2008 Upcoming Events

Photo of the "Geology of the Minnesota River" presentation.

· January 17th (Thursday) – “The Geology of the Minnesota River” This presentation by Carrie Jennings, MN Geology Survey brought out over 120 people from as far as Bloomington to the Chippewa County Courthouse in Montevideo. They were treated to an informative and easy to understand talk on how the Minnesota River formed. Co-sponsor: Clean Up the River Environment (CURE).

· February 14th (Thursday) – “Rock Outcrops – Treasures of The Valley” Twenty people braved the cold to hear Tom Kalahar, Renville SWCD and see photos by Ron Bolduan, Minnesota River Valley Photographer in a discussion about the importance of the unique rock outcrops found in the Minnesota River Watershed. We are planning to host future presentations in other communities including Mankato, Henderson, etc. Co-sponsor: Regional River History Center of New Ulm.

· April 8th, 9th and 10th (Tuesday – Thursday) – “Conservation Drainage Symposiums” in Montevideo, New Ulm and Bloomington. Learn how this new technology is being advanced to allow farmers to selectively meter tile drainage, keep nutrients from leaching into tile lines, improve yields and reduce excessive streambank erosion. Each one goes from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Co-sponsors: Minnesota River Board, MN Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Drainage Management Coalition and MN Pollution Control Agency, CURE, Friends of the MN Valley and CCMR.

· April 17th (Thursday) – “Rain Gardens for Water Quality.” Join Gregg Thompson, Landscape Restoration Specialist with Association of Metropolitan SWCD for a look at how rain gardens soak up storm water runoff and provide other environmental benefits. Starts at 7:00 p.m. at the Ney Nature Center, outside of Henderson. Co-sponsors: Minnesota Earth Sabbath, Ney Nature Center, High Island Creek Clean Water Partnership and Minnesota River Board.

· June 14th (Saturday) - “Nature hike at the Gneiss Scientific and Natural Area” for a tour by Ron Bolduan, Minnesota River Valley Photographer. Ron has spent many hours exploring this SNA and shooting amazing photos. On the hike Ron will show off some of his favorite spots and demonstrate techniques for photographing wildlife. Starts at 9 a.m. at the Gneiss SNA and will wrap up around 12 noon. Co-sponsors: Regional River History Center of New Ulm.

· September 5th & 6th (Friday & Saturday) – “Explore the Wonderful World of Mussels” weekend for a presentation and hike about mussels by Mike Davis and Bernard Sietman, MN DNR. On Friday a presentation will begin at 7 p.m. in the Chippewa County Courthouse Assembly Room, Montevideo and the hike will take place on the Chippewa River on Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Co-sponsored by Chippewa River Watershed Project.

Photo from Mussel Hike on the Cottonwood River in Flandreau State Park, New Ulm – September 23rd, 2007

For more information on these events contact Scott Kudelka, communications coordinator at 507-389-2304 or email scott.kudelka@mnsu.edu