Dakota County Newsletter - Spring/Summer 2018

county newsletter

spring/summer 2018

PERFORMANCE ISSUE 2018

OUR WORK

Investing a little to help a lot Page 7

FOCUSED ONSUCCESS Page 26

PARKS

Programs & events Page 15

GO GREEN

Getting back to basics Page 23

Postal Customer

ECRWSS

Dakota County Board of Commissioners Administration Center, 1590 Highway 55 Hastings, MN 55033-2372

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID ADVANCED MAIL

3 BETTER SKILLS, BETTER LIFE 5 ONLINE PAYMENTS 6 DATES FOR YOUR CALENDAR

The Dakota County Board of Commissioners takes its role as a steward of County tax dollars very seriously.

It is a privilege and a responsibility, and we work to ensure you receive the most value for every dollar.

Once again, we are pleased to report that in 2018 Dakota County will maintain the metro area’s lowest tax rate and Minnesota’s lowest county property tax per capita. We earn these important designations even as we continue to provide the high-quality services and amenities our residents want and enjoy. In this issue, we highlight ways we’re serving you, and we demonstrate how we’re measuring our progress toward specific goals that help Dakota County be one of the country’s greatest places to live, work and play.

Contents Feature Page 26

FOCUSED ON SUCCESS Dakota County is measuring how we serve our residents. Take a look at how we’re building a county that’s a great place to live, a healthy environment, a successful climate for business and the home of excellent public service.

JOB SKILLS SOBRIETY

D E PA R T M E N T S

Page 3

Page 7

Page 11

Page 15

Page 23

IN BRIEF

OUR WORK

COMMUNITY

PARKS

GO GREEN

Inmates in the Dakota County Jail are doing more than just serving time behind bars. Learn how our programs rehabilitate inmates and reduce recidivism.

Public health nurses and other qualified health professionals are helping at-risk families with children achieve better overall health and well-being through regular home visits.

The number of people experiencing homelessness in Dakota County continues to grow, but continued effort and partnerships will help reduce that number.

Dakota County Parks is 50 years old. We’ve changed a lot over the years, and we have plans in place for a great start to the next half century.

According to our latest residential survey, 9 of 10 residents say recycling is important. Learn what is causing the large gap between what is recycled and what can be recycled.

F O L LOW U S

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MEDITATION EDUCATION

Better skills, better life Jail programming helps inmates choose a different path

When inmates find themselves serving time behind bars at the Dakota County Jail, many of them feel they’ve hit rock bottom.

But, exchanging freedom for a one-piece jumpsuit and a shared cell can be the catalyst needed to prompt soul-searching and self-reflection.

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In Brief | Better skills, better life It’s in that moment that many inmates decide they want to change course — and we’re here to help them do just that. We see time behind bars as a growth opportunity rather than simply a sentence to serve.

We know most of our inmates will someday rejoin the community, and when they do, we want them — all of them — to be contributing and productive members. So, while they’re here, we make sure they have access to learning and enrichment programs that can prepare them for success both personally and professionally.

The programming allows inmates to better themselves individually and helps them gain marketable job skills

In Brief | Online payments

and habits that keep them from re-offending once they’re released.

More than 20 programs are available in a range of skill sets. Some — like parenting, anger management, and domestic abuse prevention — help inmates learn to form lasting, healthy relationships. Others are meant to boost educational resumes and job readiness — from GED and Adult Basic Education classes to employment readiness to personal and professional etiquette. We also team with Dakota County Technical College a couple of times a year to offer vocational training. To help those battling addictions get — and stay — clean, we offer support

groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and Crystal Meth Anonymous. And for personal enrichment, we offer cognitive-based and spiritually-supportive programs, including Moral Reconation Therapy, Transitional Counseling and meditation. Moral Reconation Therapy challenges inmates to address the thinking patterns that lead to criminal behavior, while Transitional Counseling helps them work with a mediator to improve relationships with their loved ones using a restorative model.

These are just a small sample of the programs we offer. Participation is voluntary, though some of these

20+ 44k 15 _ programs are offered to inmates

$

jail program costs paid by inmates

___________ _D_IA_P_ PA__IA_D__ID_ _P_

JOB READINESS JOB READINESS

SSENIDAER BOJ

SOBRIETY SOBRIETY

YTEIRBOS

MEDITATION MEDITATION

NOITATIDEM

DOMESTIC ABUSE DOMESTIC ABUSE PREVENTION PREVENTION

ESUBA CITSEMOD NOITNEVERP

PARENTING SKILLS PARENTING SKILLS

SLLIKS GNITNERAP

GED

GED

DEG

VOCATIONAL TRAINING VOCATIONAL TRAINING

GNINIART LANOITACOV

RESUME WRITING RESUME WRITING

GNITIRW EMUSER

ANGER MANAGEMENT ANGER MANAGEMENT

TNEMEGANAM REGNA

ETIQUETTE ETIQUETTE

ETTEUQITE

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ex-inmates returned to teach or speak

courses can count toward probation requirements — like anger management or domestic abuse prevention.

Some courses are offered continuously, while others are contracted for a certain number of sessions throughout the year.

Participation is open to those inmates whose sentences are long enough to allow them to complete the program.

It costs about $44,000 a year to provide this mix of programming, but the cost is funded by the inmates themselves — not County taxpayers.

When inmates purchase personal items from the jail canteen during their stay, some of the money from those purchases fund the programs.

Because of jurisdictional boundaries, we’re not able to track what happens to all inmates after they leave our custody, but our annual survey reveals that alcohol or chemical use, lack of employment or money, relationship issues and mental health issues are among those factors that contribute most to recidivism. The programs we offer target those factors to help us reduce the number of inmates who reoffend.

We’re seeing good results from our efforts. After enrolling in our programs, inmates who were previously angry and rage-filled became calm, receptive and empathetic. Some choose to share that experience once they’re released.

To date, at least 15 ex-inmates have turned their life around and have since returned to teach or guest speak in our programs.

Follow the money

PAY NOW

Dakota County adding more ways to make payments online Every day, Dakota County looks for ways to increase efficiency and save tax dollars by taking advantage of the latest technology. One of those ways is allowing online payments for more services.

For years, residents have been able to pay library fines, reserve campsites and pay their property taxes online. Now, we’re adding new options.

In early November, we launched a new online payment portal to collect fees for DWI/DUI classes, adult probation, juvenile corrections, detox services and more. It also collects public assistance overpayment and copays and deductibles from Minnesota health care programs.

In its first six weeks, the new online payment options collected more than $22,000 in fees and payments from 131 transactions.

Jail inmate fees 16 Transactions $1,166

Adult probation fees 38 Transactions

Juvenile corrections fees 18 Transactions

$3,679

$2,722

Detox services 22 Transactions

$4,123

One-day DWI class 32 Transactions

$10,345

Juvenile social service fees 1

Transactions $68

Minnesota health care programs 4 Transactions $12 copay/deductible

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7 FAMILY HOME VISITS 9 TELEMEDICINE 10 LYFT 10 SIMPLE STEPS

In Brief | Dates for your calendar

Plan on it Know what to do this spring and summer

Construction updates

March 19

April 3–May 8

April–August

Join the Wetland Health Evaluation Program and help with field and lab research to monitor County wetland health. www.dakotacounty.us, search volunteers.

Master waste reduction, recycling and composting on Tuesdays, 6:30–9 p.m. at Black Hawk Middle School in Eagan. www.dakotacounty.us, search master recycler.

March 20

April 4

Join the statewide AIS Detector network and learn about aquatic invasive species and how to curb their spread. www.dakotacounty.us, search volunteers.

Hear options to help pay for college and get help completing the FAFSA from a financial aid professional from 6–8 p.m. at Wescott Library. For students and parents.

April–May

April 5

Safely dispose of household hazardous waste for free. www.dakotacounty.us, search HHW events.

• April 29, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Cal Ruedy Public Works Building 1225 Progress Drive, Hastings • May 6, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Lakeville Central Maintenance Facility 7570 179th St. W., Lakeville

Explore Minnesota’s climate and hear climatologist and author Dr. Mark Seeley, discuss his book, "Minnesota Weather Almanac," from 7–8 p.m. at Wentworth Library.

WHEP

AIS Detector

HHW Drop-offs

April 1–June 15 Simple Steps

Start a healthy daily routine with the Simple Steps walking program.

