Current & Past Projects
Click each image to learn more about the associated project!
Conservation Project MAP
The Washington Conservation District has helped landowners to implement 5,000+ conservation projects ranging in size from small front yard raingardens to large-scale prairie and woodland restorations. Check out our conservation project map to learn about projects in your neighborhood.
2023-24: HOA Stormwater ToolS
We are currently developing tools to help homeowners’ associations (HOAs) maintain stormwater and green infrastructure on their properties. This project is funded, in part, by Minnesota Sea Grant and the Minnesota Water Resource Center. Read the final report from survey and focus groups conducted in 2023-24.
2014: Turtle Tunnel
This crowd favorite celebrates its 10-Year Anniversary 2024! The Turtle Tunnel is located on Hwy 4 near Big Marine Park Reserve and allows turtles and other small wildlife to safely cross the road. New research aims to provide recommendations for locations of future wildlife crossings. Check out the story map to learn more.
2024: CoMMunity Wildlife
Biodiversity is a critical component of combatting climate change. Communities can help promote biodiversity by building habitat corridors, providing backyard habitats, and educating residents about the importance of protecting the wildlife we know and love. Check out the story map to learn more and share your wildlife stories and photos.
2023: ShoreLine landowner Research
WCD helped Carnelian-Marine-St. Croix Watershed District to conduct a mailed survey of 565 lakeshore landowners on 10 lakes in northeastern Washington County. Staff also facilitated focus groups with landowners on Big Carnelian and Big Marine Lakes.
2022-24: Lawns to Legumes
WCD is currently working to create pollinator demonstration gardens in Lake St. Croix Beach, Landfall, and Willernie. This project is funded, in part, by a Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources “Lawns to Legumes” grant.
2022-23: Getting to know BIPOC and beginning farmers
This project focused on building relationships with small-scale, BIPOC, and beginning farmers in Washington County and was conducted in partnership with Big River Farms. National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) provided funding support.
2020: Protecting Drinking Water Sources in Southern Washington County
This 2020 Clean Water Fund Grant project focused on protecting drinking water quality in areas of rural southern Washington County that are vulnerable to groundwater contamination from nitrogen fertilizer.
2017-19: Master Water Stewards
A 2017 Clean Water Fund Grant provided funding to recruit and train 20 citizen volunteers as Master Water Stewards. We continue to work in partnership with Freshwater Society and our local Watershed Districts to support these Water Stewards.
2016: Invasive Species Management
This 2016 Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA) Grant project focused on controlling and/or eliminating Garlic Mustard, Grecian Foxglove, Oriental Bittersweet, Japanese Knotweed, and Buckthorn in Washington County.
2016: Ag BMP Soluble Phosphorus Reduction
This 2016 Clean Water Fund Grant project focused on reducing phosphorus discharges to the St. Croix by enhancing the soluble phosphorus removal capacity of existing or newly constructed agricultural BMPs.
2014; Lake St. Croix Rural Subwatershed Project Implementation
This 2014 Clean Water Fund Grant project focused on reducing nutrient loading to Lake St. Croix by an estimated 80-160 pounds of phosphorus, or an estimated 1% reduction through conservation projects.
2014: Top50P! Phase II
This 2014 Clean Water Fund Grant project focused on identifying the top sources of Phosphorus (P) to the St. Croix River.
2014: Green Communities
This 2014 Clean Water Fund Grant project focused on engaging homeowners’ associations (HOAs) in clean water programs like raingardens.
2013: Neal Avenue raingardens
WCD worked with Brown’s Creek Watershed District (BCWD) to design nine street-side raingardens that protect Brown’s Creek from stormwater pollution.
2013: Turf to Prairie
This 2013 Clean Water Fund Grant project focused on converting maintained turf grass areas to prairie cover to reduce phosphorus contributions to the St. Croix Basin.
2012: Green Churches
This 2012 Clean Water Fund Grant project focused on stormwater management and pollutant reduction through raingarden plantings at four Washington County churches.
2012: Grecian Foxglove Management
This 2012 Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA) Grant project focused on controlling and/or eliminating Grecian Foxglove from roadsides in Washington County.
2012: St. Croix “Green” Marinas
2012 Clean Water Fund Grant project focused on reducing phosphorus and other nutrient loading into the St. Croix from local marinas.
2012: Trout Brook Restoration
WCD worked with South Washington Watershed District (SWWD) to identify and complete high priority projects to reduce runoff to Trout Brook. SWWD has since completed multiple stream restoration projects to restore aquatic habitat and reduce downstream phosphorus and sediment export to the St. Croix River.
CLEAN WATER, LAND & LEGACY PROJECTS
Numerous Washington Conservation District projects have received funding support from the Minnesota Clean Water, Land & Legacy Amendment. This program provides annual funding to:
protect drinking water sources;
protect, enhance, and restore wetlands, prairies, forests, and fish, game, and wildlife habitat;
preserve arts and cultural heritage;
support parks and trails; and
protect, enhance, and restore lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater.
Those dollars are dedicated to four funds: Outdoor Heritage Fund, Clean Water Fund, Parks and Trails Fund, and Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. Visit the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources to read about Clean Water projects throughout the state.