Lead sinkers used in fishing have caused the deaths of dozens of swans in the channel on the north side of Sucker Lake in Vadnais-Snail Lakes Regional Park. Park staff have attempted various methods to address the issue, but stronger measures are necessary. Feedback from surveys and a community meeting have been critical in understanding how the area is used and what potential solutions might look like.

In the idyllic setting of Keller Regional Park, nestled amid its verdant expanses and tranquil ambiance, lies a cultural treasure waiting to be uncovered: Tuj Lub, the traditional Hmong top-spinning game. Serving as a poignant reminder of Hmong heritage, this pastime embodies a fusion of skill, strategy, and community spirit. 

At the heart of every flourishing ecosystem lies the often-underappreciated foundation—healthy soil. Healthy soil isn’t just a medium for plants to grow in. It is a dynamic and interconnected system that influences water quality, biodiversity, and even climate stability. To help keep water clean, healthy soil acts as a natural filter, preventing pollutants from entering water bodies. Soil is important for biological diversity (or biodiversity) to grow plants, which are the basis of the food chain that sustains animals and humans. Soil plays a multifaceted and crucial role in reducing climate change, too.

In a forward-looking initiative, Ramsey County Soil and Water Conservation Division (RCSWCD) forged a crucial partnership with the University of Minnesota in 2023 to tackle the growing threat of invasive rusty crayfish in Ramsey County lakes. Utilizing cutting-edge DNA detection techniques, the University played a pivotal role in confirming the presence of these invasive crayfish species. RCSWCD then verified the infestation in Lake McCarron through the examination of a live sample.

Two families of American kestrels, small falcons, have successfully nested in nest boxes along Rice Creek. The boxes, constructed by the Ramsey County Parks Youth Outdoors Conservation Corp crew, and installed by Ramsey County Parks and Recreation staff, with the assistance of ornithologist Amber Burnette, were sites for this avian habitation.

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners approved a contract with City & County Credit Union for secondary naming rights of the fieldhouse at TCO Sports Garden in Vadnais Heights.

The artwork was designed and created by five artists who represent different racial and ethnic backgrounds.