Registration opens March 15. www.dakotacounty.us, search Simple Steps.

April–August Fix-it Clinics

Get free help fixing everything from clothing to toasters from noon–3 p.m. www.dakotacounty.us, search Fix-it Clinics.

April 21, Farmington Library May 19, Pleasant Hill Library June 16, Wentworth Library July 21, Burnhaven Library

Master Recycler/Composter Class

FAFSA Completion Workshop

Climatologist Mark Seeley

April 28

El Día De los Niños/Libros Celebrate children’s literacy and reading from 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. at Wentworth Library. Each child receives a free book.

May 11

Tour de Trash Learn what happens at a landfill, compost site, recycling center and The Recycling Zone on a field trip from 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. $10 fee covers lunch and busing. www.dakotacounty.us, search tour de trash.

June 6–Aug. 18

Summer Discovery Sign your kids up for the Library’s Summer Discovery to read and complete activities to win a free book. www.dakotacounty.us/library, search summer discovery.

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County Road 46 — Rosemount/Hastings Reconstruct from County Road 48 in Coates to Highway 61. Traffic detoured as stages completed.

• Stage 1: CR 48 to County Road 85 • Stage 2: CR 85 to Pine Street • Stage 3: Pine Street to Highway 61

April–November County Road 14 — South St. Paul

1317 Healthier Homes

Reconstruct Southview Boulevard from 20th Avenue to 3rd Avenue S, and 3rd Avenue S between Southview Boulevard and Marie Avenue. Traffic detoured in stages: • April to August: 20th to 12th, 5th to 3rd, and 3rd from Southview to Marie • August to November: 12th to 5th

County Road 50 — Lakeville

Reconstruct CR 50 from Jaguar Avenue south to County Road 60.

Traffic detoured.

September–October

County Road 42/ Highway 55 — Rosemount Intersection and turn lane improvements. Traffic may be detoured.

County Road 42 — Rosemount New overlay west of Highway 52 to 145th Street. Traffic detoured.

Get project updates online or delivered to your inbox at www.dakotacounty.us, search road construction.

Investing a little to help a lot

We all know there’s no magic “silver bullet” that will cure the struggles of families who find themselves at risk. But, we’ve arguably found the next best thing — the Family Home Visiting program.

Public Health home visits deliver major dividends

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Our Work | Family home visits The program is completely voluntary and geared for families with children who are at-risk of physical, emotional or developmental difficulties as a result of their circumstances. The goal of the program is to improve outcomes for both kids and their families by providing health, social, emotional and parenting support that can lead to better overall health and well-being for each family. The program focuses on parents who are having their first or second child, but we’re also able to provide services for subsequent children, too.

We get help connecting eligible families to the program from area medical providers, health plans, community support groups and schools. Clients can also refer themselves to the program during pregnancy or after the birth of a baby.

Once a family is referred to us, we conduct an admission home visit.

During that time, we do an initial assessment and refer the family to

Our Work | Telemedicine

any other community support programs we feel would benefit them.

After that, the family continues to receive regular visits from a public health nurse or another qualified public health professional. The visits focus on building a relationship with the family to increase self-confidence, parenting skills and home safety, and to share knowledge about family health and wellness.

…family home visits lead to reductions in child maltreatment, fewer emergency room visits…

We do this in several ways. Each visit includes a family assessment or goal planning discussion. Other visits may include supplying educational materials to connect the family with

needed resources or offer general support. Public health nurses may also assess vital signs, including weight and blood pressure metrics for pregnant women and weight, height and head circumference measurements for infants and children.

Families are eligible to participate in the Family Home Visiting program from the prenatal period through the child’s fourth birthday. How frequently visits occur varies by family. Some families are on a weekly rotation, others are bi-weekly or once a month. On average, families are enrolled in the program for about two and a half years.

The Family Home Visiting program is specifically focused on addressing the various social factors that contribute to health. That means we evaluate everything from the family’s housing and economic stability, to its access to healthy food, transportation options, immunization history and education enrollment, among other factors. It’s

a comprehensive approach that pays major dividends.

Based on national data, for every dollar we invest in the program, we expect to save $1.80–$5.70. That’s because family home visits lead to reductions in child maltreatment, fewer emergency room visits, lower levels of criminal activity, improved school readiness, and earlier identification of health concerns.

Nearly 98 percent of our Family Home Visiting program clients had healthy birth outcomes in 2016. That’s about 4 percent higher than the healthy birth outcome rates for Minnesota and the rest of Dakota County.

Perhaps best of all, our clients are benefiting from the help. In 2016, 1,317 families participated in the Family Home Visiting program.

When asked if they’re satisfied with the care and oversight they received through the program, 100 percent of participants answered “yes.”

Family Home Visiting program

1,317

98%

100%

$ 80 $ 70

Families participating in 2016

Clients with healthy birth outcomes

Client satisfaction

Return on investment for every $1 spent

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1 –5

A better way to take your medicine

County launches telemedicine program Protecting residents from communicable diseases is a time-consuming and costly job, but with the help of a new pilot program, Dakota County will be the first county in the state to use telemedicine to treat tuberculosis patients — saving time and money.

Dakota County averages about 10 cases of tuberculosis each year. It is a contagious disease that can affect the lungs and other organs such as the lymph nodes. It spreads through the air by coughing or sneezing, but can lay dormant in patients for years.

Getting proper treatment is crucial to make sure clients recover and keep the disease from spreading.

But, there’s a catch. Successful treatment involves 6–12 months of taking daily medications, and if you miss your medications, the disease can become resistant and require longer treatment with worse side effects.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends directly observed therapy, which requires a nurse or health worker to witness the patient taking their medication. It is labor intensive — with Dakota County nurses averaging

129 home visits each month from 2014–2016.

This form of treatment, while successful, is challenging. It’s difficult to reach patients 100 percent of the time because of a number of factors — the patient’s work schedule and living situation as well as County staffing and schedules.

Using telemedicine can address some of these challenges by letting patients take their medicine at more convenient times and reducing the travel and staffing costs. Patients will be allowed to use a platform called Vidyo to securely upload video from their phone or laptop, and County nurses can log-in and view the video remotely.

For those patients that opt into this program, County staff will still meet with them once a week in person to assess their progress, but reducing the number of home visits is expected to save Dakota County more than $1,500 per client.

If proven successful, the County could expand the use of telemedicine to more instances that require home visits — saving big money for taxpayers.

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Our Work

Our Work | Lyft

Simple Steps to winning prizes

Disabled residents get a Lyft

Better walking habits equals better health

New ride option offers greater independence Transportation is a significant barrier to employment for many County residents, particularly those needing specialized transportation because of a disability. Living and working as selfsufficiently as possible can help these residents enjoy greater independence and a better quality of life.

With a grant from the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Dakota County is partnering with Lyft, Inc. — a rideshare service company — to offer a new, affordable, on-demand transportation option.

The program opens up an array of opportunities that individuals with disabilities may not have previously considered or thought possible. It also increases their ability to live more independent and productive lives.

The program aims to serve about 100 individuals in 2018, with that number

11 HOMELESSNESS IN DAKOTA COUNTY 13 FOSTER CARE 14 ILAB

increasing to 500 in 2019. Participants in this program will be referred by their case manager.

To take advantage of the program, participants must have a smartphone with access to the Lyft app and a credit or debit card. When they need a ride to get to or from work, participants simply request a ride through the Lyft app and wait for their driver. Rides are available countywide and subject to Lyft driver availability.

As more participants join the program over the next several years, we’ll track rider satisfaction and outcomes for employment and community access.

Cost effectiveness will be monitored as well to determine whether this program can be replicated to address other unmet transportation needs within Dakota County.

Aims to serve about 100 individuals in 2018

Walking every day can bring big benefits to your waistline, bones, muscles and overall health, and our free Simple Steps walking program is here to help.

Simple Steps aims to increase the number of people who walk on a regular basis in Dakota County.

The program motivates walkers by offering prizes and encouraging walking in groups or with a friend.

Prizes include T-shirts, hats, arm bands and other goods. Since being established in 2007, nearly 11,500 people have participated in the annual program that runs from April 1 to June 15.

Program participants generally walk an average of 232 minutes per week. Top benefits reported by walkers include enjoyment, stress reduction, increased energy, and improved fitness and mood.

