 February 2026
 Lake Hazeltine in Chaska showing a healthy aquatic plant population after many goldfish removals
Carver County Water Management Organization's annual report provides a look at the activities accomplished and challenges encountered in the last year.
Highlights from 2025 include our Lyman bridge stream naturalization project, water quality improvements in Meuwissen Lake and Lake Hazeltine, an aquatic plant propagation project in Benton Lake, native plant workshops, and much more.
View the report to learn more about these highlights and all our work in the following program areas.
- Permitting
- Projects
- Monitoring
- Education and outreach
- Planning and research
- Administration
Got something broken at home that you're not quite ready to give up on? Fix-It Clinics are back in 2026, offering Carver County residents the chance to repair everyday items with help from skilled volunteers free of charge.
First Fix-It Clinic of 2026
Saturday, March 7
12pm to 4pm
1453 Park Road in Chanhassen
Fix-It Clinics bring community members together to learn basic repair skills and keep usable items out of the landfill. Since 2022, volunteers have helped repair more than 5,400 pounds of items including small appliances, electronics, bicycles, clothing, and more. Even when an item can't be fixed, volunteers can often help diagnose the problem and suggest next steps, replacement parts, or proper recycling and disposal options.
Register and walk ins
Participants are encouraged to register in advance to reserve a time slot, though walk-ins are welcome as space allows. Volunteers are also needed. If you enjoy fixing things or want to help others learn, consider signing up or sharing the opportunity with someone you know.
Hosted by A Better Society in partnership with Carver County Environmental Services. Additional clinics planned for May 30 and August 1, 2026.
Project WET (Water Education for Today) is an international, interdisciplinary, water-science education program. This award-winning curriculum is an exceptional resource for educators and has numerous uses including in classrooms, day camps, home school groups, and youth groups. Training designed for K12 school teachers, naturalists, natural resource volunteers, seasonal interns, and other informal educators.
When and where
What you’ll do
- Get trained on Project WET activities and become confident using them both indoors and out!
- Project WET activities are designed to be easy to use to complement existing curricula rather than replace or add additional concepts. Activities fulfill objectives and educational standards in the sciences, as well as other disciplines, from fine arts to health.
- Spend the day at a beautiful education center.
What you’ll receive
- Project WET K-12 Curriculum and Activity Guide
- 6 CEUs (continuing education units)
- Posters and other supplemental resources
- Lunch and morning refreshments
Hosted by the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District and the Carver County Water Management Organization.
President's Day weekend is one of the biggest mattress sales of the year, which means many Carver County residents may be replacing mattresses this winter. Buying a new mattress is easy, and in Carver County, so is getting rid of the old one.
When disposed of improperly, these items take up significant landfill space and contribute to illegal dumping. The good news is that mattresses are recyclable in the Twin Cities. Metal springs, wood, foam, and fabric can all be recovered and used to make new products. Mattresses that are still in usable condition may even be donated to families in need through local programs like Bridging.
Carver County Environmental Services has been helping residents recycle mattresses since 2015, keeping over 22,000 mattresses and box springs out of landfills.
Mattress Recycling Options in Carver County
Drop off at the Carver County Environmental Center.
Mattresses, box springs, and metal bed frames are accepted during regular hours. The fee is $35 per piece, regardless of size.
Curbside Mattress pickup.
For residents who can't easily transport a mattress, the county partners with Second Chance Recycling to offer a convenient curbside pickup option. Residents can schedule a pickup online, choose a collection date, and place items at the curb on pickup day.
The fee is $35 per mattress or box spring, with additional option items such as crib mattresses or foam toppers available for reduced cost. Second Chance also works to donate usable mattresses to local organizations like Bridging, giving them a second life with families in need.
For hours, current pricing, and scheduling information, visit the Environmental Center or Second Chance Recycling.
Carver County Environmental Services has an exciting announcement. The department has been awarded a grant of just over $56,000 by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency through its Organics Recycling for Multifamily Building Grant. This funding will help make organics recycling more accessible to residents living in multifamily housing.
As part of this initiative, Environmental Services in partnering with the Carver County Community Development Agency. Together they will establish new organics drop-off sites at the Community Development Agency's operated multi-family buildings. These sites will feature clear signage, secure containers, and regular hauling services to ensure convenience and reliability for residents.
Environmental Services will provide starter kits to households. These will include compostable bags, durable kitchen pails, and educational materials to help residents confidently begin organics recycling.
Environmental Services will also launch a micro-grant program for property managers, homeowner's associations, resident groups, and local units of government. These micro-grants will support efforts to implement or enhance organics recycling programs at their properties.
This project is a major step forward in reducing waste and supporting Minnesota's statewide goals for organics recycling. Together, we can make organics recycling accessible and successful for all residents.
If you have questions or would like to learn more about the program, call 952-361-1808 or e-mail Matt Steele.
 Enjoy working outdoors and educating others on protecting natural resources?
Carver County is hiring watercraft inspectors for the upcoming season to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Inspectors work at public boat launches doing inspections, educating visitors on aquatic invasive species prevention, and ensuring local and state regulation compliance. These positions are a great opportunity for students, teachers, retirees, or anyone who enjoys being outdoors and supporting lake stewardship.
Full time and part time options with flexible hours.
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