An introduction to native gardens, raingardens, and shoreline stabilization designs

Friends of the Mississippi River, Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District, and the Blue Thumb program will host this free workshop, Planting for Clean Water, on Thursday, October 4th from 6:30-8:30pm. The workshop will be held at the Apple Valley Community Center, 14603 Hayes Road, Apple Valley, MN 55124.

The program features an engaging presentation by landscape ecologist Gregg Thompson from the Association of Metropolitan Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Mr. Thompson is experienced in the areas of landscape ecology, horticulture and native landscape design. He is involved in native plant community restoration, native re-vegetation, stormwater treatment practices using native vegetation and bio-stabilization on shorelands and streambanks.

This introductory workshop will show you how to create landscaped areas with native plants or gardens that look beautiful and work to keep water clean by soaking up rainwater. Get inspired by dozens of designs that have transformed bland urban landscapes to aesthetically pleasing retreats, and benefited local lakes, rivers and wetlands. Participants will be invited to attend another Blue Thumb workshop where professionals will help you create a design for your yard.

For more information, to learn the “how to’s” of native gardens, raingardens and shoreline stabilization using plants, and to find out where to purchase the plants at participating retailers, go to www.bluethumb.org. A variety of printed materials will also be provided for workshop participants.

This event is free of charge, but capacity limited and early registration advised.

If you are interested in attending this workshop, please sign up in advance with sue rich through our contact form or 651-222-2193 x14 (In T-Th).

Featured on KSTP News

KSTP’s Eyewitness News featured Gregg Thompson giving a short introduction to raingardens in connection with this workshop. Check out the clip at KSTP’s web site.