Registration for Simple Steps 2018 is open March 15–June 15.

Walkers can begin logging and reporting their walking times starting April 1 to be eligible for prizes. To learn more and register, visit www.dakotacounty.us, search Simple Steps.

11,500 Participants since 2007

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A place to call home Homelessness in Dakota County

You may not see it where you live, but the number of people experiencing homelessness in Dakota County continues to grow.

Being homeless affects individuals in more ways than just not having a home. It also impacts their health, nutrition and economic stability.

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Community | Homelessness in Dakota County Homelessness takes an especially heavy toll on children who, without the security of stable housing, are at an increased risk of physical and mental health issues, lower educational advancement, impaired social development, and the increased likelihood of being homeless as an adult.

347

Homeless households on housing priority wait list

Tackling homelessness is not only a moral obligation, but also a good financial move. The impacts of homelessness result in significant costs to society, which often exceed the cost of providing housing. These impacts are especially noteworthy when it comes to health and medical costs. Surveys conducted locally indicate about 75 percent of

92

2017 point-in-time homeless count

unsheltered persons have serious medical conditions or disabilities.

Other studies conducted by Wilder Research Center and Hearth Connection and Guild, Inc. show providing supportive housing for homeless people dramatically reduces medical costs and visits to the emergency room and improves health and well-being.

The County monitors its homeless populations in two ways — by performing point-in-time surveys and by using data collected from Dakota County Housing Services.

The point-in-time survey provides a simple snapshot of homelessness on one night each year in January.

The January 2017 survey counted 59 unsheltered people with all permanent shelters in Dakota County filled to capacity — an increase from 52 in 2015. In addition, there were 33 individuals who stayed at a temporary shelter during the survey.

This temporary shelter served 78 individuals in churches in Eagan and Apple Valley from December 2016– January 2017. Because of the lack of shelter space and housing, many individuals who are homeless in Dakota County resort to living out of their vehicles, camping or staying up all night in 24-hour buildings.

Data from Dakota County Housing Services programs such as the Housing Crisis Line and Coordinated Entry provide a more comprehensive picture. More than 5,500 households contacted the Housing Crisis Line last year for information on resources such as shelter, housing programs or referrals.

On top of that, more than 450 households were assessed through

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75

%

Homeless with serious medical condition or disability

Community | Foster care County — specifically examining what the County’s role should be.

The work group found that the low housing vacancy rate — about 2 percent — was contributing to the rise in rental costs and challenges in using rental vouchers, such as Section 8, because the vouchers are not keeping pace with actual rental costs. This resulted in many locations not accepting the vouchers. Together, these factors greatly impact the ability of people who are homeless to move quickly from a shelter to a home.

2% Coordinated Entry last year. These households may be referred to County housing programs or referred to partnering agencies for housing assistance based upon need and what resources are available. Half of those connected were single adults 24 years old or younger. The most recent statistics also identified 347 homeless households on the Housing Priority Wait List, which prioritizes people who are homeless and have had a housing needs assessment.

Unfortunately, the majority of these needs cannot be fulfilled due to lack of resources, program capacity and available rental units.

Because of the growing need for help, the Dakota County Board of Commissioners established the Shelter Leadership Work Group in 2017 to explore options for creating a business model that addresses shelter needs for single adults in Dakota

Housing vacancy rate

Recommendations from the work group helped influence the Board’s decision to designate an additional $1.2 million in 2018 to help meet the growing need for emergency shelter and affordable housing. Grants from the Pohlad Family Foundation and Minnesota Housing and assets from other supplementary resources will also help fund emergency shelters, provide support services, offer housing search assistance, recruit landlords and support new housing development.

Homelessness is not an issue that we can solve in a day, but continued effort and partnerships can help Dakota County reduce the number of those experiencing homelessness and provide assistance where it’s needed most.

For more information, visit www.dakotacounty.us, search homelessness.

Through no fault of their own

Finding foster parents to provide a safe, stable, nurturing home for a foster child until a relative or permanent home can be found is challenging. Caring for a fostered child with ASD for short- or long-term periods can be especially difficult because of the time it takes to create an atmosphere of stability, planning and routine.

Finding homes for kids in crisis Children never outgrow the need for parents — whether they’re a newborn or a senior in high school. But when their parents aren’t able to care for them because of family trauma or illness, a domestic violence situation or other crisis, children have to rely on others to be “stand-ins” while they wait for their family situation to improve.

Dakota County works hard to help children and families through these times of crisis. In 2017, we placed nearly 500 children with temporary foster parents, more than half of them with relatives, but the need is growing faster than the supply — particularly for children with special needs like autism spectrum disorder (ASD). On average each day in Dakota County, 250 children are in foster care.

Many single adults, couples and families want to help, but don’t know how or feel they aren’t equipped to care for a child — especially those with special needs. That’s why we offer informational meetings, free training and a team of individuals to provide foster parents the ongoing support they need to ensure each child gets the support, love and care that they deserve.

Get more information about child foster care at free information meetings held each month. www.dakotacounty.us, search foster care.

Nearly

500 250

children placed in 2017

children in foster care on an average day

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Community | iLAB

Technology for all Library iLABs put the latest technology at your fingertips The newest high-tech gadget isn’t limited to just the latest smartphone or tablet. State-of-the-art technology for video and audio production, 3-D printing and scanning, print design, and sewing and fabric cutting can be purchased by anyone.

But due to high cost, most residents couldn’t access this technology — until now.

Digital tools like Mac Pro Quad Core, Final Cut Pro and GarageBand for audio and video production; iMovie, Comic Life and Anime Studio creative design tools; and photo, film and VHS converters drew both youth and adults to the Library. Sewing machines, paper and fabric die-cutting machines, and 3-D scanning and printing devices helped crafters bring their innovative ideas to life.

In July 2016, Dakota County Library launched its first-ever iLAB at the Wescott Library to bring technology into the hands of every resident.

In the first six months, Dakota County residents amassed more than 1,300 hours using this technology. In 2017, the popularity grew even more. From

January–October, residents logged almost 5,000 hours at the Wescott iLAB.

Your Parks

PROGRAMS & EVENTS • SPRING & SUMMER 2018

With the success at Wescott, Dakota County Library is expanding services to other locations. Adobe Creative Suite and 3-D printing are available at the Heritage, Wentworth, Robert Trail and Pleasant Hill locations while Farmington Library has sewing machines for residents. In the first month, these sites saw almost 130 hours of use.

More locations are on the way. Galaxie Library will include a new multipurpose

Nearly 5,000 hours logged January–October 2017 space with even more iLAB equipment when the library’s renovation is complete in 2018.

The Library also plays an important role in helping residents learn to use these tools. In 2017, 265 participants attended 56 iLAB classes on 12 different topics, ranging from photo and film digitization to quilting. More classes are slated for 2018.

To find out more about the iLAB, including reserving equipment or equipment tutorials, go to www.dakotacounty.us/library and search iLAB.

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We make Wild Art classes Music in the Park Day Camps

www.dakotacounty.us/parks

look good F O L LOW US ON

Dakota County Parks — Off to a great start Fifty years of age may seem

old to some — a half-century, old enough to have grandkids, overthe-hill — but for a park system, Dakota County Parks is just a young whippersnapper.

To put it in perspective, the National Park Service is twice as old — 101 years old — and the Minnesota State Park System is even older at 127 years.

Before the County park system was started, local parks were created by cities and villages or were private gifts to a community in the form of town squares or recreation fields. Between 1950 and 1960, northern

More than 5,600 acres were set aside in our first 50 years.

PARK OPENING 2017 Minnesota River Greenway

PARK OPENING 1995 Mississippi River Trail

Dakota County’s population more than doubled and new homes and shopping centers began consuming most open spaces — causing land prices to climb.

Setting aside open space while it was still available and affordable was quickly becoming out of reach for most cities and villages without state or county financial help.

Then in 1959, the Minnesota Legislature approved the formation of county park commissions, and up to 36 cents per resident per year was collected to support county parks. In November 1967, 82 acres around Jensen Lake and 180 acres the following year were purchased — the first steps in creating what is now the 2,000-acre Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan.

