Upcoming Events
NEW DATE! Shoreline Planting Workshop
The original workshop on May 20th has been postponed due to weather. The workshop will now be hosted on Monday, June 9th from 6-8pm.
Designers from Metro Blooms Design+Build will cover the importance of restoring native plants to shorelines and the impact it has on water quality and native habitat.
You will go over site assessment, unique shoreline considerations, native plants for shorelines and aquatic zones, buffer plantings and more! Participants will also receive a Resilient Shorelines workbook and access to the accompanying online learning series.
You can register for the workshop HERE
June 10 Permit Review Meeting
The Carnelian Marine St. Croix Watershed District will hold a permit review meeting at its offices located at 11660 Myeron Road North in Stillwater.
CMSCWD Board Managers will be present to review permit applications and applicable rules for projects on the consent agenda for the following regularly scheduled meeting. This meeting is informational, and no decisions will be made. Attendance for Board Managers is optional.
June 11 Board of Managers Meeting
The Carnelian Marine St. Croix Watershed District will hold the regular meeting at Scandia City Hall located at 14727 209th St N, Scandia, MN 55073. CMSCWD Board Manages and staff will be present at the meeting location. The public is invited and welcome to attend in person or via Zoom.
Free Well Water Screening Clinic
Have a private well? Bring in a water sample to be tested for nitrate and chloride.
June 12th Workshop
The Carnelian Marine St. Croix Watershed District will hold a special meeting at its office located at 11660 Myeron Rd North, Stillwater, MN 55082 . This meeting will be in person.
Bliss Addition Volunteer Planting
Come join the Washington Conservation District to help install plants at the new Bliss Addition Stormwater Quality Project! By planting a variety of native species into stormwater basins leading to Big Marine Lake, we will help significantly reduce pollutants from draining into the lake, preventing algae growth and negative impacts to habitat.
Supplies will be provided, all you need is close toed shoes, work/gardening gloves, and your favorite garden trowel if you have one.
Register for the event HERE. View more information about the Bliss Addition Improvement under Our Projects.
Big Carnelian State of the Lake Update
Join the CMSCWD for an update on the current health of Big Carnelian Lake. This informational meeting will be held at the Washington County North Shop. Please enter through the north doors near the parking lot. Light refreshments will be provided.
All About Raingardens at the Wyoming Area Library
What is a raingarden? It’s more than a pretty landscape feature - it’s a smart, sustainable way to manage stormwater, reduce runoff, and better protect our lakes, rivers, and streams.
In this presentation by water resources educator Barbara Heitkamp, you’ll learn how raingardens are designed, how they function, and why they’re an essential tool in fighting pollution and erosion. Showcasing native plants that thrive in these systems - from vibrant coneflowers to sturdy sedges - and share tips for maintaining a healthy, long-lasting garden. Whether you’re a homeowner, community member, or nature enthusiast, you’ll leave inspired to bring more raingardens into the world. Event hosted by the Chisago County Master Gardeners.
July 9 Board of Managers Meeting
The Carnelian Marine St. Croix Watershed District will hold the regular meeting at Scandia City Hall located at 14727 209th St N, Scandia, MN 55073. CMSCWD Board Manages and staff will be present at the meeting location. The public is invited and welcome to attend in person or via Zoom.
Exploring the St. Croix: Adventures on and off the Water
Learn how the St. Croix came to be a federally protected Wild & Scenic River and where you can go to find old growth forests, remnant prairies, waterfalls, and other natural treasures. During this presentation, Angie Hong will also talk about locally-led efforts to restore habitat, re-wild rivers and streams, and nurse polluted lakes back to good health.
This event is hosted by Boutwell’s Landing, an active senior living community in Oak Park Heights, surrounded by ponds, walkways and rolling parkland. The presentation will be held in the “Town Hall” inside the main building.
Big Carnelian Shoreline Tour
Join us for a fun informational pontoon tour of natural shorelines and discussions of features that support the long-term health and ecology of Big Carnelian Lake.
Due to limited seating, registration is required. Please register by July 13th.
