West Metro Water Alliance

06/04/2026

Weekly Shoreline Tip #1: Keep it Gradual, Soften Your Shoreline 🌊

A gradual shoreline is a healthy shoreline. The shallow, sunlit nearshore area, known as the littoral zone or the “ribbon of life”, plays a critical role in maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems. In fact, it’s estimated that nearly 90% of freshwater species either live in or pass through this important shoreline habitat.

Rather than installing vertical retaining walls or impervious walkways, consider maintaining the natural slope of your shoreline by using sloped rock “riprap” to help dissipate the wave action’s energy and reduce erosion. Pairing this with deep-rooted native vegetation can help stabilize the shoreline, improve water quality, and provide valuable habitat for wildlife.

Interested in restoring a more natural shoreline? Contact your local conservation authority to discuss the potential for removing unnatural barriers and to learn more about shoreline permitting requirements.

Learn more: www.kawarthaconservation.com/shoreline

05/20/2026

Fall is one of the best times to plant for pollinators—and we’ll guide you every step of the way. 🍂🌼

Lawns to Legumes: Habitat at Home is a free, guided program that supports you through the process of creating or improving pollinator habitat, with guidance timed to the season.

You’ll start with site prep this summer, then move into plant selection, installation, and fall care. As the season winds down, we’ll cover seed collection, winter sowing, and how to support pollinators through the colder months.

Planting in fall gives native plants a head start—stronger roots, less watering, and better success next spring. Habitat at Home helps you take advantage of that window with step-by-step support along the way.

Join Lawns to Legumes: Habitat at Home at https://bluethumb.org/lawns-to-legumes/habitat-at-home/



Habitat at Home is offered through Lawns to Legumes, a collaborative state-funded effort administered by Blue Thumb and the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources.

05/13/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18VcevVntk/

We hope the bee was okay. Bees are nature’s tireless couriers, buzzing from flower to flower and carrying pollen that sparks new life. Their essential work fertilizes plants, enabling them to grow seeds, produce fruit, and thrive. Our own well-being, and the health of our parks and planet, depends on their wings.

Learn more about bees and pollinators, why they matter, and how you can help at: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/pollinators/index.htm

04/24/2026

May in Minnesota means native plant sales! 🌼🛒

Our 2026 list of Minnesota native plant sales covers both the Twin Cities and outstate areas. Find native wildflowers, shrubs, and trees—often at great prices! Some sales require pre-orders, so now’s the perfect time to make your plan.

Visit our full spring sales list here: https://bluethumb.org/spring-native-plant-sales-in-minnesota/

Then, use Blue Thumb resources to plan your project for clean water and pollinators! 💧🐝

04/20/2026

04/20/2026

Call for Artists: Eco-Art Extravaganza 🌿🎨

Blue Thumb is hosting our first-ever Eco-Art Extravaganza! 💧🌸 This free, community-centered event will bring together art, native plants, and clean water education in a vibrant, creative space. We’re seeking local artists who connect their work to nature, ecology, or sustainability.

Event details:

📍 The Art Shelf , Minneapolis
📅 August 1, 2026 | 11am–4pm
💵 $200 stipend for all selected artists

🌱 You’ll be part of an inspiring day featuring hands-on art-making & demos, native plant sales, pollinator & clean water education, and community connection through creativity. We are especially committed to uplifting Indigenous, Black, and artists of color, and encourage artists of all backgrounds and experience levels to apply.

📝 Apply by May 15, 2026: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdwCK_pcyKiOQQlnVNUYxmUV8n9ZoIlv9FhoPTI9YSlgmF1iQ/viewform



Funding support for the Eco-Art Extravaganza is provided by the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization. 💚

12/10/2025

👋 Champlin, it’s snowing! ☃ As you clear your driveways and sidewalks, do your part to protect Champlin’s freshwater resources. Remember, one teaspoon of salt can pollute five gallons of water forever.

Make a pledge to follow the “4 S’s” this winter:
✅ Shovel (or snow blow) and sweep as much as possible before spreading salt.
✅ Scatter salt so there is space between grains (no piles!).
✅ Switch from salt to sand (or a treated de-icer) if the temperature is under 15℉.
✅ Sweep up excess salt after the ice has melted.
Following the 4 S’s saves money, protects our community’s infrastructure, AND keeps salt out of our waterways!

Learn more about smart salting techniques and resources:
🔗 https://ci.champlin.mn.us/568/Smart-Salting

12/09/2025

River otters are playful all winter long, but they depend on clean water to thrive. This holiday season, give otters the gift of clean water by using salt smartly, keeping storm drains clear, and disposing of trash properly.
X: Give otters the gift of clean water this holiday season. Smart salting and litter prevention protect their winter playground.
Images: Minnesota river otters. Photos by Mike Budd/USFWS.