The meeting featured a detailed presentation by representatives from the Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJO). They introduced several initiatives designed to enhance water quality and promote conservation practices among Farmington residents. A notable highlight was the Landscaping for Clean Water program, a collaborative effort between Dakota County SWCD, VRWJO, and local city partners. The program offers classes on topics such as native plants and rain gardens, which provide water quality benefits while integrating seamlessly into residential landscapes.

These classes are set to begin in February and run through June, though it was noted that Farmington will not host a class this year. Nearby communities, including Lakeville, Rosemount, and Randolph, will facilitate these sessions. The classes, which kick off at 6 p.m. and last about an hour, aim to be accessible to residents with various schedules. Following the introductory classes, participants have the option to enroll in a design course for a nominal fee of $25. During this hands-on course, attendees will work directly with conservation staff to develop personalized landscaping plans.

A significant aspect discussed was the increased grant funding available for landscaping projects, now rising to $400 from the previous $250. The minimum project size eligible for funding is 100 square feet. This increase is designed to encourage more residents to participate in sustainable landscaping practices. The program’s supportive nature was emphasized, with conservation staff committed to assisting participants from site visits to project completion. Participants can seek ongoing support during project execution through various communication modes, including phone calls and video chats. A midpoint check is also part of the process to ensure projects are on track and potential issues are addressed proactively.

In addition to the design course, a free maintenance class is being offered at Galaxy Library on March 3. This class is targeted at individuals interested in gardening tips and preparing their gardens for the growing season. Topics covered will include managing common issues such as deer and rabbit interference. The initiative encourages community involvement, with families often participating together in these educational activities.

Further discussion during the meeting touched on the “Lawn Watering Wisdom Campaign,” a collaborative effort to promote water conservation countywide. The campaign, managed by the Joint Powers Organization (JPO), used video marketing to engage the community and featured videos with humorous family characters to encourage participation in landscaping classes. The campaign highlighted the importance of conserving water, particularly in light of recent fluctuations in weather patterns, such as a preceding drought followed by a wetter summer. Residents were encouraged to take a water conservation pledge via the Dakota County website.

Practical advice for residents on lawn care and water usage was shared, debunking misconceptions about excessive water use to maintain green lawns. Tips included proper sprinkler head alignment and optimal watering times to minimize evaporation. The role of rain sensors in irrigation systems was underscored, emphasizing technology’s benefits in conservation efforts.

The meeting also addressed broader water conservation initiatives. Implementing rain gardens and native gardens was discussed as a means of reducing stormwater runoff, which can carry pollutants to lakes and rivers. An outreach opportunity called “Adopt a Storm Drain” was introduced, encouraging residents to maintain local drainage systems and report their clean-up efforts online.

The discussions extended to the funding mechanisms supporting these conservation efforts, notably a special watershed management tax district levy financed through county property taxes. Although described as a small amount, the levy is essential for covering staff and general expenses. Larger projects, such as stream restorations, rely heavily on grant funding from various state agencies, including the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, the Department of Natural Resources, and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.