Posted on August 15, 2024
The story of a shoreline restoration on Birch Lake.

Posted on July 9, 2024
Hear from a local resident who brought together lo-mow fescue, a raingarden, and a shoreline restoration to rejuvenate his yardwork routine.

Posted on June 20, 2024
VLAWMO is recruiting MN Water Stewards for the 2024-25 cohort.

Posted on May 13, 2024
An interview with a homeowner of a newly installed raingarden, bee lawn, and backyard prairie planting.

Posted on May 10, 2024
May and June are great times to practice water-minded yard care and explore new techniques. Check out this article for where to start and links to more info.

Posted on February 26, 2024
A recent glimpse of river otter activity in the watershed.

Posted on December 12, 2023
Announcing this year's watershed award recipients! Check out these inspiring stories of local water leadership and partnerships.

Posted on December 8, 2023
A White Bear Lake spotlight on a downspout raingarden and shady native planting with an overflow swale and walking path.

Posted on October 12, 2023
VLAWMO's new Minnesota Water Steward completes her capstone project on Beetle Rearing at Rice Lake in White Bear Township.

Posted on September 20, 2023
A special pollinator planting at the historic White Bear Town Hall.

Posted on August 9, 2023
A bee lawn plus various native plantings in White Bear Lake.

Posted on June 23, 2023
VLAWMO Administrator Phil Belfiori presents to the White Bear Lake Rotary Club. Recorded May 24th 2023.

Posted on June 6, 2023
A look at a new smart irrigation program at the City of Vadnais Heights and White Bear Township plus tips on water conservation for any type of lawn watering.

Posted on April 26, 2023
An overview of the pros and cons of "No Mow May" and a holistic approach to a year-round yard routine that supports soil, water, and pollinators.

Posted on April 19, 2023
VLAWMO celebrates Technical Commission Chair Jesse Farrell as he concludes his time serving on the TEC.

Posted on February 3, 2023
Stories and insights learned from stormwater and soil improvements in White Bear Township.

Posted on January 11, 2023
VLAWMO thanks Bob Larson for his time on the Technical Commission.

Posted on December 19, 2022
VLAWMO is pleased to present this year's Watershed Award recipients. Check our their stories here!

Posted on December 16, 2022
VLAWMO thanks Patricia Youker for her time on the Board of Directors.

Posted on December 12, 2022
A native wetland buffer associated with Birch Lake in White Bear Lake.

Posted on November 9, 2022
VLAWMO extends its gratitude to Paul Duxbury for over 5 years of service on the VLAWMO Technical Commission.

Posted on November 7, 2022
A look at a raingarden, sedge groundcover, and green roof.

Posted on October 17, 2022
VLAWMO sends its thanks to local Boy Scout Alex Nelson for undertaking a raingarden renovation project for his Eagle Scout badge.

Posted on September 22, 2022
Fall marks one of the best times of year for this convenient lake care strategy.

Posted on September 13, 2022
A summary of carp removal activities on Pleasant Lake during the summer of 2022.

Posted on August 4, 2022
Yellow iris looks pretty, but its attractive appearance obscures its reality for local wetlands and waterways.

Posted on July 20, 2022
How to approach turf care, blue-green algae, and drought conditions in mid to late summer.

Posted on May 18, 2022
No Mow May is a terrific idea for supporting pollinators, however grass type and other factors may influence long-term lawn and pollinator success.

Posted on May 17, 2022
A look at carp removal efforts from May 2022 as a strategy for improving Pleasant Lake.

Posted on April 21, 2022
A look at the progress made with invasive buckthorn removal at Vadnais Heights City Hall.

Posted on April 1, 2022
Hear the backstory of Katherine Doll's raingardens and native plantings, and glean a few tips based on her experience.

Posted on March 30, 2022
Lauren Sampedro is newly serving as VLAWMO's Watershed Technician and Program Coordinator. Get to know Lauren and what she'll be working on here!

Posted on March 3, 2022
An interview with Diane Gorder to hear about her prairie and slope restorations.

Posted on January 12, 2022
A look at the trailcam happenings near the Lambert Lake Pond and Meander.

