Freshwater Society

06/09/2026

Cities across the country are installing alternatives to regular asphalt in order to reduce and stormwater runoff while countering the urban heat island effect.💧☀️

Parking lots aren't eco-friendly. What are the alternatives?

06/05/2026

We enjoyed connecting with a great mix of water champions last night at our 2026 Legislative Session Wrap-up. With guests representing state and local government, water industry, and conservation, we discussed outcomes from this year's Minnesota legislative session, along with how we can work together on the water challenges that lie ahead.💧

To learn more, read our session recap: https://freshwater.org/2026/06/03/2026-minnesota-legislative-session-yields-mixed-results-for-water/

06/02/2026

Today is National Mississippi River Day!

From its headwaters here in Minnesota to the Gulf, the Mississippi spans 2,350 miles and touches the lives of tens of millions of people. It's a source of drinking water for 20 million people, a home for wildlife, a highway for commerce, and a gathering place for communities across 10 states.

Today, we celebrate the River — and recommit to protecting it.
Learn more: https://www.mississippiriver.org/national-mississippi-river-day

1 Mississippi

05/29/2026

Today was a very special day in Saint Paul as hundreds of supporters celebrated the grand opening of the Waḳaƞ Ṭípi Center. Tribal and government leaders shared perspectives on the monumental efforts and partnerships that brought the project to fruition, and they spoke of the significance in reclaiming this land as a sacred Dakota gathering place. Learn about its history here: https://www.wakantipi.org/wakan-tipi

We look forward to all that's to come for Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi and offer our heartfelt congratulations on this important milestone!

05/28/2026

Cheers to Capitol Region Watershed District for hosting the We Are Water MN exhibit now through June 14. Be sure to stop by and learn about Minnesota watersheds and what's being done to protect and restore water quality throughout our state.💧

05/21/2026

The 2027 Minnesota Weatherguide Environment Calendar and Almanac is officially in production and will be available for purchase this August! Keep an eye out for updates on where you’ll be able to pick up a copy.

In the meantime, here’s a little sneak peek at some of the stunning photos featured in this year’s calendar.

05/18/2026

As the Minnesota legislative session came to conclusion last night, we appreciate the passage of a $1.2 billion bonding bill, which includes $420 million for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects. The Minnesota Department of Health also received $1.8 million from the General Fund for drinking water regionalization planning grants, a positive step toward strengthening water systems for small and rural communities.

We are disappointed to see only $15 million allocated to lead service line replacement. With an estimated $1 billion needed to replace Minnesota’s lead service lines over the next 10 years, there was bipartisan support for at least $100 million this session to keep this work on track across the state.

Importantly, dedicating state funding for natural resources was upheld with the passage of bills to fund projects from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund ($102 million) and the Outdoor Heritage Fund ($191 million).

Thanks to the legislators and partners who advocated for water funding this year. With aging infrastructure and climbing construction costs, it will take significant investment to provide clean water for all Minnesotans.

Here's a good recap of the bonding bill from MinnPost:

About a third of the Minnesota bonding bill will go toward helping local governments build or upgrade wastewater or drinking water plants.

05/15/2026

Be sure to RSVP by May 22 for Beneath Our Boots, a free educational event on June 17 at Sibley County Courthouse. Learn about the history of farming's impact on the regional landscape and how regenerative practices can restore soil health. Speakers are Freshwater Research and Policy Director Carrie Jennings, local producer Karl Schauer, and University of Minnesota Extension Educator Taylor Herbert.

Space is limited, so reserve your spot by emailing: [email protected]

🌱👢 What’s happening beneath your boots? 👢🌱

Join us for a FREE event exploring Soil Health, Local Geology, and Real-World Farming — and yes, FREE lunch is included!

Discover how our soils were formed over the last 10,000 years, how farming practices impact water and land locally and downstream, and what regenerative practices can do to restore soil structure and function.

You’ll hear from:
🔎 Carrie Jennings, PhD Geologist, on glacial history and soil formation
🌽 Karl Schauer, local producer, sharing his soil health journey
🌾 Taylor Herbert, UMN Extension, on cover crops after canning crops

📅 Wednesday, June 17, 2026
⏰ 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Lunch served at noon)
📍 Sibley County Courthouse – Ga***rd

This is a great opportunity for farmers, landowners, conservation partners, and anyone interested in improving soil health and water quality in our region.

👉 RSVP by May 22 — space is limited!
📞 507-702-7077
📧 [email protected]

Take a look at the flyer for full details — we hope to see you there!

05/14/2026

In the midst of complex water challenges, there are so many reasons to be hopeful. Last night, we gathered at the University of St. Thomas for a film screening and reception that featured student work from the We Are Water interdisciplinary honors seminar courses co-taught by Freshwater board member Dr. Ali Ling (Civil Engineering) and Dr. Laurel Potter (Theology). Each student presented their dreams of a viable future for a particular water source, sparking a wide range of engaging conversations with those in attendance, which included a number of Freshwater members and Minnesota Water Stewards.

We then viewed the global film Our Blue World, a collection of inspiring stories that describe how holistic planning and traditional ecological knowledge can inform lasting solutions to water problems all over the world. To quote the film, “By relearning the wisdom of our ancestors and fusing it with modern science and technology, we can transform this world for the better.” We appreciate Brave Blue World for producing this powerful film to help us imagine the future of water together!