Washington County Fair!
Stop by the Washington Conservation District and local Watershed Management Organization booth at the Washington County Fair. This year’s booth will be located in Building A, across from the milk shakes and will be all about TREES! Enjoy sitting in the shade of the fair booth forest, while talking about trees for stormwater, trees for habitat, trees for climate resiliency, and more!
17th Annual St. Croix River Workshop on the Water
Join us for an interactive and educational event for local decision-makers. This year’s workshop will be held aboard the Taylors Falls Princess, departing out of Taylors Falls near Interstate State Park. The workshop is designed for city councils, planning commissions, township boards, county commissioners, SWCD and watershed board members, and other local leaders. Register Today!
The annual St. Croix WOW offers a unique opportunity for community leaders to network, access support from state and local government, and learn about issues such as sustainable community development, preventing algal blooms, community forestry, healthy shorelines, and St. Croix Watershed resources and connections. This year’s workshop will include a keynote welcome from Matt Poppleton, Executive Director of Wild Rivers Conservancy of the St. Croix and Namekagon, as well as five learning stations with mini-presentations. Participants will also enjoy dinner, beautiful views of the river, and plenty of time for conversations and networking.
Your ticket includes dinner and a cash bar. $30 per person.
Free Well Water Screening Clinic
Have a private well? Bring in a water sample to be tested for nitrate and chloride.
Landscape Revival Plant Sale (Lake Elmo)
Market: Purchase MN native plants from multiple growers. No systemic insecticides.
Expo: Learn to select and grow native plants for pollinators, wildlife, and water quality. Visit with educators and experts from conservation and environmental organizations. Get your landscaping questions answered.
9am - 1pm + food truck
AIS Detectors Training
If you love lakes and spending time outdoors, you can help to prevent the spread of AIS this summer by becoming a certified AIS Detector. AIS Detectors participate in a volunteer training taught by the University of Minnesota. More information HERE. The course consists of two portions: a self-paced online course (approx. 8hrs) and a live workshop with instructors, held on either June 3 and 4 (1-4pm, online) or June 6 (9am-5pm, in person at New Brighton Community Center).
The New Brighton Workshop is free and open to all, thanks to a sponsorship from the Rice Creek Watershed District. To inquire about scholarships for Washington County residents attending the June 3-4 online workshop, please contact angie.hong@mnwcd.org.
June 5th Special Meeting
A quorum of Board Managers for the Carnelian Marine St. Croix Watershed District may be present at the May Township monthly meeting where the watershed district is on the agenda. The meeting will start at 7:00 p.m. at May Township Hall located at 13939 Norrell Ave N, Stillwater, MN 55082.
Wetlands of Afton & the St. Croix Valley
From seepage springs filled with skunk cabbage and marsh marigold, to floodplain forests, marshes, and golden tamarack bogs, the St. Croix watershed is home to many different wetlands.
Learn about some of the unique wetland habitats you can visit in Afton and the greater St. Croix watershed and get advice on how to enhance wetlands on your property with native plants and other landscaping features that add beauty, provide habitat, and help to protect water quality.
This is a free event, hosted by the Afton History Museum, with light refreshments provided. RSVP by June 2nd.
May 27 Board of Managers Meeting
The Carnelian Marine St. Croix Watershed District will hold the regular meeting at Scandia City Hall located at 14727 209th St N, Scandia, MN 55073. CMSCWD Board Manages and staff will be present at the meeting location. The public is invited and welcome to attend in person or via Zoom.
Shoreline Planting Workshop
Designers from Metro Blooms Design+Build will cover the importance of restoring native plants to shorelines and the impact it has on water quality and native habitat.
You will go over site assessment, unique shoreline considerations, native plants for shorelines and aquatic zones, buffer plantings and more! Participants will also receive a Resilient Shorelines workbook and access to the accompanying online learning series.
