Hello everyone! My name is Shihana. This upcoming fall I will be a senior at the University of Minnesota, and I am absolutely thrilled to be joining Carver County this summer!

Growing up, I spent countless hours in the water, whether it was swimming, kayaking, or simply splashing around with friends. The water has always been my happy place. When I'm not in the water, you'll likely find me exploring the great outdoors on a hiking trail, soaking up the beauty of nature. I love the sense of adventure that comes with discovering new paths and hidden gems in the wilderness. Another one of my passions is working on my embroidery projects while sitting with my cats. And when it's wintertime you will see me trying my best not to fall while snowboarding

This summer, I’m especially excited to help teach kids about our environment while learning more about it myself. I believe that fostering a love for nature in young minds is crucial for the future of our planet. You might see me by the lakes, assisting with water monitoring, and ensuring our aquatic ecosystems are healthy and thriving. I'll also be at various festivals, where I'll be contributing to the fun and education, sharing interesting facts about our environment, and perhaps even leading some interactive activities. Where I get to share my passion for nature and make a positive impact on our community. Whether it’s teaching a kids how identify cool bugs , or simply enjoying the festivities, I’m eager to connect with all of you and create unforgettable memories.

Hello! My name is Johnathan, and I am joining the crew at the Environmental Center as their seasonal intern! I have recently completed my freshman year at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana, where I am studying environmental engineering. My passion in the environmental field stems from my love of outdoor activities and the commitment to preserving the environment for generations to enjoy. When I am not working or studying, you can often find me on the rivers fishing, biking in the mountains or hills, or out in the woods camping. This summer, my main focus will be at the Environmental Center serving the community and learning about hazardous wastes. Additionally, I am excited to have the opportunity to explore what other departments provide!

The higher acetochlor levels have typically occurred during the time between May 3rd and June 4th, which coincides with planting or preemergence application of herbicides on crop fields, along with time of heavy spring rains and storm flows.

Putting small plastics in your curbside recycling cart might seem like a convenient way to dispose of them, but it can do more harm than good. Small plastics like bottle caps, straws, and plastic utensils often end up causing issues at recycling facilities.

These small items fall through the sorting machinery and end up contaminating other recyclables or causing equipment jams. This can lead to higher processing costs and lower efficiency in recycling operations. Additionally, small plastics are often made from different types of plastic resins, making them difficult to sort and recycle effectively.

Bottle caps can be recycled as long as they are placed back on a bottle. Instead of putting small plastics in your curbside recycling cart, look for alternative ways to dispose of them or place them in the trash. The best option is to reduce the use of single-use plastics altogether.

Need more help figuring out what to recycle? Try Carver County’s recycling app Betterbin.