Nine Mile Creek Watershed District

Training Opportunities

Citizen Advisory Committee | Education | Outreach | Training Opportunities | Volunteer Opportunities

Please find different trainging programs that we offer regularly at the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District. Please feel free to contact Claire Bleser, Education and Outreach coordinator for further information.

Educational

Digital PhotographyBridge to Nature
This workshop is a Minnesota DNR initiative, funded by the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative -Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources. Each four-hour workshop is standards-based, and is designed to provide training for approximately 12-20 staff members in a variety of subject areas. The format covers the use of digital cameras, basic photo tips, a hands-on photo activity, reviewing and discussing the photos taken by staff during the photo activity, downloading and editing techniques, and student project ideas. We'll show how to enhance your curriculum, not add to it!

Citizen Assisted lake Monitoring Program (CAMP)
Every year citizen volunteer their time to sample lakes in the district. Volunteers sample their lake for water quality every two weeks from April to October. To learn more about the CAMP program, please visit Metropolitan Coucil or email Claire Bleser.

Project Wet Certification (can be taken for CEUs)
The district also regularly offers Project WET (water) workshops. This one-day workshop trains educators to use Project WET with their students. Participants engage in several fun, hands-on indoor and outdoor learning activities appropriate for use with students. This workshop is designed by and for educators. Our last Project WET workshop was Tuesday, June 29, 2010 at the Richardson Nature Center in Bloomington. For more infomation/registration, please click here. Please email Claire Bleser if you are interested in a Project Wet Workshop. Click here to learn more about the Project Wet Program

River Watch

Summer Education Series
During the summer months, Citizen Advisory Committee meetings are replaced with the summer education series. The Summer Education Series is free and topics vary year to year. In previous years, community members were able to visit and learn more about the Eden Prairie Water Treatment Plant, fishing opportunities in the watershed, and native plants to name a few. Please check the calendar on our website for information on this years Summer Education Series.

Volunteer Stream Monitoring Program

Professional

Summer Turf Maintenance with Reduced Environmental Impacts
This 5½ hour training was created based on the model of the Winter Parking Lot and Sidewalk Maintenance training. The class is presented by Fortin Consulting staff and maintenance professionals. The target audience includes property managers, private maintenance companies and city parks staff. The summer turf maintenance training was launched in the summer of 2009 with the focus on the implementation of Best Management Practices for Lawn/Turf Care Maintenance. An optional test is offered at the end of the class to earn the MPCA Level I Certification in Summer Maintenance. The certified individuals are then listed on the MPCA website.

http://www.pca.state.mn.us/programs/summermaintenance.html

Winter Maintenance of Roads Workshop
This 4½ hour training was created for city, county and state plow drivers. The class is presented by Fortin Consulting staff and maintenance professionals. It focuses on the cost/benefits of de-icing strategies, BMPs and application rates for winter roads. The training helps attendees determine the correct chemical and proper application rates based on the weather and pavement temperature for using salt and sand most effectively. Participants will learn that, in some cases, using less material can improve the level of service. Various anti-icing and deicing chemicals will be discussed, focusing on how they work, application rates, costs, and storage issues. An optional test is offered at the end of the class to earn the MPCA Level I Certification in Winter Maintenance. The certified individuals are then listed on the MPCA website.

Winter Parking Lot and Sidewalk Maintenance
Our next workshop is November 18, 2010, check our calendar for further information
This 4 ½ hour training, discusses the costs/benefits of de-icing strategies, the latest recommendations for application rates, and an introduction to the “Winter Parking Lot and Sidewalk Maintenance Manual.” The class is presented by Fortin Consulting staff and maintenance professionals. The training presents techniques to decrease the effects of de-icing materials on the environment, without compromising safety. An optional test is offered at the end of the class to earn the MPCA Level I Certification in Winter Maintenance. The certified individuals are then listed on the MPCA website. The target audience includes private maintenance companies, property managers, city parks, hospitals and colleges.

http://www.pca.state.mn.us/programs/roadsalt.html