Posted on December 1, 2021
VLAWMO is pleased to introduce this year's annual watershed award recipients.

Posted on November 15, 2021
HIsdahl's Trophy in White Bear Lake features a raingarden, underground downspout connection, and slope stabilization to accompany their new building at their Highway 96 location.

Posted on November 2, 2021
A summary of the Upstream tea ceremony program and an opportunity to continue telling water stories.

Posted on October 25, 2021
Each year residential and business cost-share projects help improve water storage, water quality, and soil health. Here are a few highlights from 2021.

Posted on September 2, 2021
This raingarden in White Bear Lake is inspired by Zen gardening and features native mosses along with several drainage and grading strategies.

Posted on August 18, 2021
An update on otter activity in the watershed from Fall, 2020 to Summer, 2021.

Posted on July 15, 2021
A guide to algae, blue-green algae, and aquatic plants.

Posted on June 4, 2021
A photo slideshow of a loon family raising young at West Vadnais Lake.

Posted on May 3, 2021
The specs and stories behind a cooperative raingarden that overlaps two properties.

Posted on April 22, 2021
Isabel LaLonde reflects on her experience helping restore a wooded wetland and getting acquainted with its wildlife.

Posted on April 8, 2021
Glimpse the state of the watershed with this summary of our 2020 lake and creek monitoring efforts.

Posted on March 5, 2021
A neighborhood spotlight featuring a raingarden, shade native planting, alternative groundcover, and erosion control.

Posted on February 5, 2021
Claire Benson from the UMN College of Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Science shares her research on River Otters, parasites, and their environmental connections.

Posted on January 5, 2021
A storymap of the otters found in the watershed, with opportunities to be involved with the spotting efforts.

Posted on January 4, 2021
A look at a large raingarden blended into a native planting, complete with rainbarrels and wet basement solutions.

Posted on December 16, 2020
A guest blog entry reflecting on fieldwork service removing invasive buckthorn at a key watershed site.

Posted on December 8, 2020
Presenting this year's watershed award winners and celebrating Marty Long's years of service on the VLAWMO Board of Directors.

Posted on November 12, 2020
One in a series of articles drawing connections between wetlands and the human community.

Posted on September 17, 2020
A local resident shares his experience in winter maintenance and adopt-a-drain.

Posted on September 10, 2020
VLAWMO is pleased to offer this engaging, family-friendly activity book for students, families, and kids of all ages!

Posted on September 9, 2020
A four-part video series taking a closer look at floodplain management and the Lambert Lake meander project.

Posted on July 27, 2020
A new StoryMap about VLAWMO watershed wildlife.

Posted on July 15, 2020
One of a series of articles that draws connections between wetlands and the human community.

Posted on June 25, 2020
Take a close-up look at Conrad and Stacey's Birch Lake shoreline restoration.

Posted on May 19, 2020
Phil Belfiori joins VLAWMO as Watershed Administrator, bringing 25 years of experience in the field.

Posted on April 16, 2020
Journey through the watershed from the comfort of home! This frog and toad story map takes a look at what species are in the watershed, how to identify them by sound, and what they mean for environmental health.

Posted on March 26, 2020
Lake fact sheets and health (TSI) scales updated with 2019 water quality data.

Posted on March 19, 2020
A series of articles that draws connections between wetlands and the human community.

Posted on March 9, 2020
A suburban oasis: Take an up-close look at Sharon and Peter's stormwater drainage, lo-mow lawn, and native prairie planting.

Posted on March 4, 2020
This article is one in a series that draws connection between wetlands and the human community.

Posted on February 27, 2020
Congratulations to Diane Gorder, who was nominated and voted as our first annual Watershed Steward Award recipient.

Posted on February 11, 2020
Frassati Academy's watershed stewardship has included planting, education, and even a creative musical approach.

Posted on December 12, 2019
A guest presentation by Peter Boulay from the Minnesota Climatology Office.

Posted on October 14, 2019
Our annual survey is an easy 10 questions and a major tool for planning the year ahead. Help us serve you by taking a few minutes to provide your feedback - you could win a free rainbarrel or Cherry Berry gift certificate!

