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Cultivating Resilience: Transforming Our Soil from Dirt to Gold
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.
Preserving Lakes: Ramsey County's Vigilance Against Invasive Rusty Crayfish
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.
Parks and Recreation with Conservation Corps
During the summer of 2023, the RCSWCD (Ramsey County Soil and Water Conservation Division) had the privilege of hosting three Conservation Corps members who made significant contributions to preventing the spread of invasives in the water and on land.
Encroachment Inspections Begin in April
Parks & Recreation staff will be conducting encroachment inspections this spring.
Kestrel Conservation Success Soars to New Heights
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.
Volunteers needed April 20 for Earth Day Cleanup Challenge
Volunteers of all ages are invited to the Mighty Mississippi River Cleanup Challenge on Saturday, April 20, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Battle Creek Regional Park.
Ramsey County's Parks and Recreation/Soil and Water hosts AmeriCorps Director for special visit
As AmeriCorps Week commenced, Ramsey County's Parks and Recreation/Soil and Water Conservation Division prepared for a special visit from AmeriCorps Director Sonali Nijhawan. With Channel 5 capturing the event, Commissioner Xiong and Reinhardt underscored the vital role AmeriCorps plays in community service initiatives.
Lifeguard hiring and courses now open
With summer on the horizon, the lifeguard hiring season is in full swing, prompting the announcement of the Lifeguard Certification Courses for 2024. If you're looking for more information, contact Recreation Services Supervisor, Thony Thao.
Cross-country ski trails begin opening
Cross-country ski trails are open at the Winter Recreation Area at Battle Creek.
Cross-country ski passes on sale now
Mutual Ramsey County/Saint Paul cross-country ski passes are on sale now for the 2023-2024 season.
A federal government shutdown will not immediately impact any county services
Residents should plan to attend all existing appointments and continue to access all county services and programs.
City & County Credit Union secondary naming rights sponsorship approved for TCO Sports Garden
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.
Controlled deer hunts begin Oct. 6 at eight Ramsey County parks and open spaces
Ramsey County Parks & Recreation, in partnership with the Metro Bowhunters Resource Base, will conduct controlled archery deer hunts this fall and winter throughout the county parks and open space system.
Keller Golf Course to complete bunker playability improvements this fall
Beginning October 2, crews at Keller Golf Course in Maplewood will begin cleaning out bunkers to replace the liners and add new sand.
Battle Creek Waterworks opens June 10
Battle Creek Waterworks opens for the 2023 season on June 10.
Parks & Recreation unveils new park signage
The artwork was designed and created by five artists who represent different racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Rent an arena or picnic shelter for your summer event
Parks & Recreation has several facilities to rent for summer events of all sizes.
County beaches open Memorial Day weekend
Plan a trip to the beach! Ramsey County beaches will open May 27 — just in time for Memorial Day weekend.
Lifeguard applications open and certification course dates announced
Lifeguard certification course dates are available this spring in Ramsey County.
County golf courses open for 2023 season
All four county golf courses are open.