MWMO Winter Newsletter - Project Updates, News, Events and More

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Mississippi Watershed Management Organization

NEWSLETTER / WINTER 2020

Path to the River tool screenshot.

FEATURED STORY

Story Map Tool Reveals the Hidden Journey of Stormwater Runoff to the Mississippi River

How long does it take for stormwater runoff to get from your street to the Mississippi River? Our new "Path to the River" tool uses modeling data to reveal stormwater's hidden journey through our stormsewers. Experience this one-of-a-kind tool for yourself, learn how it was developed, and take a look at our our new and improved Story Map in our latest blog post.

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News

To Protect Its Greenery, Downtown Minneapolis Turns to Smart Salting

Trees on the Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis.

Over-salting is taking its toll on downtown street trees and polluting the Mississippi River. That's why the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization partnered with the Mpls Downtown Improvement District to train property managers on smart salting practices that can save them money while protecting the environment. Learn about the difficult trade-offs many property managers face when choosing how much salt to apply — and the many benefits to reducing salt usage. Read our blog post and the recent MPR News story.


Project Roundup

New Park at Towerside Features UV Treatment System for Stormwater Reuse

New pavilion under construction at Towerside Park.

A new Minneapolis city park located in the Prospect Park Neighborhood will contain a unique amenity: an ultraviolet (UV) stormwater treatment system. The system will be used to clean stormwater runoff from the neighboring Towerside District Stormwater System and make it safe to use in the park's new community garden. In addition, the treated stormwater will be used for irrigating the landscaping at the park and in the boulevards along Fourth Street SE. The neighboring properties will also be able to tap into the system. Learn more about our work at Towerside and read a Minnesota Daily story about the new park.

North Minneapolis 'Eco-Mosque' Project Moves Forward; Construction to Finish in Spring

Construction progress at Masjid An-Nur.

The oldest organized Muslim community in Minnesota, Masjid An-Nur has resided at its Lyndale Avenue North location since 1996. This fall, the mosque began construction on a new stormwater-friendly landscape. Funded by the MWMO and designed by Metro Blooms, it will feature a 10-raingarden treatment train that will redirect runoff from the mosque’s parking lot away from the building. The project will solve persistent drainage problems for the mosque, which seeks to transform itself into an “Eco-Mosque” focused on sustainability and environmental justice. Learn more…

Stormwater Reuse Tank Installed at Water Works

A stormwater reuse tank in the ground at Water Works in Minneapolis.

The stormwater reuse tank is now in the ground at Water Works, the project that is adding a new riverside park and pavilion in downtown Minneapolis. This 67,770-gallon cistern will supply the captured runoff that will be used for toilet flushing and landscaping irrigation at the park. The reuse system will allow the city to conserve nearly 1 million gallons per year of potable water while also capturing and treating most of the site's stormwater runoff. Check out our project page for more details and see more photos on Flickr.


Updates

MWMO Welcomes Nancy Stowe as Projects and Outreach Director

Nancy Stowe

The MWMO is pleased to announce that Nancy Stowe has been selected as our new Projects and Outreach Director. She began her work at the MWMO in November. In her new role, Stowe (pronounced “stow-ee”) will provide leadership to an interdisciplinary group of staff that includes the MWMO’s capital projects, Stewardship Fund Grants, planning, and outreach teams. Read more…

Mississippi River Green Team Accepting Applications for 2020

Mississippi River Green Team members and supervisors.

Do you know a Minneapolis youth who has what it takes to be on the Mississippi River Green Team? This two-year youth conservation and employment program with the MWMO and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is accepting new applications. Letters of interest must be submitted by no later than Friday, January 31, 2020. Learn more…

'Relief': New Exhibit Opens at MWMO Stormwater Park and Learning Center

Water rippling on a lake.

Relief explores how technological experiences influence the way we understand the outdoors. Artist Alyssa Baguss creates tactile cartographic experiences of Minnesota’s natural water features through experimental processes and materials. (Guests are encouraged to touch the artwork!) Learn more…

We're Hiring! Join Our Team as a Communications and Outreach Specialist

MWMO staff group photo.

The Mississippi Watershed Management Organization is seeking a Communications and Outreach Specialist to join our team. Applications are due by January 26. See the full position description and apply on our website.


Upcoming Events

Minneapolis Community Connections Conference

Saturday, February 1, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The Community Connections Conference is an annual free event that fosters connections between the residents of Minneapolis, community groups, neighborhoods and local government. Stop by the MWMO table, grab a Good Neighbor Guide and tell us your priorities for our upcoming Watershed Management Plan update. Details…

Relief — Open-House Event

Saturday, February 1, 10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Socialize over coffee, stream tables and art-making. Alyssa Baguss will host a morning of water-related activities paired with beverages and fantastic views of the Mississippi River. Details…

Workshop: Fight Snow and Ice, Pollution-Free

Wednesday, February 5, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Warm up with hot cocoa and treats while you learn ways to prevent slippery sidewalks using methods that prevent pollution in local waterbodies. Tour the Columbia Heights Library and learn how features built into its landscape reduce the need to use deicers, add winter beauty, and filter out water pollutants in the spring. Participate in a fun, hands-on demonstration and take home your own copy of the MWMO’s Good Neighbor Guide. This program is free, but registration is required. Details and registration…