Laundry day contributes to microfiber pollution, primarily from synthetic fabrics. Microplastics can harm aquatic life and human health. To minimize impact, wash full loads, use cold water, reduce detergent, consider front-loading machines, and air dry clothes.

Wil Crombie is a local farmer and filmmaker who grew up in Cannon City, just outside of Faribault. On a day when he was film making, not farming, I found him at his studio, Man Alone Media, in Cannon City. Inside Wil was coordinating two monitors, balancing sound input and building subtitles for a film he’s been commissioned to make for the Downstream Environmental Film Festival.

Clean River Partners (CRP) is thrilled to announce a significant funding boost of $13,100 from Northfield Shares, enhancing our commitment to ecological health and community engagement in the Northfield area. These two grants, made possible through the support of Our Community Foundation, will empower CRP to expand its impactful volunteer programs and restoration initiatives in the coming year.

The blog discusses the importance of healthy soil in the Cannon River Watershed, highlighting its role in supporting ecosystems, filtering water, and storing carbon. Healthy soil boosts plant growth and mitigates pollution, while degraded soil threatens water quality.

Whether you've helped clean rivers, planted native plants, used cover crops, explored wildlife areas, or enjoyed paddling, we love that you care about clean water and want your leadership skills on our board of directors to help steer our organization!

Communities across the state are embracing solutions such as replacing or modifying low-head dams into Rock Arch Rapids. This nature-inspired fish passage design allows fish to swim freely, resembling the flowing stream riffles they thrive in.

During harsh Minnesota winters, we rely on salt to keep roads and sidewalks safe, but using too much can harm our local lakes and streams. High levels of salt can threaten aquatic life and disrupt ecosystems. To help, shovel snow often, use salt sparingly, and sweep up any leftover salt. Your efforts can make a big difference!

As fall brings fallen leaves and rain, it's essential to recognize that improper disposal can lead to significant pollution in our rivers and lakes, particularly from phosphorus that fuels harmful algae growth. To help, consider shredding leaves for compost or delivering them to municipal sites, and ensure proper disposal of other pollutants like oil and paint to keep our waterways clean.

Clean River Partners, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and improving the health of the Cannon River Watershed, is thrilled to announce that it received a $2,500 grant from the Red Wing Shoe Company Foundation. This grant funding will support their ongoing efforts to promote clean water initiatives in Southeast Minnesota. 

Clean River Partners, the City of Northfield, and HealthFinders Collaborative organized a special event called "Nuestra Agua, Nuestras Vidas" (Our Water, Our Lives) at Bridge Square. The event aimed to connect with the local Latine community, raise awareness about water-related issues, and empower residents to advocate for improvements in drinking water and local water bodies.