beautiful garden and help prevent soil erosion. Gardens not only help the soil, but they provide homes and food for hummingbirds, bees, and other insects. Here at the MFCRWD we have several cost share projects that deal with restoring natural vegetation to different locations.

May

Why not plant some native species in your garden this year. The plants that are native to Minnesota don’t need any fertilizer, and they require little maintenance. Black-eyed Susan is a bright and vibrant flower that, with so many other plants calls Minnesota home. These native plants have a longer root system so they help filter and clean our water. So when you are looking to get some plants for this summer go native!

June

Having your grass clean cut and just a little longer you can save some gas and have a nice looking lawn as well. By raising your lawnmower blades a little you can achieve these suggestions. Avoid watering your lawn during the day. The best time to water is between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m. The air is cooler, and there is usually less wind to blow away your water droplets. Watering at high noon or even late in the day can lead to quicker water evaporation because of the hot sun. Keep these tips in mind when managing your great lawn!

July

You know the drill: Clean, Drain, Dry! Remember to remove all aquatic plant species from your watercraft and trailer. Drain all water from your live-well, and other on-board tanks. Let your boat dry for at least 5 days, or go to a decontamination station near you. Also remember to never release plants, fish, or animals in a body of water unless they came from that body of water. Aquatic Invasive Species reduce game fish populations, degrade the ecosystem, and can potentially result in the lake or stream being unusable by boaters and swimmers. We all must do our part to protect our greatest natural resource!!

August

Our streams and rivers are just as important as any other body of water. It is important to keep our streams healthy. Removal of streamside vegetation can lead to increased amounts of erosion. The best way to help prevent extreme amounts of erosion is to leave existing streamside forests intact. Additionally, planting trees and other native plants where there is no streamside forests can help stabilize the banks. The roots of the plants hold the soil intact and fallen trees and logs slow the water velocity thus reducing bank erosion.

September

This is a beautiful time of the year to get out and explore your local Watershed. Go see your lakes, streams, and wetlands and spot wildlife. See nature at work while walking, biking, or driving through the many parks and trails that our great state has to offer. There are plenty of sights to be seen when you go out and about.

October

Leaves that fall from the trees need to be cleaned up for a couple of reasons. The excessive amounts of leaves that fall can with snowfall prevent grass regrowth. Additionally, the leaf litter layer can help promote snow mold diseases which are not good for lawns. Finally, the leaves that are left on the ground provide shelter to voles and other rodents that can potentially damage lawns. Not only is cleaning up leaves good for your lawn it helps by keeping the stormwater drains clear. If the leaves are not cleaned up they can enter lakes and streams. Leaves add excess nutrients that can be harmful to the water.

November

Time to start getting ready for the cold and snow. Here are a couple things you should think about:

Shut off exterior water valves.
Drain outdoor faucets to prevent frozen and cracked pipes.
Clean out gutters and downspouts to prevent the formation of ice dams.
Inspect and repair those snow shovels and snow blowers.

Also remember to prune back your plants before winter in order to encourage healthy growth in the spring time!

December

Winter is now upon us and our lakes and pond have frozen over. Now we need to think about being safe on the ice. Here are some tips on keeping you and your family safe:

Wait to walk out on the ice until there is about four inches of clear, solid ice.
ATV’s need at least five inches and trucks need at least 12 inches of good clear ice.
Never drive on ice at night or when it is snowing.
Never venture on ice alone or without telling your plans to someone.
Always carry a pair of ice picks for personal rescue.
Check at the access point for signs that indicate and aeration system is in operation on the lake.
Stay clear of signs that read “Thin Ice”.

Middle Fork Crow River

WATERSHED DISTRICT