Posted on October 10, 2019
An outline of the challenges and opportunities surrounding Goose Lake.

Posted on September 30, 2019
Learn about the world of turf varieties and how to choose the right type for your needs. [Video]

Posted on September 23, 2019
Take a closer look at this common but intriguing wetland songbird.

Posted on September 23, 2019
Local residents Gina and Michael sparked a passion for native plants and water quality, and found ways to blend yard care into everyday life.

Posted on September 12, 2019
Take a look at a local raingarden designed to collect water from the rooftop and basement.

Posted on August 20, 2019
Storm samples provide a glimpse on how the Whitaker Treatment Wetlands filter runoff.

Posted on August 1, 2019
Dan Sandor, Ph.D, presents on turf management and irrigation practices geared towards water conservation. [Video]

Posted on July 19, 2019
RCSWCD is working diligently to complete surveys scheduled for this summer.

Posted on June 27, 2019
A summary of available lake management strategies and supporting literature. Documents and a video recording from VLAWMO Board of Directors meeting on June 26, 2019.

Posted on June 24, 2019
New monitoring technology will provide real-time data along Lambert Creek.

Posted on June 19, 2019
Our cost-share program is helping residents and businesses renovate their properties while helping improve the watershed. Check out what's going in so far, and get started on a project of your own.

Posted on May 31, 2019
This furry night flyer prefers forested areas and shallow, slow-moving water... just the fit for our watershed! A look at their habits reveals a parallel with our own.

Posted on May 31, 2019
Find out what we heard on our second survey run in the watershed and listen to the calls for yourself.

Posted on April 25, 2019
VLAWMO is conducting a frog and toad call survey to better understand the health of our wetlands.

Posted on April 23, 2019
The grass is greening up - lawn care season is nearly here. Check out these tips to stay sharp on best practices for watershed health.

Posted on April 9, 2019
Otters are active in our watershed, but residents can help us understand where they're going and what they're up to. Have you seen an otter or signs of otters?

Posted on April 5, 2019
What did we do last year? Check out our full annual report, the annual report summary, water monitoring summary, and a slideshow.

Posted on February 27, 2019
Trailcam footage from Vadnais/Sucker Regional Park.

Posted on February 26, 2019
An addition to our series on plants and animals found in Minnesota wetlands.

Posted on December 31, 2018
A closer look at the plants and animals of local wetlands.

Posted on December 14, 2018
Landuse slideshows show how our watershed has changed over decades. These images and other studies are tools in our latest lake plans.

Posted on November 30, 2018
Winter has arrived - be ready with these smart salting tips.

Posted on November 30, 2018
Photos from remote cameras placed at Tamarack Nature Center.

Posted on November 19, 2018
This charismatic tree is rich in natural history as well as symbolism.

Posted on November 16, 2018
You're invited to help us wrap-up 2018. Responses help us plan for improved water resource management.

Posted on October 3, 2018
Phenology is the study of environmental changes over time. Here's how you can try it out at home or at a nearby lake!

Posted on October 1, 2018
Ever wonder what you can do for local water quality? There's probably something that works for you!

Posted on October 1, 2018
Take a virtual tour of the watershed with our new lake fact sheets!

Posted on October 1, 2018
A local water quality leader tells the story of her backyard pond.

Posted on September 10, 2018
A look at a unique wetland sedge with a local flare.

Posted on August 29, 2018
How stormwater improvements transformed a local school and enhanced student experience.

Posted on July 31, 2018
A closer look at a the history and ecology of a common wetland character.

Posted on July 6, 2018
It’s hard to believe that three years ago — before their organic lawn care practices began — the backyard “was a disaster.”

Posted on June 29, 2018
A special feature on a native woodland planting in North Oaks.

Posted on June 1, 2018
The Whitaker Wetlands project is currently doing tests to prepare for its first summer of monitoring. Check out this video for a look at how it works.

Posted on May 8, 2018
The latest edition from our series featuring plants and animals found in our local wetlands.

Posted on May 2, 2018
A look at how Beth took on her own raingarden project on a budget. As a result, she now enjoys improved yard drainage and visits from pollinators.