PARK OPENING 1994 Big Rivers Regional Trail

PARK OPENING 1985 Miesville Ravine Park Reserve

Over the next 50 years, Dakota County sought out and acquired some of the county’s most beautiful natural areas to set aside as permanent parks. Among them are Lake Byllesby Regional Park along the north edge of the largest lake in southern Dakota County, Spring Lake Park Reserve with its dramatic 150-foot limestone bluffs along the Mississippi River, Miesville Ravine Park Reserve that features deep woods that surround picturesque Trout Brook, and the latest addition, Whitetail Woods Regional Park with its century-old oaks and pristine wetlands.

Thompson County Park, 52 wooded acres in the heart of urban

development in West St. Paul, the 16-acre Dakota Woods Dog Park, and a 35-mile regional trail and greenway system round out the more than 5,600 acres set aside in our first 50 years.

But safeguarding these spaces from development is just the beginning of creating a great park system. It’s also making sure people are able to experience and enjoy all they have to offer and protecting our natural resources.

Providing diverse recreational opportunities — like hiking, camping, canoeing, mountain biking, archery and cross-country skiing — and educational programs, expands our appreciation of nature and the

There were 388,800 visitors in 1986.

By 2016, there was a 234% increase.

In 1967, the first park land was purchased around Jensen Lake.

PARK OPENING 1968 Lake Byllesby Regional Park

PARK OPENING 1967 Lebanon Hills Regional Park

PARK OPENING 1974 Thompson County Park

PARK OPENING 1975 Spring Lake Park Reserve

outdoors and increases the value we place on these special areas.

Additional options in these areas over the past 30 years increased Dakota County park visits 234 percent, from 388,800 in 1986 to nearly 1.3 million in 2016.

We’re also trying to leave the land in better shape than when it was added to the system. Managing our natural resources, such as getting rid of invasive species like garlic mustard and buckthorn, helps generate healthier forests, savannahs and prairies that aid in keeping our water clean, stabilizing soil, creating wildlife habitat and so much more. To date, Dakota County Parks restored and continues to manage 2,600 acres of park land.

A total of 3,500 are planned to be restored and managed by 2022.

PARK OPENING 1994 River to River Greenway

Making sure our county parks continue to be places where people can connect and enjoy a healthy outdoor lifestyle, can learn about and value nature, and where wildlife and healthy ecosystems can flourish will continue to be priorities as we move forward.

To make sure we’re on the right track, we develop plans for each individual park and system wide plans for how we deliver visitor services and manage our natural resources. These will help us continue to provide an exceptional future in recreation, education and resource protection as we begin our next 50 years.

A total of 3,500 acres are planned to be restored and managed by 2022.

PARK OPENING 2004 Dakota Woods Dog Park

PARK OPENING 2012 Whitetail Woods Regional Park

PROGRAMS & EVENTS

www.dakotacounty.us/parks Call 952-891-7000 Monday through Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Click Programs & Events

WOODCOCK WALK

River to River Greenway

FAMILY

Thompson County Park LILYDALE

BigRivers RiversRegional RegionalTrail Trail Big

MENDOTA

FOREVER WILD FAMILY FRIDAY

WEST ST PAUL

156 SOUTH ST PAUL

35E MENDOTA SUNFISH HEIGHTS LAKE

Big RiversRiver Regional Trail Minnesota Greenway

494

13

Mississippi River Trail

494 52

3

Scavenger Hunt

Spring Lake Park Reserve

56

EAGAN INVER GROVE HEIGHTS

31 43

77

Join us for family fun on the first Friday of every month with outdoor park activities and s'mores.

Ages: All ages Fee: Free Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park

32

Geocaching

55

Have fun exploring the park and finding hidden geocaches.

Activity Number: 111001-02 Fri, May 4; 7–8:30 pm

BURNSVILLE

35E

35W

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

71

38 ROSEMOUNT

APPLE VALLEY

33

52

HASTINGS

85

31

54

47

Dakota Woods Dog Park

9

MARSHAN 316 RAVENNA TWP TWP

62

EMPIRE TWP

23 FARMINGTON

35

55

NININGER TWP

COATES

46

Pollinators

42

42

42

VERMILLION

66 LAKEVILLE

61

VERMILLION TWP

91

Miesville Ravine Park Reserve

50 HAMPTON

Whitetail Woods Regional Park

EUREKA TWP

3

NEW TRIER

HAMPTON TWP

DOUGLAS TWP

50

52

56

61

MIESVILLE

CASTLE ROCK TWP

GREENVALE TWP

19

Archery Biking Boating Camper cabin Camping Canoeing/Kayaking

WATERFORD TWP

NORTHFIELD

Cross-country skiing Dog off-leash Dog on-leash Dogsledding Fishing Gardening

88

47 SCIOTA TWP

Lake Byllesby Regional Park

19

Geocaching Hiking Horseback riding Horseshoes Ice skating In-line skating

Kicksledding Mountain biking Nature play Paddleboarding Picnicking Play area

Dragonflies

Delve into the life cycles of dragonflies. Collect dragonflies from the lake and prairie and learn to identify what you've found.

Activity Number: 111001-04 Fri, July 6; 7–8:30 pm Join us for stories, yarns and tales around the campfire.

Activity Number: 111001-05 Fri, Aug. 3; 7–8:30 pm

Prairies

85

RANDOLPH TWP RANDOLPH

Learn all about pollinators and how your garden can help them. Make seed bombs to take home.

Activity Number: 111001-03 Fri, June 1; 7–8:30 pm

Campfire Stories

20

80

86

Head outside for a springtime walk and phenology scavenger hunt.

Activity Number: 111001-01 Fri, April 6; 7–8:30 pm

Recreational bonfire Ski skating Sledding Snowshoeing Swimming

Explore and learn about amazing prairie plants and sweep net for insects.

Activity Number: 111001-06 Fri, Sept. 7; 7–8:30 pm

SENSORY FRIENDLY SUNDAYS Learn about the seasons and what's happening outside our indoor classroom using books and activities.

Ages: 5–10 Fee: Free; pre-registration required.

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Springtime!

Activity Number: 111002-01 Sun, April 8; 10–11 am

Summertime!

Activity Number: 111002-02 Sun, July 15; 10–11 am

Discover the well-camouflaged woodcock and take a walk to try to see and hear its aerial display.

Ages: 5 and older Fee: $5/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111702-01 Fri, April 13; 7–9 pm

MINNESOTA STARWATCH

See stars through two of the biggest mobile telescopes in Minnesota and hear Mike Lynch share stories about constellations and their legends.

Ages: 5 and older Fee: $10/person Empire Shelter Whitetail Woods Regional Park Activity Number: 111704-01 Sat, April 21; 8–10 pm

NATURE'S ART: FAIRY HOMES

Bring a child in your life to design and create a little fairy home for your garden using an array of found objects. A Minnesota Legacy program.

Ages: 5 and older, adult must register with youth.

Fee: Free; pre-registration required.

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110202-01 Sat, May 5; 10–11:30 am

STORYWALK

Take a self-guided walk in the park while reading picture book pages displayed along the trail.

Ages: All ages Fee: Free Visitor Center Trailhead Lebanon Hills Regional Activity Number: 110902-01 Fri–Mon, May 25–28; 8 am–8 pm Activity Number: 110902-02 Fri–Mon, Aug. 31–Sept. 3; 8 am–8 pm

PARENT/CHILD CANOE

Spend an evening with your child learning the basics of canoeing and having fun with games and activities on the water.

Ages: 5 and older Fee: $10/person Schulze Beach Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110902-01 Tue, June 12; 6–8 pm Activity Number: 110902-02 Tue, July 10; 6–8 pm

MARS STARWATCH

Join us for a special StarWatch focused on the planet Mars during its closest encounter with Earth in 15 years. Look through Mike Lynch's giant telescopes to view this and other celestial features.

Ages: 5 and older Fee: $10/person Empire Shelter Whitetail Woods Regional Park Activity Number: 111704-02 Sat, Sept. 15; 8–10 pm

PUPPET WAGON

Join us for family-friendly puppet shows and activities with Eagan's Puppet Wagon.

Ages: All ages Fee: Free Visitor Center Amphitheater Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110203-01 Fridays, June 22–Aug. 17; 10–10:45 am

MONARCH MIGRATION

Learn about the life of a monarch, including its amazing migration.

Catch monarchs in the prairie and help our park naturalist tag monarchs.

