Have you seen this purple flower before? While Purple Loosestrife may look appealing, it is an invasive plant, causing ecological havoc. Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria L.) is a highly invasive plant that is often found along shorelines. The plant was introduced to the US in the 1800s as an ornamental species native to Europe and Asia. […]
This spring, SWWD is undertaking a project to stabilize the stream channel between the Ravine Lake outlet and Highway 61. This project will address the erosion that this channel has seen over the past decade. The project will: To complete this project, tree clearing is necessary. Tree clearing will occur in February 2026, followed by […]
The South Washington Watershed District (SWWD) works with its partner cities to identify and develop plans, connect partners, and help secure funding for the restoration and enhancement of natural areas within city open spaces. These activities help to support the SWWD mission of enhancing open spaces to provide habitat, build soil health, create resilient natural […]
Each year in Minnesota, we spread about 445,000 tons of de-icing salts on our roads, sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots. These road salts are made of chloride and are the number one cause of chloride pollution in Minnesota waterways and groundwater. But there are ways to prevent further chloride pollution. De-icing with chloride salts is […]
Could harvesting biomass of cattails reduce nutrients and improve water quality in Armstrong Lake? The South Washington Watershed District has launched a pilot program to find out. Cattails are a species staple of Minnesota lakes and ponds. The aquatic plant grows tall and dense, quickly dominating shoreline environments. While cattails may all look the same […]
The South Washington Watershed District is thrilled to formally announce the artistic partnership with Nipinet Landsem. A new mural will be installed at the Wilmes Lake Alum Treatment Facility in Woodbury, MN. Nipinet is a muralist, illustrator, and tattoo artist based in Minneapolis, MN. Much of their work involves water and our relationship to it […]
What’s in your drinking water? Groundwater provides 100% of drinking water to those living in the South Washington Watershed District, whether it’s city pipe or a private well. While city piped water or tap water and well water in the area both come from the same source, how they are handled is different. Tap water […]
Have you ever been walking near a pond or lake and spotted what looked like a green, slimy substance on the water’s surface? You may have been seeing Blue-green algae, a harmful bacteria bloom that can occur when the temperature goes up, and nutrients are high. While Blue-green algae is often referred to as algae, […]
The South Washington Watershed District is excited to announce the selection of Taylor Mills as its Artist in Residence 2025. SWWD is honored to host another artist through its Artist in Residence program. Mills was selected from a robust applicant pool of area artists due to her unique ability to tell a story and create […]
This year’s spring cleaning list should include picking up pet waste to prevent water quality contamination in the South Washington Watershed District. Pet waste is considered pollution, and when not picked up, it can negatively impact water quality. Waste from pets contains nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as pathogens and disease-causing bacteria. But what does […]