You can register for the workshop HERE
Belwin Bison Festival
This beloved annual event features the release of the 2025 Northstar Bison herd onto Belwin’s Bison Prairie. In addition to the release, visitors can also enjoy fun activities for all ages, such as live music, eco-arts, and food trucks. There will also be a 5k “Run with the Bison” Fun Run so visitors can run through the Prairie before the bison are released. You can buy tickets and register for the 5k HERE.
Washington County Master Gardener Plant Sale + Garden Expo
Come explore an abundance of sprouts and seedlings to add to gardens and planters this summer. Plants are either grown by Master Gardener volunteers or purchased from local plant nurseries. The plants are cultivated without pesticides and grown in sterile potting soil to prevent the spread of jumping worms, a recent invasive pest in our state. Choose from hundreds of varieties of plants including annuals and perennials, native and prairie plants, monarch and pollinator favorites, grasses, shade loving plants, and vegetables including heirloom tomatoes and herbs
Invasive Plant Removal and Native Tree Planting
Lumberjack Landing is an in-progress park north of downtown Stillwater, that will soon offer access to canoes and kayaks. Restoration efforts include removing invasive species and planting native plants and trees in the cleared understory.
Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to attend! No previous knowledge or experience is necessary. Hearty snacks, coffee, and water will be provided. Register for the event HERE.
Ramsey County Master Gardener Plant Sale
Every May, Ramsey County Master Gardeners host a plant sale offering a large variety of annual flowers, natives, perennials, herbs, vegetables and houseplants for your home and garden.
Doors open at 9 AM and plants are sold on a first-come-first-serve basis. Ample, free lot parking is available
May 14 Board of Managers Meeting
The Carnelian Marine St. Croix Watershed District will hold the regular meeting at Scandia City Hall located at 14727 209th St N, Scandia, MN 55073. CMSCWD Board Manages and staff will be present at the meeting location. The public is invited and welcome to attend in person or via Zoom.
May 13 Permit Review Meeting
The Carnelian Marine St. Croix Watershed District will hold a permit review meeting at its offices located at 11660 Myeron Road North in Stillwater.
CMSCWD Board Managers will be present to review permit applications and applicable rules for projects on the consent agenda for the following regularly scheduled meeting. This meeting is informational, and no decisions will be made. Attendance for Board Managers is optional.
Planting for Clean Water – Wonderful Wetlands
Do you live on or near a marsh or wetland?
Learn about the unique plants and animals that are found in wetlands, what makes wetlands special, invasive species, and rules that affect what landowners can and can’t do with wetlands on their properties.
Get advice on how to enhance your wetland yard with native plants and other landscaping features that add beauty, provide habitat, and help to protect water quality.
April 9 Board of Managers Meeting
The Carnelian Marine St. Croix Watershed District will hold the regular meeting at Scandia City Hall located at 14727 209th St N, Scandia, MN 55073. CMSCWD Board Manages and staff will be present at the meeting location. The public is invited and welcome to attend in person or via Zoom.
Tree Stewards Volunteer Training
This FREE training will give you the knowledge to help care for trees in your community. As a Tree Steward, you will be trained in: basic tree biology and identification, best practices for planting, mulching, watering, staking, fertilizing, and trunk protection, developmental pruning of young trees, pruning suckers and sprouts, and common tree disease, pests, and defects.
Planting for Pollinators Webinar (Copy)
Bring on the butterflies! Your yard can help to support songbirds, pollinators, and wildlife - AND look beautiful! During this workshop we'll talk about what to plant, how to get started, where to buy native plants in Minnesota and western Wisconsin, and where to find additional support for planting projects. Learn about native gardens, bee lawns, flowering trees and shrubs, and prairies.
Whether you have a small urban lot or a large farm in the country, you can help to create pockets of habitat and connected corridors for pollinators and other wildlife in our community.
March 25 Board of Managers Meeting
The Carnelian Marine St. Croix Watershed District will hold the regular meeting at Scandia City Hall located at 14727 209th St N, Scandia, MN 55073. CMSCWD Board Manages and staff will be present at the meeting location. The public is invited and welcome to attend in person or via Zoom.
