On a sunny June evening, natural resource professionals, lake residents, and municipal officials enjoyed a pontoon tour of Lake George, including ACD, Lake George Conservation Club (LGCC), Lake George Improvement District (LGID), Upper Rum River Watershed Management Organization (URRWMO), and members of the Oak Grove City Council. 

As the group enjoyed the lake, ACD demonstrated several types of water quality monitoring protocols and equipment. Residents shared personal stories about growing up on the lake and connections that have made it such a meaningful part of their lives. Public officials discussed the lake's value to the community and the importance of keeping it in good condition. The tour even included a special sighting of the lake's resident loon family, complete with twin chicks enjoying the warm weather.

Events like this highlight the importance of community involvement in protecting our local waters. Monitoring lake conditions, sharing knowledge, and working together across organizations helps ensure that Lake George remains a healthy resource for both wildlife and residents. Lake George is fortunate to have a dedicated network of volunteers, local leaders, and conservation partners committed to preserving this treasured community asset for future generations.

For more information, contact Lauren Schemlzer, Outreach & Natural Resources Technician, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

ACD has been helping to control garlic mustard populations at Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park as part of a multiyear effort. At a recent volunteer event, ACD staff and volunteers pulled garlic mustard, effectively clearing an area the size of a football field! We are very grateful for the help of our volunteers, and the Coon Rapids Park will benefit tremendously from their efforts. 

Interested in volunteering? Visit our ACD's Eventbrite page to browse and sign up for upcoming and future events. For more information, contact Lauren Schmelzer, Outreach and Natural Resource Technician, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

ACD's longstanding work addressing non-point source pollution enabled us to bring meaningful, real-world context to the current event station at this year's Metro Area Envirothon. The Envirothon is an event where teams of students rotate through six stations covering a variety of environmental topics. 

Non-point source pollution occurs when runoff carries contaminants into waterways indirectly, rather than from a single, identifiable source like a pipe. It can originate from a wide range of land uses and activities, including agriculture, roadways, and urban areas. This issue aligns with ACD's work throughout Anoka County. Projects such as rain gardens help capture and treat stormwater runoff before pollutants reach our lakes and streams.

ACD developed a detailed study guide and tests for middle- and high-school participants, with over 100 students across 13 teams from the Twin Cities Metro Area. By leading the station, ACD connects students to conservation challenges and solutions, helping build awareness and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. For more information, contact Lauren Schmelzer, Outreach and Natural Resource Technician, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..