Ages: 5 and older Fee: $5/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111703-01 Sat, Sept. 1; 10 am–noon

PARENT CHILD ARCHERY

Learn basic shooting techniques and range safety through games and activities.

Ages: 8 and older Fee: $15/person Archery Shelter Lower Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 110101-02 Sun, Sept. 9; 1–3 pm

YOUTH HOMESCHOOL LAB

Use the park as your lab for scientific experimentation, hands-on study and recreational skill-building.

Ages: 6–12 Fee: $8/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Rain and Water

Learn about the water cycle and learn how the first rains of the season contribute to spring growth.

Activity Number: 111501-01 Wed, April 4; 1–3 pm

Nesting Birds

Look high and low to spot a variety of bird nests, learn more about each species and how they create their nests.

Activity Number: 111501-02 Wed, May 2; 1–3 pm

Science of Aquatic Insects

Study life under the lake’s surface.

Collect, examine and identify aquatic insects and learn about the importance of biodiversity.

Activity Number: 111501-03 Wed, June 6; 1–3 pm

Canoeing

PARENT/CHILD KAYAK

Exercise your paddle and learn the basics of canoeing through practice and games.

Activity Number: 11502-01 Wed, Sept. 5; 1–3 pm

Spend an evening with your child learning the basics of kayaking and having fun with games and activities on the water.

Ages: 5 and older Fee: $10/person Schulze Beach Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110901-01 Tue, June 5; 6–8 pm Activity Number: 110901-02 Tue, July 3; 6–8 pm

BE A PARK VOLUNTEER Help with wetland studies, events and invasive species removal. www.dakotacounty.us, search volunteer.

PROGRAMS & EVENTS KNEE-HIGH NATURALISTS

Discover nature with a child through hands-on activities, outdoor exploration, art projects, storytime and more.

Ages: 3–6 Fee: $8/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Leap Frog Fun

Explore the songs of Minnesota frogs and toads. Learn about frog life cycles and make your own toad abode to take home.

Activity Number: 112001-01 Thu, April 5; 10–11:30 am Activity Number: 112001-02 Sat, April 7; 10–11:30 am

Wildflowers and Pollinators

Learn about wildflowers and pollinators through playacting, park exploration and watercolor painting.

Activity Number: 112001-03 Thu, May 10; 10–11:30 am Activity Number: 112001-04 Sat, May 12; 10–11:30 am

Castles and Dragonflies

Delve into the world of dragonflies through costumed playacting, going on a dragonfly hunt, and making your own dragonfly to take home.

Activity Number: 112001-05 Thu, June 7; 10–11:30 am Activity Number: 112001-06 Sat, June 9; 10–11:30 am

Fabulous Fish

Examine the life of fish and what makes them special. Learn about Minnesota fish and make your own fish prints to take home.

Activity Number: 112001-07 Thu, July 5; 10–11:30 am Activity Number: 112001-08 Sat, July 7; 10–11:30 am

Busy Bees

Learn about bees through playacting, dance and park exploration.

Activity Number: 112001-09 Thu, Aug. 9; 10–11:30 am Activity Number: 112001-10 Sat, Aug. 11; 10–11:30 am

Nature's Produce

Find out what's in season at nature's grocery store. Examine types of seeds and make your own apple stamp art.

Activity Number: 112001-11 Thu, Sept. 6; 10–11:30 am Activity Number: 112001-12 Sat, Sept. 8; 10–11:30 am

SCOUT BADGES

Earn your scout badge, petal or adventure in these two-hour programs.

Fee: $8/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Brownie Girl Scouts: Bugs Badge Earn your badge by learning about insects and catching and examining them close-up.

Ages: 6–9 Activity Number: 112302-01 Tue, Sept. 11; 6–8 pm

Junior Girl Scouts: Animal Habitats

Investigate animal habitats and learn about those that are endangered and what you can do to help protect them.

Ages: 9–11 Activity Number: 112303-01 Thu, Sept. 13; 6–8 pm

Bear Cubs: Fur, Feather and Fins

Take a hike to learn about endangered species and examine plants as part of your adventure.

Ages: 8–9 Activity Number: 112307-01 Tue, Sept. 18; 6–8 pm

Webelos: Into the Woods

Take a hike to examine park ecosystems and the role animals and plants play in ecosystem health while earning your badge.

Ages: 9–11 Activity Number: 112308-01 Thu, Sept. 20; 6–8 pm

SUMMER CAMPS SMALL FRY FISH DAY CAMP

Join us for a day camp designed for the youngest anglers. Learn the basics of fishing, how to cast, tie knots and get out on the water to catch the big one.

Ages: 5–8 Fee: $30/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110407-01 Fri, June 8; 9 am–3 pm

LITTLE RIPPERS MOUNTAIN BIKE DAY CAMP

Join us for a day camp designed for the youngest riders and taught by experts from Valley Bike and Ski. Bring your mountain bike and helmet.

No previous experience required.

A limited number of bikes available to rent.

Ages: 6–10 Fee: $30/youth Mountain Bike Shelter Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110406-01 Wed, June 13; 9 am–noon

www.dakotacounty.us/parks

FISH CAMP

Explore the world of Minnesota fish through hands-on games and activities and spend the afternoons learning to cast and catch and release.

Ages: 8–12 Fee: $75/youth North Shelter Thompson County Park Activity Number: 110401-01 Wed–Fri, June 13–15; 9 am–3 pm Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110401-02 Wed–Fri, June 20–22; 9 am–3 pm

BOOKS IN THE WOODS CAMP

A camp for our littlest nature explorers. Read a different book each day and use the story to explore the park.

Ages: 4–6 Fee: $60/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110412-01 Tue–Fri, June 26–29; 9 am–noon

MOUNTAIN BIKE CAMP

Grab your mountain bike and helmet and join experts from Valley Bike and Ski to learn bike handling skills, bike maintenance, trail maintenance and more. No previous experience required. A limited number of bikes available to rent.

Ages: 10–15 Fee: $100/youth Mountain Bike Shelter Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110403-01 Mon–Thu, July 9–12; 9 am–noon Activity Number: 110403-03 Mon–Thu, Aug. 6–9; 9 am–noon

MOUNTAIN BIKE CAMP FOR GIRLS

Grab your mountain bike and helmet and join experts from Valley Bike and Ski to learn bike handling skills, bike maintenance, trail maintenance and more. No previous experience required. A limited number of bikes available to rent.

Ages: 10–15 Fee: $100/youth Mountain Bike Shelter Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110403-02 Mon–Thu, July 9–12; 9 am–noon

ART IN THE PARK CAMP

Call 952-891-7000 Monday through Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Click Programs & Events

Discover nature through observation and various art forms, storytelling, games and journals.

Ages: 8–12 Fee: $75/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110413-01 Wed–Fri, July 18–20; 9 am–3 pm

ARCHERY CAMP

Learn the basics of archery through fun activities, proper technique and range safety and spend afternoons target shooting. Instructor NASP certified.

Ages: 8–12 Fee: $75/youth Archery Shelter Lower Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 110402-01 Wed–Fri, July 25–27; 9 am–3 pm

WILDERNESS SURVIVAL CAMP Learn to survive in the woods by constructing survival shelters, building fires, learning knot tying and wayfinding skills, and more.

Ages: 8–12 Fee: $75/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110404-01 Wed–Fri, Aug. 15–17; 9 am–3 pm

NATURE'S NINJAS CAMP

Hone your skills to master the art of camouflage, stealth, balance and awareness in nature.

Ages: 8–12 Fee: $75/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110416-01 Wed–Fri, Aug. 22–24; 9 am–3 pm

ULTIMATE HIKER CAMP

Explore almost every trail in Lebanon Hills in this camp. Learn how to prepare for a hike, how to stay safe, and the basics of wayfinding. Have fun with challenges, scavenger hunts and more.

Ages: 10–14 Fee: $75/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110408-01 Wed–Fri, Aug. 29–31; 9 am–3 pm

ADULT WILD ART

Join us to create art inspired by nature.

Jewelry for Nature's Finds

Learn jewelry techniques with artist Jen Anfinson using your nature finds.

Create a wire wrap for agates, sea glass, rocks, driftwood and more.

A Minnesota Legacy program.

Ages: 15 and older Fee: Free; pre-registration required.

