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Conservation Takes Dedication
The
Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA) was founded in 1922 as a national
conservation organization of hunters, anglers, and other
conservation-minded outdoor enthusiasts who work through volunteer,
community-based action and education programs to ensure the sustainable
use of America's natural resources. The Bush Lake Chapter
(formerly the South Minneapolis Chapter) was started in
1931. Our chapter's focus was on fish & wildlife habitat and
water quality in the Minnesota River Valley and the area's contributing
watersheds.
Do you care about our natural world and heritage and the legacy we will leave for future generations?
Interested in becoming a member? - 2008 Membership Application Form (pdf)
Note: A map to the chapter property is at the bottom of this page
Some Sweet Upcoming Events:
Water-Smart Landscaping Classes &
Grants:
2008's
Water Smart Landscaping classes will be held the first Wednesday of every month,
starting on April 2nd. The first class will be held at the Chapter Lodge from
6-8pm. This class will focus on Lawn Care tips as part of a healthier landscape
that is self-sustaining. We promise you will walk away with practical &
cost-effective information. Also, in early April we will find out if our chapter
will receive a grant from the Toro Giving Program to be able to provide
mini-grants to Bloomington-area homeowners to help pay for the costs of these
Water-Smart Landscaping practices. To be eligible to receive a mini-grant,
homeowners will have to attend at least one of these Water Smart Landscaping
classes.
Water-Smart Landscaping Class Schedule:
April
2nd - Lawn Care
May
7th - Rainbarrels
June
4th - Raingardens
July
2nd - Low Water Use Landscapes
Aug
6th - Bird & Butterfly Gardens
Sept.3rd - Permeable Pavement Types
Oct.
1st - Composting Leaves
All
classes will be at the Chapter Lodge, from 6 to 8pm, the first Wednesdays of the
month, unless otherwise noted - keep checking the website for the most current
information on the classes and grant availability.
Space is limited for each
class, so please RSVP to bushlake@bushlakeikes.org.
Stream Monitoring Teams:
In
2008, interested members of the Bush Lake Chapter can learn how to determine the
health of a stream's habitat. Did you know that Nine Mile Creek used to be a
trout stream? Its not a trout stream anymore, but you can find out how its
doing and if its getting healthier or not.
Join
us as we wade into Nine Mile Creek this spring, summer and fall
(we'll provide the waders) and learn how to quickly evaluate key
biological indicators to determine the stream's state of health.
Lessons learned here also apply to fly-fishing, finding
good fishing spots, and finding some beautiful views and features
of Nine Mile Creek.
We promise you'll have fun and learn some really
neat stuff about the stream that flows through our community. If you're
interested in getting involved in stream monitoring, email bushlake@bushlakeikes.org
For Your Information:
The
City of Bloomington is in the process of developing a strategic plan
for the next 20 years - Vision 2025. The City held four
public-input meetings in the fall of 2006. This is our chance to
help guide our city's future and ensure that we leave something
positive for future generations. A few of our chapter members who
attended the public-input meetings asked that the city do more
comprehensive planning to conserve energy, protect water quality,
preserve open space, etc. A few of our chapter members also
attended an 'Enviornment' Focus-group put together by the city and
Friends of the Minnesota Valley.
In
August, prior to the public-input meetings, our chapter hosted a
panel-discussion to talk about how Bloomington could be integrating
Sustainable Planning and Development into its Strategic Planning and in
everyday operations of the city, our businesses and citizens. Our
audience consisted of the general public, city officials & staff,
sustainable planning experts and the adminstrator of the Nine Mile
Creek Watershed District.
What is Sustainable Development? Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
For more info on Sustainable Planning & Development:
http://www.smartcommunities.ncat.org/overview/ovintro.shtml
http://www.usgbc.org/ (U.S. Green Building Council - LEED standards)
http://www.nextstep.state.mn.us/ (Mn Sustainable Communities Network)
http://www.crplanning.com/ (Community Resources Planning - local consultants)
For more on Sustainable Planning in Bloomington, and what you can do about it, check out:
http://vision-for-better-bloomington.blogspot.com/
http://groups.google.com/group/vbbloomington
For more info about us or our programs and involvements, email bushlake@bushlakeikes.org
Questions or Concerns? email us at bushlake@bushlakeikes.org
Bush Lake Chapter of the
Izaak Walton League of America
7515 Izaak Walton Road
Bloomington, MN 55438
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