Trash that finds its way to a river affects so much more than just the water. It impacts entire ecosystems, as both humans and wildlife depend on it for survival. Having a clean watershed is essential for our community to thrive. Clean River Partners emphasizes this in the work they do, and every year they host the Cannon River Watershed Cleanup. There are many different sites with cleanups to target the entirety of the river.

Mayflies. We heard about them a lot this summer. Images and videos of them under streetlights, blanketing cars, and clouding sidewalks went viral on social media. They often get a bad reputation and are called a nuisance “river bug,” but the presence of mayflies along the Cannon and Straight Rivers actually indicates improved water quality. 

In a world where convenience often outweighs sustainability, it’s time to reevaluate some of our daily choices. One seemingly small but actually significant decision is whether to invest in a reusable water bottle.

Clean River Partners (CRP) is grateful to announce ongoing support from the Red Wing Shoe Foundation for hosting community events and conservation initiatives in the City of Red Wing and Goodhue County.

On Wednesday, Aug. 6, the new Horseshoe Lake Wildlife Management Area was dedicated, a few miles north of Waterville. In addition to the many who played a part in its acquisition and enhancement, it attracted dozens of other interested parties.

Clean River Partners is thrilled to announce that it has received a $5,000 general operating grant from the Xcel Energy Foundation to advance environmental sustainability efforts in southern Minnesota. 

In our increasingly urbanized world, managing stormwater runoff has become crucial for maintaining the health of our environment and communities. One of the most effective tools in this endeavor is the stormwater retention pond. But what exactly is a stormwater retention pond, and why is it so important?

For more than a century, the Hruska family called the rolling prairie, quiet woods, and winding wetlands near Waterville home. Now, the four Hruska sisters have turned that beloved land over to nature and the public.

Attorney General Keith Ellison has launched a new task force to discuss the stewardship of Minnesota’s water, especially in light of increased demand across the state and the pressures of global climate change.

Trust for Public Land, a national nonprofit, recently purchased a 152-acre property near Waterville, MN, to be transferred to public ownership and managed by the Minnesota DNR as the Horseshoe Lake Wildlife Management Area.

As we all know, living in the Cannon River Watershed comes with a special responsibility to protect our beautiful water resources. The Cannon River and its tributaries give us drinking water, recreational fun, and essential habitats for local wildlife. But as our community grows, we must be smart about water use. One simple and effective way to do this is by installing water-saving fixtures in our homes.

Clean River Partners is pleased to announce that they’ve received a $25,000 grant from the Carolyn Foundation, which will support their work in climate solutions. This generous funding will enable us to continue engaging communities in meaningful climate action through education, volunteer opportunities, and hands-on habitat restoration.