Schaar's Bluff Gathering Center Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 110201-01 Sun, April 15; 1–3 pm

Origami Pumpkins

Join Kathleen Sherdian of the Minnesota Center for Book Arts and learn how to fold a threedimensional pumpkin that can be used for decoration, a card holder or a container for treats. A Minnesota Legacy program.

Ages: 16 and older Fee: Free; pre-registration required.

Dakota Lodge Thompson County Park Activity Number: 110201-02 Sun, Sept. 2; 9–11 am

HYGGE IN THE WOODS

Meander with your companions to the A-frame on Portage lake and take a break with our warm beverages and books to inspire your spirit.

Ages: 16 and older Fee: $12/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111405-01 Sun, April 29; 9–11 am

SHAKESPEARE ON THE BLUFF: TWELFTH NIGHT

Learn how to turn loose, fluffy wool in warm fall colors into a felted leaf with the Textile Center. A Minnesota Legacy program.

Ages: 16 and older Fee: Free; pre-registration required.

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110201-03 Sun, Sept. 16; 9–11 a.m.

Join the (lumin) theater lab for a promenade-style production of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night at one of several performances each weekend at Spring Lake Park Reserve.

Ages: 16 and older Fee: Donations suggested.

East Shelter Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 110204-01 Saturday or Sunday; May 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 or 20; 3:30 pm or 7 pm

FLY FISHING WORKSHOP

BIRDING ON THE MISSISSIPPI

Needle Felted Leaves

Join the Fly Fishing Women of Minnesota for an in-depth introduction to fly fishing, casting techniques and fly tying in this two-session workshop.

Ages: 16 and older Fee: $30/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111102-02 Tuesdays, April 17 & 24; 6–8 pm

INTRO TO FLY FISHING FOR WOMEN

Join us for a hands-on introduction to the sport of fly fishing especially for women. Class taught by the Fly Fishing Women of Minnesota.

Ages: 16 and older Fee: $15/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111102-01 Sat, April 21; 10 am–noon

WILDFLOWER WALK

Hike with a naturalist when the spring ephemerals are in full bloom and learn basic wildflower identification.

Ages: 16 and older Fee: $8/person Trailhead Miesville Ravine Park Reserve Activity Number: 111403-01 Sat, April 28; 9–11 am East Shelter Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 111403-02 Sun, April 22; 9–11 am

Explore the Rock Island Swing Bridge and its unique vantage point of the Mississippi while learning birding tips from a naturalist.

Binoculars provided.

Ages: 16 and older Fee: Free Swing Bridge Park Shelter Mississippi River Regional Trail Activity Number: 111701-01 Sun, May 6; 8–10 am

MOUNTAIN BIKE WORKSHOP

Learn the basics of mountain biking with experts from Valley Bike and Ski in this three-session workshop.

Topics include bike-handling skills, equipment, safety, trails and more.

For all skills levels. Limited number of demo bikes available to use.

Ages: 15 and older Fee: $50/person Mountain Bike Shelter Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110301-01 Mondays, May 21, 28 & June 4; 6–8 pm

NEED EQUIPMENT? Rent paddleboards, canoes and kayaks at the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center.

www.dakotacounty.us/ parks, search equipment rental

MOUNTAIN BIKE WORKSHOP FOR WOMEN Learn mountain biking skills for women, taught by women, from Valley Bike and Ski in this threesession workshop. Topics include bike-handling skills, equipment, safety, trails and more. For all skill levels. Limited number of demo bikes available for use.

Ages: 15 and older Fee: $50/person Mountain Bike Shelter Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110301-02 Wednesdays, May 23, 30 & June 6; 6–8 pm

EVENTS TAKE A KID FISHING

Catch some quality time with a child in your life. Join us at hands-on fishing stations to practice knot tying, casting, baiting a hook and more.

Bring your own pole or borrow one of ours.

Ages: All ages Fee: Free North Shelter Thompson County Park Activity Number: 110801-01 Sun, June 10; noon–3 pm

BACKYARD AGRICULTURE: BEEKEEPING BEYOND THE BASICS

MUSIC IN THE PARKS

If you already keep bees, this is the class for you. Join JoAnne Sabin to learn more about bee behavior, hive management and equipment beyond the basic woodenware and hive tool.

Get the latest news about bee health, swarms and simple queen rearing in this two-session class.

Ages: 16 and older Fee: $30/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111301-01 Wednesdays, May 30 & June 6; 6–9 pm

Head to Whitetail Woods this summer for entertaining musical performances. Bring a blanket or chair and picnic dinner.

Ages: All ages Fee: Free Amphitheater Whitetail Woods Regional Park Activity Number: 112601-01 Sat, June 30; 6–7:30 pm Activity Number: 112601-02 Sat, July 28; 6–7:30 pm Activity Number: 112601-03 Sat, Aug. 25; 6–7:30 pm

EDIBLE MUSHROOM WORKSHOP

WILD RIDE MOUNTAIN BIKE FESTIVAL

Explore edible mushrooms with instructors Sarah Foltz Jordan and Nick Jordan. Workshop includes identification practice, a foray in a nearby forest, photo presentations, and cooking and sampling edible mushrooms.

Ages: 16 and older Fee: $60/person Camp Sacajawea Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111709-01 Sun, Sept. 16; 11 am–5 pm

Ride some of the best mountain bike trails in the state. Multiple bike demo trailers and local bike shops will be on hand for bike tune-ups, clinics, group rides and more. Free bike check-out available. Hot food and beer available for purchase.

Ages: All ages Fee: Free Mountain Bike Shelter Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 210801-01 Sat, Sept. 22; 10 am–4 pm

INFORMATION REGISTRATION To register online, search for the program using the activity number or a key word in the program title.

Registration is not required for free programs unless noted. Satisfaction is guaranteed.

PAYMENT Payment is due at registration. All major credit cards are accepted.

IF WE NEED TO CANCEL Cancellations posted at www.dakotacounty.us/parks.

IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL Refund policy is posted at www.dakotacounty.us/parks, click Programs & Events.

SCHOLARSHIPS Call 952-891-7000.

ACCESSIBILITY At least three weeks before the program, tell us what accommodation would make the program accessible to you or your family.

EQUIPMENT Provided unless specified.

Thank you for years

23 GETTING BACK TO BASICS 25 DON'T THROW IT, FIX IT

50

of playing, learning and celebrating

RECYCLE Getting back to basics Paper, glass and plastic go in your recycling cart

Glass bottles and jars, plastic bottles and jugs, cardboard boxes, newspapers and magazines all go into your curbside recycling cart. This may seem like Recycling 101, but the fact is, we’re still sending thousands of pounds of these recyclables to our landfills every week.

www.dakotacounty.us/parks spring/summer 2018 | www.dakotacounty.us |

23

Go Green

Go Green | Getting back to basics  Plastic bags and wrap  Styrofoam™  Chains and garden hoses  Batteries  Paper plates, cups, napkins, towels, paper soiled with food, gift wrap  Glass dishes, vases, drinking glasses, window glass or mirrors  Motor oil bottles and other containers that held hazardous products  Plastic utensils  Snack bags and wrappers

In the cart More than 43 million pounds of paper and cardboard are collected and buried in our landfills each year.

We know you want to recycle.

According to the latest Dakota County Residential Survey, 9 of 10 residents say recycling is very important. Yet, there is still a large gap in what we can recycle and what we actually recycle.

Currently, residents and businesses in Dakota County are recycling about 50 percent of what we throw away. Our state-required recycling goal is 75 percent by 2030.

Plastic

Paper & Boxes

Glass bottles

outside the home — is a big step in the right direction.

pick-up and what happens to recycling after it leaves your home.

Part of the issue is confusion about what can and can’t go into your recycling cart and misconceptions about the availability of recycling

Recycling pick-up is available to residents across the County — even in the most remote areas. What items each hauler accepts depends on what recycling facility receives their load.

We’re working with haulers across the County to provide needed information about what can and can’t go in your recycling cart and to standardize it as much as possible, so everyone can recycle the same way.

2030 Goal 75%

Dakota County Recycling rate 2014 52%

2015 49%

2016 47%

Recycling everything we possibly can could put a huge dent in reaching that 75-percent goal. Making sure the basics get recycled — both in and

The image above shows items that all haulers in Dakota County accept and items that need to be left out of your recycling cart. Other items may or may not be accepted by your

Recycle more than you think From household cleaners, pesticides and pool chemicals to bikes, BBQ grills and toasters — recycle more than you think for free at The Recycling Zone.

