Resources

For Educators...

The Shingle Creek and West Mississippi Commissions are members of a consortium called the West Metro Water Alliance (WMWA).  Environmental educators from WMWA are available to implement a series of lessons on watersheds and water quality in fourth grade classrooms. The lessons have been developed to meet the Minnesota State Science Standards and will be tailored for each school.

WMWA educators are also available to staff booths at environmental fairs, and to help you organize family and community outreach activities such as storm drain stenciling.

Learn More:
West Metro Water Alliance

For Schools, Youth and Community Groups, Associations, Faith Groups...

So, you've got a small project in mind. Maybe you want to install a rain garden to treat runoff from your church parking lot. Or, you want to organize an event for your lake association to plant a demonstration native buffer on the lakeshore at a park. Or maybe you are a scout with an idea for a capstone service project. Maybe you are a science teacher and would like to develop a library of learning materials on lakes, streams and wetlands. You can apply for a grant of up to $1,000 to raise awareness of watershed issues, improve water quality education, and implement demonstration projects. Projects must have an educational component so other people learn about the benefits of your idea.

Learn More:
Water Quality Education Grants 
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Volunteers from a lake association planting native aquatic vegetation at Middle Twin Lake Park.
For Businesses...
Whether you are constructing a new building, adding on, or just replacing your parking lot, this could be an ideal time to include green infrastructure to help protect and improve water quality in our lakes and streams. The Watershed Commissions may be able to help. Rain gardens, tree trenches, porous pavement, and turf conversion are just some examples of the kinds of improvements that might be eligible for cost-share grants. Consult with your City Engineer to see if you are eligible.

Learn More:
Partnership Cost-Share Projects Information