Cannon River Watershed Joint Powers Organization

06/17/2026

Join us tonight!

It's still pretty soggy out there, better spend the evening with MNWiC and Cannon River Watershed Joint Powers Organization learning about managing invasive species in woodlands and shorelines 🙃. We'll be joined by Cheryl Jirik from Landscape Restoration LLC:

Focusing on the restoration of our native habitats and controlling non-native invasive plant species, Cheryl started Landscape Restoration, Inc. in 2010. She has worked with many landowners, land managers, and volunteers in the public and private sector. Cheryl’s restoration efforts have been applied to her own 115 acres which are comprised of woods, wetlands, prairies and agriculture. Cheryl especially enjoys educating landowners and speaking publicly to assist others with similar interests and goals.

06/11/2026

There is still time to register for this great event next Wednesday!

🌿 Women-Focused Learning Circle on Invasive Species Management

Join individuals from across the Cannon River Watershed for an evening of women-focused conversation and connection on invasive species management across woodland and lake shore ecosystems.

📅 Wednesday, June 17
🕕 6:00 p.m.
📍 Forest Township Hall - Millersburg

Through an informal learning circle, attendees will have the opportunity to connect with experienced conservation professionals and land stewards, exchange ideas, ask questions, and gain hands-on experience identifying invasive species found in our region.

Whether you are just getting started or have years of experience managing your land, you'll leave with new knowledge, practical tips, and valuable connections.
☕ Coffee and cookies provided
👧 Children are welcome

Please RSVP to Teresa DeMars at (507) 332-5408 or [email protected].

Hosted by the Cannon River Watershed Joint Powers Organization and Minnesota Women in Conservation

-with Le Sueur County - Government, Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District, Rice Soil and Water Conservation District, Goodhue County, Goodhue County SWCD, Steele County, Steele County SWCD, Rice County Environmental Services, Rice County Master Gardeners (U of MN), Waseca Soil & Water Conservation District -Waseca SWCD, Le Sueur County Environmental Services, Le Sueur County Master Gardeners,

05/20/2026

Please join MNWIC for a grazerific day at New Story Farm (NSF) in Hutchinson, MN on June 23rd from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm.

In collaboration with MN Soil Health Coalition and NSF, we invite you to join us on an educational journey through warm and cool season pastures to learn more about silvopasture, NRCS cost-share opportunities, and other funding ideas that support rotational grazing systems and farmers, along with a Mobile Water Wagon and Paddock Rotation Demos. All are welcome!

Register here: https://www.mnsoilhealth.org/event/new-story-farm-intensive-rotational-grazing-field-day/

05/07/2026

04/22/2026

Spring cleaning? Don’t forget your septic system.

You don’t want to be that neighbor 😬

A full septic system can lead to messy (and costly) problems—and impact local water quality. The good news? Regular maintenance can keep everything flowing the way it should.

💧 Protect your home
💧 Protect your water
💧 Protect local water quality

👉 Learn more about septic maintenance and available programs for septic replacement on our website.

https://www.cannonriverwatershedmn.gov/septicsystemmaintenance

04/21/2026

A great opportunity for area farmers!

🚜🌽Calling all farmers in Rice, Steele, Waseca, and Freeborn Counties! Reserve your spot on the bus for the Southeast MN Soil Health Bus Tour to the 2026 Strip Tillage Conference! 🚍 Farmers from these counties get first dibs on the bus until May 1st, then the registration will be opened up to all producers and ag professionals in southeastern Minnesota.

Register today: 👉 https://www.riceswcd.org/bustour2026

Join us August 5–7 for three days of learning, networking, and real-world ideas you can bring back to your operation.

✔️ Pre-conference workshop
✔️ Two days of expert-led sessions
✔️ Time to connect with other farmers
✔️ Practical soil health and strip-till strategies

💲 Just $100 to attend
🪑 Spots are limited—secure yours today!

-with Freeborn Area Soil Health Team, Steele County SWCD, Waseca Soil & Water Conservation District -Waseca SWCD, Freeborn County Soil & Water Conservation District - Freeborn SWCD

03/18/2026

🌼 Protect your lake while creating a beautiful shoreline! 🌊
Native plants do more than look great. Their deep roots help filter pollutants, prevent erosion, absorb stormwater, and support pollinators and wildlife.

If you live along a lake in the Cannon River Watershed, you may qualify for a $500 grant to plant native vegetation along your shoreland.

We have staff who can provide one-on-one assistance with site evaluations, plant selection, and shoreline planning.

🌿 Plant native. Protect your lake. Apply today. Click on the link below to learn more.

https://www.cannonriverwatershedmn.gov/nativeshoreland

03/17/2026

🌼 Protect your lake while creating a beautiful shoreline! 🌊

Native plants do more than look great. Their deep roots help filter pollutants, prevent erosion, absorb stormwater, and support pollinators and wildlife.

If you live along a lake in the Cannon River Watershed, you may qualify for a $500 grant to plant native vegetation along your shoreland.

We have staff who can provide one-on-one assistance with site evaluations, plant selection, and shoreline planning.

🌿 Plant native. Protect your lake. Apply today. Click on the link below to learn more.


https://www.cannonriverwatershedmn.gov/nativeshoreland

-with Waseca Soil & Water Conservation District -Waseca SWCD, Le Sueur County - Government, Le Sueur County SWCD, Rice County Environmental Services, Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District, Goodhue County SWCD, Steele County, Steele County SWCD, Goodhue County, Rice County, Le Sueur County Environmental Services

03/12/2026

🌿 Learn About Native Landscaping at Upcoming Events! 🌿

Looking to create a yard that supports pollinators, protects water quality, and looks beautiful all season long? Residents of the Cannon River Watershed are invited to explore the benefits of native landscaping through several upcoming workshops and events this spring.

Native plants have deep root systems that help filter runoff, stabilize soil, and absorb excess rainwater before it reaches lakes and rivers. They also provide critical habitat for butterflies, bees, and other wildlife. Even small changes to your yard or shoreline can make a big difference for local water quality.

📅 Upcoming learning opportunities include:
• Shrink Your Lawn – March 12, 7–8 PM, Emmaus Baptist Church (Northfield)
• Planting for Pollinators (Online Webinar) – March 20, 7–8 PM
• Landscaping for Clean Water Intro Class (Online) – March 24, 6–7:30 PM
• Rain Gardens: Plan, Prep, Plant, Maintain (Virtual Workshop) – March 26, 6–7 PM
• Le Sueur County Horticulture Day – April 11, 8:30 AM–3 PM, Le Center
• Landscaping for Clean Water Intro Class (Online) – April 22, 6–7:30 PM

The Cannon River Watershed Joint Powers Organization also offers FREE one-on-one assistance for watershed residents interested in native shoreland plantings. Get help with site evaluations, plant selection, shoreline restoration planning, and funding opportunities.

💧 Up to $500 in cost-share funding is available for eligible native shoreland plantings in the Cannon River Watershed.

Learn more:
https://www.cannonriverwatershedmn.gov/nativeshoreland



-with Le Sueur County - Government, Le Sueur County SWCD, Le Sueur County Environmental Services, Rice County Environmental Services, Rice Soil and Water Conservation District, Steele County, Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District, Goodhue County, Goodhue County SWCD, Waseca Soil & Water Conservation District -Waseca SWCD, Scott Soil & Water Conservation District, Le Sueur County Master Gardeners, @

02/25/2026

It was a great day to learn about strip-till, soil health, and cover crops last week at the HWY 14 Soil Health Winter Workshop! If you are interested in implementing these conservation practices on your farm, now is the time. Cost-share funds are available. Contact your local SWCD today to learn more!