Check our reuse area for free paint, cleaners and yard chemicals.

www.dakotacounty.us, search Recycling Zone A nominal fee is charged for televisions, monitors and tires.

24 | www.dakotacounty.us | spring/summer 2018

Cartons

Metal cans

individual hauler. For information on what other items your recycling hauler collects, visit www.dakotacounty.us, search recycling and trash.

If you find your recycling cart overflowing most weeks, talk to your hauler about increasing the size of your cart or adding a second recycling cart. Most haulers offer upgrades and extra carts for free. Many haulers also offer weekly recycling pick-up. You may even be able to get a smaller trash cart and save money on your bill.

Volunteers are also an important piece of our recycling success.

Residents can learn the ins and outs of waste, recycling and composting and put their expertise to work providing others with information, tips and answers to recycling questions through the Master Recycler/Composter program. Since the program started in 2014, 179 volunteers worked nearly 2,500 hours to help increase recycling at work, school, farmers markets and other local events. For information on upcoming trainings, visit www.dakotacounty.us, search master recycler.

Not in the cart Recycling mythbusters

Don’t Throw it, Fix it

We live in a one-and-done society.

Many items we use every day are viewed as abundant and disposable — whether they’re a pair of jeans or a toaster. Although relatively inexpensive and easy to get, the cost we ultimately pay is high.

Many of them find their way into the trash and nearby landfills where they take valuable space and many years to decompose. Some contain chemicals and other materials that are harmful to our environment.

Myth: R ecycling doesn’t save natural resources.

Truth: Even with the amount of fuel it takes to ship recycling, making a product out of used products instead of new resources saves energy and water and reduces pollution.

Myth: M aterial collected in recycling carts ends up in the landfill anyway.

Truth: It is illegal for haulers to take materials collected as recycling to landfills or incinerators for disposal, and it is illegal for those places to accept them.

Myth: R ecyclables are sorted at the landfill.

Truth: Recyclables are not sorted out at the landfill in the Twin Cities. Once dumped by the trucks, the recyclables are there forever.

Fortunately, many of the items we toss can be fixed or repurposed and kept out of the landfill. Each month, Dakota County hosts free Fix-it Clinics to help residents get more life out of what they buy.

The County partners with volunteers who have a variety of skills in wiring, sewing, electronics and more to help fix everything from clothes to jewelry, small appliances to garden tools, and lamps to printers.

In 2017, volunteers at Dakota County Fix-it Clinics assisted more than 300 residents with more than 500 items. About 80 percent of those items were able to be fixed — keeping more than 2,600 pounds of trash out of our local landfills.

Find a Fix-it Clinic at www.dakotacounty.us, search Fix-it Clinics.

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F E A T U R E

FOCUSED ON Four goals guide Dakota County’s service to residents

VIDEO

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DAKOTA COUNTY

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F O C U S E D

O N

S U C C E S S

Making sure we focus on what’s important to our residents is the cornerstone of how we do business in Dakota County. How do we know what’s important? Every two years, we conduct a survey that asks residents to rate their quality of life and their satisfaction with County government.

PHOTO

9,000

iving s rece t n e d Stu ne-free new fi cards library

Another health initiative partners with other agencies to establish smoke-free apartment buildings. In the past two years, the County helped 46 multi-unit apartment complexes in their efforts to become smoke-free — providing a healthier living environment for more than 6,300 residents.

9,000

school student benefited froms more fruits & vegtables

TY COUN PHOTO

There are fun, engaging library events for adults and children alike throughout the year. And we are helping more students explore the libraries.

Through the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership, or SHIP, we’re helping to encourage healthy living. The County partnered with six school districts to increase access to more fruits and vegetables for nearly 9,000 students and to promote more physical activity before, during and after school. We also provided data and maps to six food shelves in Dakota County to help them improve their services to residents in need. Our efforts helped The Open Door, an Eagan-based hunger relief organization, provide more than 6,000 pounds of produce to 1,100 residents through its Mobile Pantry program.

DAKOTA

Our libraries are much more than just books and reference materials. The nine locations buzz with activity as residents take advantage of a range of programs and resources. Due to their popularity, we’ve added Sunday hours to three more libraries — providing service seven days a week at five locations. Additionally, we added an iLAB at Wescott Library where residents can access state-of-the-art technology, such as 3-D printers, that many otherwise could not afford. Limited iLAB equipment is available at several other library locations, and a new iLAB will open at the Galaxie Library this fall.

About 9,000 students from two school districts have new, fine-free library cards, and Dakota County is planning to expand the program.

VIDEO

The County’s regional parks and trails are popular with residents and visitors alike. From biking to hiking, swimming to snowshoeing and from archery to picnics, there are countless ways to enjoy your favorite outdoors activity — and those opportunities are growing. We’re partnering with other agencies to improve and expand park amenities. Last year, we completed

DAKOTA COUNTY

Miles of new Mississippi River Trail

PHOTO

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4. 3

UNTY

These are hefty goals and County government cannot achieve them alone. A big part of our

Making sure Dakota County is a great place to live with welcoming, safe communities and opportunities to thrive are fundamental to lasting high quality of life.

DAKOTA CO

In 2017, the County Board updated the plan with four new overarching goals that will help make sure we stay on track. The goals set a clear path for us to continue to build a County that is a great place to live, a healthy environment with quality natural areas, a successful place for business and jobs, and provides excellence in public service.

ENJOYING LIFE IN DAKOTA COUNTY

VIDEO

Together, these and other data help the County Board of Commissioners update and improve our Strategic Plan, the “roadmap” that guides the future direction of Dakota County and focuses our work and budget needs.

Here is a closer look at each of the new County goals and some of the programs and services we provide that help us achieve them.

a 4.3-mile section of the Mississippi River Trail, connecting Spring Lake Park Reserve and the City of Hastings. We also improved safety and accessibility last year with the opening of a pedestrian underpass at Highway 110 and Dodd Road as part of a trail project that will eventually link Mendota Heights to Lebanon Hills Regional Park.

VIDEO

We also use community indicators that measure past and current trends in population growth, access to broadband, unemployment, water quality, third-grade reading level, crime and crash rates and other areas. How well we’re moving toward the goal of these indicators gives us an idea of where we may need to focus additional efforts.

success relies on important partnerships with other local governments, private business, nonprofits, state and federal government, and the residents of Dakota County.

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of County park to be restore land d& managed

PHOTO

We’ve got more important work ahead. Last year, the County Board approved the Natural Resource Management System Plan. It’s a five-year plan

Together, modern infrastructure, low taxes and a skilled workforce foster a successful place for business and jobs right here in Dakota County.

Our 2.2 percent unemployment rate in October 2017 is the lowest it’s been in more than a decade, but there are still many residents looking for employment and employers seeking skilled workers. We strengthen business in the County through our WorkForce Centers in Burnsville and West St. Paul, and a third in Shakopee that is operated in partnership with Scott County.

If you’re looking for a job, we have programs and free resources for any stage of your search.

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The County park system began 50 years ago with its first acquisition of what would become Lebanon Hills Regional Park. Since then, more than 5,600 acres have been set aside for recreation, learning and preservation in county parks, trails and greenways. With help from the $20 million bond referendum in 2002, we’ve been able to partner with other agencies and private landowners to permanently protect nearly 5,000 additional acres of natural areas outside of the park system.

A PARTNER FOR BUSINESS, A SOURCE FOR JOB SEEKERS

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beginning in 2018 to restore and manage about 75 percent of County parkland and to conserve water and wildlife throughout the park system as well as in significant portions of regional greenways and conservation easements on private lands.

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The Recycling Zone in Eagan is a year-round drop-off site for recycling and household hazardous waste. In 2017, residents brought 891 tons of recyclables and 1,900 tons of household hazardous waste and electronics to the site — keeping it out of our landfills. Household hazardous waste items like batteries, fireworks, lawn and garden products, and most recyclable items like scrap metal, eye glasses and small appliances can be dropped off for free. A nominal fee is charged for computer monitors, TVs and tires. You can also take advantage of our reuse area by taking home free paint, cleaning products, fertilizers and other items that otherwise would be wasted. The reuse area has proven popular: In 2017 alone, residents used 298,000 pounds of products from the reuse area.