Posted on April 25, 2018
This tool from the MPCA allows cities and contractors to track winter maintenance activities over time, analyze cost comparisons, and participate in state-wide strategizing concerning winter maintenance.

Posted on March 28, 2018
A look at the gardens and projects that are actively improving stormwater runoff close to home.

Posted on March 23, 2018
A lake-by-lake look at our local water quality.

Posted on March 12, 2018
Celebrate this week by checking out some groundwater resources and information for our region.

Posted on March 9, 2018
Part two in our series on getting to know wetlands.

Posted on February 12, 2018
A group of citizens are talking the issue of over salting from a policy angle.

Posted on February 1, 2018
One in a series of articles that get to know the plants and animals of wetlands.

Posted on January 12, 2018
A look at the gardens and projects that are actively improving stormwater runoff close to home.

Posted on December 12, 2017
VLAWMO's projects and lake management information is now displayed on an easy-to-use, comprehensive map.

Posted on November 28, 2017
Our treatment wetlands project has been a few years in the making. This fall most of the construction was completed, and we'll be ready for action in Spring, 2018!

Posted on November 13, 2017
A look at what's been done so far at Sucker Channel. To be completed Spring, 2018.

Posted on October 30, 2017
Data is in! A summary of the findings from the September, 2017, fish survey at Goose Lake.

Posted on October 11, 2017
A closer look at the history of this unique water resource, and what VLAWMO's done over the years to improve it.

Posted on September 12, 2017
A look at maps and figures from recent vegetation surveys on some of our Northern lakes.

Posted on September 11, 2017
An early look at recent fish surveys in the watershed.

Posted on September 7, 2017
A look at what's blooming now in the watershed.

Posted on August 1, 2017
Have you ever noticed an orange slime in a wetland or stream? What is it, and why's it there?

Posted on June 23, 2017
A look at a tiny but important part of our aquatic food chain.

Posted on May 23, 2017
A convenient, practical, and water-savvy tool for any yard.

Posted on May 1, 2017
A closer look at one of our Lambert Creek shoreline restorations.

Posted on April 20, 2017
A local partnership striving for holistic health.

Posted on April 10, 2017
A look into some recent studies on Charley and Wilkinson Lakes.

Posted on March 17, 2017
Now arriving for Spring - Here's a closer look at one of the most common birds in VLAWMO wetlands.

Posted on February 28, 2017
A look into Board member Marty Long's helicopter tour of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers.

Posted on February 15, 2017
The latest video from VLAWMO's water monitoring crew - how does road salt impact lakes?

Posted on December 29, 2016
A closer look at the largest aquatic insect found across the Eastern US - including in our watershed.

Posted on December 7, 2016
Help keep our lakes and wetlands on a "low-salt" diet.

Posted on November 15, 2016
Removing invasive species at the Sucker Lake channel, which feeds into Vadnais Lake

Posted on November 9, 2016
Join us in planning for water-friendly lawn care that's easy, helpful, and affordable. Most of all, it works!

Posted on September 30, 2016
How do floating islands clean stormponds and other small water bodies? Can floating islands be a stormwater tool in VLAWMO for the future? This exciting study in Vadnais Heights will tell us much about this new technology. Stay tuned in 2017 for the research results.

Posted on September 16, 2016
Governor Dayton invites all Minnesotans to take the Water Stewardship Pledge.

Posted on September 14, 2016
The project of summer, 2016 - a stormwater retrofit at the White Bear Montessori.

Posted on August 19, 2016
An introduction to VLAWMO's watershed infrastructure and the chain of lakes.

Posted on July 20, 2016
A rundown of VLAWMO's upcoming water plan.

Posted on June 22, 2016
Birch Lake has underwent a recent shoreline maintenance as well as a water quality sampling.

Posted on June 10, 2016
New staff member Nick Voss is excited to be coordinating Education and Outreach for VLAWMO.

Posted on June 1, 2016
VLAWMO's new automated stormwater sampler will help monitor nutrients and sediment coming into VLAWMO's chain of lakes, starting at Lake Wilkinson.

Posted on June 1, 2016
An update on the Rice Lake Purple Loosestrife control