10 things you can do to protect Minnesota lakes, rivers, and streams
No matter where you live, your choices are powerful because our water system is connected. The raindrops that fall on our streets flow through storm drains that empty directly into our lakes, creeks, rivers, and wetlands.
Raindrops pick up chemicals, pollutants, and debris that they touch along the way. Every point in a raindrop’s path is an opportunity to improve our water quality.
See the 10 things you can do to protect Minnesota’s lakes, rivers, and streams brochure (PDF).
Sign up to adopt a drain
Water entering the storm drains on our streets flow directly into the nearest body of water, carrying leaves, grass, soil, litter, and anything else picked up along the way. This clogs stormwater infrastructure, contributes to street flooding, harms wildlife, and pollutes our waters.
You can help by adopting a storm drain and volunteering just 15 minutes, twice a month, to keep it clean. Learn more, sign up, and report your impact. To learn how to sort the litter you pick up, refer to the waste sort guide for litter cleanups (PDF).
Create habitat for pollinators
Pollinators like bees and butterflies are essential for the food we eat, the health of our environment and the beauty of our world.
We rely on native bees and other pollinators to pollinate fruits and vegetables like apples, tomatoes, pumpkins, and strawberries. Pollination is also critical for the production of oils, fibers, biofuels, and dairy and meat products. Unfortunately, pollinator populations are declining. But we can all help — residential yards have huge potential as pollinator habitat.
Plant a bee lawn
Provide habitat for pollinators (and cut down on yard work!) by replacing your turfgrass with low-growing native plants.
- Be a champion of pollinator habitat: Plant native pollinator friendly flowers at home and encourage landlords, neighbors, and local businesses to join in too!
- Leave your gardens messy: Last year’s plants, leaves, seedheads and stems provide important winter and nesting habitat.
- Keep flowers clean: Do not treat flowers with pesticides.
Learn more:
- Pollinator habitat flyer (PDF)
- University of Minnesota Extension growing landscapes to help bees and other pollinators
- Blue Thumb planting for clean water and pollinators
- Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources lawns to legumes program and pollinator resources
- Minnesota Department of Natural Resources pollinator resources
Provide habitat for birds and bats
The 300 bird species and at least seven bat species that call Hennepin County home play a vital role in our ecosystems. Birds spread seeds, pollinate flowers and trees, and create places for other animals to nest. Bats control pests and provide fertilizer. Birds and bats also give us entertainment, inspiration, and connections to nature!
Unfortunately, bird and bat populations are threatened by habitat loss, cat predation, collisions with buildings and cars, pesticides, plastics, diseases, and climate change. The good news: there are many actions we can take to work against these threats and help our flying friends!
Download and print the bird BINGO card (PDF) to get to know the birds living in your neighborhood.
Learn more about how to support backyard bird populations (PDF), provide habitat for birds (PDF), and build and maintain a bat house (PDF).
These and other print materials covering a wide variety of environmental topics are available to individuals, community groups, municipalities and schools in Hennepin County at no charge.
See what's available and place an order.
Be a responsible pet owner and scoop that poop
Being a pet owner comes with many responsibilities, and let’s be honest, they aren’t all fun! Even though picking up pet waste is not anyone’s favorite task, it is undoubtedly better than swimming in it. Download the pet waste flyer (PDF) to learn more.
What’s the problem with pet waste?
Pet waste that isn’t picked up washes into nearby storm drains in the street and directly into our lakes, rivers, and streams with no filtering. This waste adds excess nutrients into the water, which can cause algae blooms leading to beach closures in the summer.
Pet waste also pollutes the water with harmful bacteria such as E. coli. Bacteria in the water can harm our health and transmit diseases to pets and wildlife.
The solution is easy!
Although we don’t love to talk about it, picking up your pet waste is a big deal. Not only does it make you a responsible pet owner, but it helps protect water quality and public health. Not to mention, it’s the law. Help keep our waters safe for swimming and fishing by scooping that poop! Learn more from the West Metro Water Alliance.
Get inspiration and tips for taking action on Clean Water MN
Clean Water MN celebrates metro area residents who take actions to protect water. The website tells the stories of local residents acting both independently and collectively to have a positive impact on water quality. Tips, resources, and how-tos are also included to help anyone who wants to join in protecting lakes and rivers.