Carleton Arboretum and CRWP Host Field Trip Focused on Water Quality

On Tuesday, July 28 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., the Carleton College Cowling Arboretum and the Cannon River Watershed Partnership will host a field trip designed to education landowners about efforts that can be made to improve and maintain the water quality of the Cannon River. Understanding the connection between land use and water quality is an important first step in making a change. This event is free and open to the public.

The 880 acres of the Cowling Arboretum drain either directly into the Cannon River or into its tributary, Spring Creek. Participants will learn how the College has worked for close to 40 years to reduce sedimentation and erosion into these water bodies, improve habitat and contribute to better water quality. Past and present practices include converting farm field to native habitat (both prairie and forest), directly controlling erosion with waterways and structures, controlling invasive non-native species, enhancing native oak savanna and forest, and the installation of campus rain gardens. Participants will have an opportunity to view many of these practices and learn about land management techniques. The event will also feature demonstration of water quality monitoring techniques.

Attendees should meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Cowling Arboretum Trail Head Kiosk, located in front of the Carleton College Recreation Center. For more information, contact Arboretum Director Nancy Braker at 507-222-4543 or nbraker@carleton.edu.