Shoreline Contractor Training
This free professional training is packed with information and resources to help you create better shoreline projects that meet state and local rules, protect fish and wildlife, and provide your clients with the quintessential Minnesota experience.
March 12 Board of Managers Meeting
The Carnelian Marine St. Croix Watershed District will hold the regular meeting at Scandia City Hall located at 14727 209th St N, Scandia, MN 55073. CMSCWD Board Manages and staff will be present at the meeting location. The public is invited and welcome to attend in person or via Zoom.
Planting for Pollinators Webinar
Bring on the butterflies! Your yard can help to support songbirds, pollinators, and wildlife - AND look beautiful! During this workshop we'll talk about what to plant, how to get started, where to buy native plants in Minnesota and western Wisconsin, and where to find additional support for planting projects. Learn about native gardens, bee lawns, flowering trees and shrubs, and prairies.
Whether you have a small urban lot or a large farm in the country, you can help to create pockets of habitat and connected corridors for pollinators and other wildlife in our community.
February 25 Board of Managers Meeting
The Carnelian Marine St. Croix Watershed District will hold the regular meeting at Scandia City Hall located at 14727 209th St N, Scandia, MN 55073. CMSCWD Board Manages and staff will be present at the meeting location. The public is invited and welcome to attend in person or via Zoom.
February 12 Board of Managers Meeting
The Carnelian Marine St. Croix Watershed District will hold the regular meeting at Scandia City Hall located at 14727 209th St N, Scandia, MN 55073. CMSCWD Board Manages and staff will be present at the meeting location. The public is invited and welcome to attend in person or via Zoom.
January 28 Board Meeting
The Carnelian Marine St. Croix Watershed District will hold the regular meeting at Scandia City Hall located at 14727 209th St N, Scandia, MN 55073. CMSCWD Board Manages and staff will be present at the meeting location. The public is invited and welcome to attend in person or via Zoom.
January 8 Board of Managers Meeting
The Carnelian Marine St. Croix Watershed District will hold the regular meeting at Scandia City Hall located at 14727 209th St N, Scandia, MN 55073. CMSCWD Board Manages and staff will be present at the meeting location. The public is invited and welcome to attend in person or via Zoom.
December 11 Board of Managers Meeting
The Carnelian Marine St. Croix Watershed District will hold the regular meeting at Scandia City Hall located at 14727 209th St N, Scandia, MN 55073. CMSCWD Board Manages and staff will be present at the meeting location. The public is invited and welcome to attend in person or via Zoom.
November 13 Board of Managers Meeting
The Carnelian Marine St. Croix Watershed District will hold the regular meeting at Scandia City Hall located at 14727 209th St N, Scandia, MN 55073. CMSCWD Board Manages and staff will be present at the meeting location. The public is invited and welcome to attend in person or via Zoom.
Special Meeting of the CMSCWD Board of Managers
The CMSCWD Board of Managers will be meeting with Commissioner Miron to discuss the preliminary 2025 CMSCWD Watershed Management Budget. The meeting will be held at the Washington County Government Center located at 14949 62nd Street North in Conference Room 5518.
October 23 Board of Managers Meeting
The Carnelian Marine St. Croix Watershed District will hold the regular meeting at Scandia City Hall located at 14727 209th St N, Scandia, MN 55073. CMSCWD Board Manages and staff will be present at the meeting location. The public is invited and welcome to attend in person or via Zoom.
October 18 Board of Managers Workshop
The Carnelian Marine St. Croix Watershed District will hold a special meeting to learn about existing CMSCWD rules and if time allows discuss the Bliss Addition Capital Improvement Project and Scandia Shoreland Rule Changes. CMSCWD Board Manages and staff will be present at the meeting location. The public is invited and welcome to attend in person or via Zoom.
October 9 Board of Managers Meeting
The Carnelian Marine St. Croix Watershed District will hold the regular meeting at Scandia City Hall located at 14727 209th St N, Scandia, MN 55073. CMSCWD Board Manages and staff will be present at the meeting location. The public is invited and welcome to attend in person or via Zoom.