Our Stories

Everyone has a role to play in caring for the watershed, and we invite you to read our stories, get inspired by our champions, and help us connect with others who are passionate about this vital cause.

Felicia Hokenstad Felicia Hokenstad

The 4 S’s of Smart Salting

Road salt is present everywhere during the winter months. In large quantities, it poses a threat to fish, wildlife, and human health. So, what’s the solution?

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Margie O'Loughlin Margie O'Loughlin

Reflecting on our 35th year with message on water

Clean River Partners offers many ways to engage with the waterways that surround us. But sometimes, a person just needs to be near water. To watch it move, and to listen quietly to its voice.

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Clean River Partners Clean River Partners

College Partnerships for Watershed Stewardship

Healthy watersheds do not happen by accident. They are the result of relationships. In Northfield, two institutions have long shaped the landscape through care, research, and stewardship: St. Olaf College and Carleton College.

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Felicia Hokenstad Felicia Hokenstad

The Importance of Testing Well Water

As homeowners, it is our responsibility to ensure the water we drink is safe. Testing our well water should be a top priority, not just an afterthought.

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Ava McQuain Ava McQuain

Land Worth Keeping

Habitat loss is not just an environmental issue; it’s a community issue. Protecting these habitats isn’t just about preserving nature; it’s about ensuring clean water, stable landscapes, and thriving communities.

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Margie O'Loughlin Margie O'Loughlin

Clean River Partners volunteers at work in '25

Clean River Partners is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. That’s three and a half decades of protecting and improving soil and water quality in the Cannon River Watershed.

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Clean River Partners Clean River Partners

October is Planting Season

As fall approaches, environmentally-minded farmers are transitioning to planting small grains and cover crops instead of tilling the soil. This practice benefits soil and water health, carbon sequestration, and weed suppression.

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Felicia Hokenstad Felicia Hokenstad

Wetland Delineation 101 and Project Update

Wetlands are often overlooked, but they are truly essential habitats deserving our attention! Let’s dive into what wetlands are, why they are so important, and how we can safeguard them during development projects like the Cannon River Fish Passage project.

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