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Tons of household & hazardous wasteted electronics diver from landfills

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Dakota County works hard to protect and maintain a healthy environment with quality natural areas that residents can enjoy today and tomorrow. Each year, thousands of residents show how much they care about our environment by working with us to protect our resources through waste reduction, recycling, volunteering, land conservation, invasive species removal and so much more.

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The County also partners with cities to hold periodic recycling events. In 2016, residents recycled 25,768 pounds of paper and 50,800 pounds of tires. Residents boosted organic recycling efforts by dropping off 53,125 pounds of pumpkins at these collection events. And residents kept 400 pounds of broken household items and damaged clothing from ending up in our landfills by bringing them to Fix-it Clinics in 2016.

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Our children’s success is vital to Dakota County’s future, and we’re helping them thrive through learning and recreation. But we also help them get back on track when they take a wrong turn — and we’ve seen positive results. Our Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative helps keep low-risk kids out of more costly juvenile detention whenever possible. In 2016, 29 percent of offenders were placed into community-based supervision or released to a parent or guardian — improving their success rate, saving taxpayer dollars and keeping our communities safer.

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Beyond workforce development, we are improving our infrastructure and our tools for economic development. We have long supported a strong transportation network. Now, a new Dakota Broadband Board (DBB), a partnership between the County, the Community Development Agency

Streamlining processes, providing clear communication, engaging in innovative partnerships, and using our resources responsibly are all ways Dakota County provides excellence in public service.

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For employers, our WorkForce Centers offer numerous resources, including applicant referrals, job fairs and the opportunity to be promoted as the business of the day. In 2017, more than 100 employers participated in our annual job fair. Our WorkForce Centers can also provide labor market information and connect businesses with specialized workforce training.

SERVING YOU WITH EFFICIENCY AND INNOVATION

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The DBB and our WorkForce Centers are just a couple of the reasons Dakota County is a great place for business and jobs. We offer these services while keeping property taxes at the lowest level per person in the state.

One example of the County’s fiscally responsible work is our Veterans Services' use of limited resources to serve thousands of veterans. Dakota County is home to the second highest number of veterans in the state, approximately 26,000 in 2016. In that same year, the County helped more than 4,000 veterans access around $190 million in federal, state and local benefits they were entitled to receive due to their service.

26,000 Military veterans living in Dakota County

Beyond its efficient use of taxpayer resources, Veterans Services is innovative in other ways.

Dakota County was among the first counties in Minnesota to include women in their Veterans Services staff, demonstrating commitment to an important segment of the veteran population.

Being a good steward of taxpayer dollars can also be seen in the Board’s decision to withdraw from the Counties Transit Improvement Board (CTIB). That partnership of five metro-area counties pooled sales tax revenue for transitway projects across the region, but historically Dakota County saw less than half its contributions returned in county-specific projects. In place

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and a number of cities, will integrate and manage the large, 250-mile patchwork of publicly-owned telecommunications fiber that already exists within the county. All taxpayers will benefit from lower shared maintenance costs and greater ability for local governments to provide services electronically. Beyond that, the network has the potential to equip internet service providers with the capacity to offer competitive commercial options to businesses to help them deliver better service and lower costs.

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In 2016, we averaged more than 35 workshops each month, and had a total of 40,531 visits to our resource rooms. That is a nearly 58-percent drop in visits from 2009, a reflection of our stronger employment climate.

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of the CTIB contribution, the County Board enacted a quarter-percent sales tax and a $20 excise tax on new vehicle sales. These taxes are cost neutral to residents and businesses and, in 2018 alone, are expected to generate $16.6 million for road and transit projects that will improve safety, congestion, mobility and economic development right here in Dakota County.

Through the County Board’s new Strategic Plan and goals, we’re focused on continuing to make Dakota County a great place to live. You value recreation and amenities such as libraries, and we’re responding with popular services and activities. We’re continuing our strong tradition of natural resource conservation by improving trails and greenways and protecting and managing parkland. Dakota County is proud of its strong workforce and low unemployment, but we continue to find ways to effectively help businesses and job seekers alike.

The County places a high importance on providing excellent service to its taxpayers and partner agencies. We do that by making sound, data-driven decisions, listening to what matters to you and efficiently carrying out our responsibilities and services to all Dakota County residents.

Veterans who obtained their benefits with County help

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Your Commissioners Mike Slavik District 1

Thanks for letting us know Survey results from Fall/Winter Newsletter Thank you to those who participated in the Fall/Winter Dakota County Newsletter survey.

In all, we received 1,312 responses.

We received 1,312 responses Although not statistically representative of all County residents, the results provide a snapshot of opinions on housing, traffic, taxes and other topics. The survey also indicated what some residents like most about living in Dakota County and what they feel are the most serious issues we face.

Here is a summary of the results.

The results were shared with the Dakota County Board and staff to help inform decisions about the future of Dakota County. A complete summary is available online at www.dakotacounty.us, search newsletter survey.

1C hoose top two things you like best about living in Dakota County.

Top three in order of preference: • Location........................................59% • Parks/lakes...................................31% • My neighborhood.....................26%

2W hat you feel is most serious issue facing Dakota County.

Top three in order of preference: • Shortage of affordable housing • Traffic • Crime

3C hoose top three types of residential housing you think should be added.

Top three in order of preference: • Housing for seniors/those retired...........................................55% • Affordable housing for young families............................50% • Emergency housing for people at risk of being homeless......................................34%

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4 All sources you use to get information about Dakota County.

Top three in order of preference: • County’s mailed newsletter...83% • Newspaper or TV news...........59% • Word of mouth......................... 40%

5 How often you experience traffic

T: 651-438-4427 Includes the cities of Coates, Farmington, Hampton, Hastings, Miesville, New Trier, Randolph, Vermillion, Northfield Precinct 2; townships of Castle Rock, Douglas, Empire, Eureka, Greenvale, Hampton, Marshan, Nininger, Randolph, Ravenna, Sciota, Vermillion and Waterford.

Kathleen A. Gaylord District 2

T: 651-438-4428 Includes the cities of South St. Paul, West St. Paul, Sunfish Lake, and Inver Grove Heights Precincts 1 and 8–10.

Front row: Liz Workman, Kathleen A. Gaylord (Chair), Mary Liz Holberg Back row: Mike Slavik, Thomas A. Egan, Chris Gerlach, Joe Atkins

Thomas A. Egan

Email: board@co.dakota.mn.us

District 3

T: 651-438-4429 Includes the cities of Lilydale, Mendota, Mendota Heights, and Eagan Precincts 1–7 and 9–12.

backups that cause significant delay on County highways.

Joe Atkins

• • • • •

T: 651-438-4430 Includes the cities of Inver Grove Heights Precincts 2–7; Eagan Precincts 8 and 13–17; and Rosemount Precincts 1–2, 4, and 6–7.

Sometimes................................. 44% Rarely............................................35% Almost always........................... 10% Never...............................................5% Not applicable.............................. 6%

6 You would use a drop-off point for food waste if there was one close to your home.

• Yes................................................. 37% • Maybe.......................................... 33% • No..................................................30%

7 You consider your county property taxes: • About right..................................79% • Too high for the services provided........................................16% • Too low for the services provided..........................................5%

Contact us

LILYDALE MENDOTA MENDOTA HEIGHTS

District 5

T: 651-438-4431 Includes the city of Burnsville.

Mary Liz Holberg

2

EAGAN INVER GROVE HEIGHTS

BURNSVILLE

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APPLE VALLEY

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7 ROSEMOUNT

6 FARMINGTON

T: 651-438-4411 Includes the cities of Rosemount Precincts 3 and 5, and Apple Valley.

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VERMILLION TWP NEW TRIER

MIESVILLE

HAMPTON EUREKA

CASTLE ROCK

Chris Gerlach District 7

HASTINGS

COATES

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NININGER

VERMILLION

EMPIRE

District 6

T: 651-438-4243 Includes the city of Lakeville.

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District 4

Liz Workman

WEST ST. PAUL

HAMPTON TWP

DOUGLAS

RANDOLPH RANDOLPH TWP SCIOTA

GREENVALE

WATERFORD NORTHFIELD

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Foster a better life for a child.

Become a foster parent.

Get free training and long-term support.

Learn more at www.dakotacounty.us, search foster care.

Building lives‌building families