Whether through volunteering with a group, chipping in on your own time, or attending an upcoming event, there are numerous ways to get involved in the watershed during Earth Week and beyond. 

Volunteering helps keep local waters clean

Earth Month is also National Volunteer Month, the perfect time to celebrate the environment and get involved in protecting it.

• Earth Week Lake Cleanup. Join a group of volunteers for fresh spring air and lakeshore cleaning on Saturday, April 25th. Attendees will gather at 10:00 am to remove trash from along the lakes at Vadnais-Snail Lake Park. This event is open to all, but advance registration is requested.
• Watershed Action Volunteers Meeting. On Thursday, April 30^th, the Watershed Action Volunteers will meet to hear about upcoming volunteer opportunities and provide input on what’s ahead for 2026. The meeting is open to all watershed residents, but registration is requested.
• Independent volunteer opportunities are also possible through VLAWMO. From Adopt a Drain to otter spotting and even photography, there are many ways to support local waters.
• Looking for inspiration? Read about how this year’s Watershed Steward Award winner, Gina Ganno Schmidt, has shown up for water stewardship. 

Landscaping choices can make a splash for clean water

As you gear up for spring landscaping, keep in mind that VLAWMO and partners have local resources available.

• Wondering how your plants can protect water? Learn more about what’s possible and plan your garden with the help of experts. Join VLAWMO and partners for an upcoming workshop on Planting for Clean Water. This workshop is free for VLAWMO and RWMWD residents, but registration is required. Learn more and sign up on the Blue Thumb website.

• Have a project in mind? VLAWMO has funding available for installing water quality improvement projects that benefit local lakes, streams, and wetlands. The first step for interested residents is submitting a site visit interest form. Learn more about VLAWMO’s grant programs and find the site visit form on the Landscape Grants page.
• Already received a VLAWMO grant and looking to spread the word? “Cues to care” such as signage near a clean water planting can help passersby understand your project. New yard signs are available to VLAWMO grant recipients at no cost. Grantees with previous signage are invited to request an updated sign. New grant recipients will be able to request a sign after a closeout site visit has been completed. Visit the online form to request a yard sign.

Little steps add up for clean water

Picking up pet waste, making sure only rain goes down the drain, and cutting back on salt use in winter are just a few ways to keep water clean during Earth Week and beyond. The Take Action page has more information on small steps that add up for clean water. As Earth Month celebrations unfold, the VLAWMO team appreciates all the community actions taken to protect local lakes, streams, and wetlands.