Dakota County Newsletter - Spring /Summer 2022

COUNTY NEWSLETTER

SPRING/SUMMER 2022

PERFORMANCE ISSUE

A place to call home Making stable housing a reality and homeownership more affordable Page 26

OUR WORK Managing the money Page 7

PARKS Camps & programs Page 15

GO GREEN Mattress disposal made easy Page 23

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

ECRWSS

Postal Customer Please recycle

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID ADVANCED MAIL

Housing, public safety and a healthy environment are all important parts of a strong community. In this spring/summer 2022 edition of the Dakota County Newsletter, you’ll see how we perform in those areas as we work to serve the county’s nearly 440,000 residents. The Dakota County Board of Commissioners is committed to supporting safe and affordable housing while also working to improve our communities in many other ways. Providing these high-quality services in a cost-effective way helps make Dakota County a premier place to live and work.

Contents Feature: Page 26

A place to call home Having a safe, affordable home makes it easier to enjoy life, but for some residents housing is difficult to find or afford. Learn how Dakota County helps people in all housing situations — from emergency shelters to homeownership.

SECTIONS

Page 3

Page 7

Page 11

Page 15

Page 23

IN BRIEF

OUR WORK

COMMUNITY

PARKS

GO GREEN

Dakota County neared 440,000 residents in new U.S. census estimates. Find out where the county is growing and how it’s becoming more diverse.

Dakota County is launching a new tool to track your tax dollars.

Learn more about this important investment.

There are limited transportation choices for people with disabilities, but a Dakota County program gives them more options and independence.

Thompson County Park is popular for family picnics, playing and fishing.

Visitors will have even more ways to enjoy the park this spring.

Dakota County is making it easier to collect household organics. Find out how to toss your food scraps and reduce landfill waste.

Keeping you informed for 42 cents This newsletter is a cost-effective way to let you know how your tax dollars are spent. To keep costs down, we limit production to twice a year and combine it with the Dakota County Parks program guide. The newsletter is written and designed by county staff. Printing is awarded through a competitive bid process. The total cost, including postage, per residential household is 42 cents — less than the cost of a postage stamp.

Contact: Mary Beth Schubert, Communications Director, marybeth.schubert@co.dakota.mn.us or call 651-438-8179

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5 SERVING ALL RESIDENTS 6 CONSTRUCTION UPDATES 6 DATES FOR YOUR CALENDAR

Growing and diversifying

MORE GROWTH

MORE SENIORS

MORE DIVERSITY

MORE KIDS

In Brief

Census estimates show county population increases and changes

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In Brief The population of Dakota County is growing and getting more diverse.

The county has grown to nearly 440,000 residents, based on U.S. Census Bureau estimates released in August 2021. People of color are a larger share of the county population.

Youths make up a smaller percentage of the county population.

That data was gathered during the 2020 census, completed once a decade.

New Trier Miesville Coates Mendota Sciota Township Vermillion Randolph Waterford Township Sunfish Lake Lilydale Randolph Township Hampton Douglas Township Greenvale Township Hampton Township Nininger Township Marshan Township Northfield (part) Vermillion Township Castle Rock Township Eureka Township Ravenna Township Empire Township Mendota Heights West St. Paul South St. Paul Farmington Rosemount Hastings Inver Grove Heights Apple Valley Lakeville Burnsville Eagan

Dakota County led the state in responding to the count — 83 percent of households responded. Dakota County also had the highest response rate in the United States among counties of similar size or larger.

2020 census response rates

Minnesota 75% Dakota County 83% Census data is used to redistribute congressional seats and draw new electoral districts. Those new boundaries were drawn this spring.

The county also uses census estimates to draw new boundaries for the seven commissioner districts to make sure they have similar population sizes.

The census count also helps decide how much federal funding is given to states, counties and other local governments. Those funds are used for road improvements, public safety and social service programs that serve people in need.

Dakota County population estimate

2010 2020

398,552 439,882

Dakota County’s population grew 10 percent in the past decade. There were an estimated 398,552 residents in 2010 and 439,882 in 2020. Dakota County remains the third-largest county in the state, behind Hennepin and Ramsey.

Changing population The county is getting more diverse.

The population of white, nonHispanic residents has remained nearly the same for the past 20 years.

In that time, the number of people of color has tripled — from fewer than 36,000 in 2000 to 116,000 in 2020.

White residents made up more than 82 percent of the county population in 2010 while nearly 18 percent were people of color. A decade later, the white population decreased to less than 74 percent and people of color have grown to more than 26 percent of the county population. Hispanic was the largest racial or ethnic Dakota County population by race

2020 White

74%

(non-Hispanic)

People of color 26%

Dakota County population growth 2010 population 2020 population

0

10K

20K

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30K

40K

50K

% of growth

60K

70K

In Brief minority — more than 8 percent of the county population.

The county’s population is also getting older overall. The median age is 38, up from 30 in 1990. Those who are age 18 or younger make up a smaller share of the overall population. They are 24 percent of the population in the latest census, down from nearly 30 percent in 1990. That is a similar trend seen across the Twin Cities-area counties.

Ready to serve all residents

Booming cities

We want to serve all our residents well — and that means learning about lives and experiences that are different from our own. That’s why Dakota County has made inclusion, diversity and equity training a basis of our staff development.

Nearly all cities in the county grew over the past decade. Double-digit growth rates in four cities — Lakeville, Rosemount, Apple Valley and Farmington — accounted for two-thirds of the county’s total population increase.

In 2019, employees participated in 21 training sessions focused on important inclusion, diversity and equity topics, including being an ally to others, the importance of language and how to start difficult conversations.

Lakeville was the fastest-growing city in Dakota County. It grew 24 percent from nearly 56,000 residents in 2010 to nearly 70,000 in 2020. That was also the largest population rate increase in the Twin Cities.

In 2020, we offered 22 trainings.

In 2021, that number jumped to 25.

We’ve added even more learning opportunities this year for our 2,000 employees.

Largest population increase in the Twin Cities:

Lakeville

We also offer employees the chance to participate in employee resource

groups. These employee-led groups help us develop a diverse, inclusive workplace. There are six groups dedicated to: Black employees, women, LGBTQ, young professionals, people with health restrictions and disabilities, and veterans and military family members. About 250 employees participate in one or more of these groups.

Employee resource groups can help us retain talented employees, encourage important conversations, increase staff diversity, and promote education about inclusion, diversity and equity throughout the county.

The groups help plan training sessions, lead book discussions and host community events.

We’re doing this important work to help us better understand and serve every county resident.

24%

The Metropolitan Council forecasts that Dakota County will gain 80,000 more people by 2040. Population forecasts are used by the county and cities to plan future services, school districts to prepare for enrollment changes and businesses to make hiring and expansion decisions.

To learn more about the census, go to www.dakotacounty.us, search 2020 census.

25

EMPLOYEE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES IN 2021 FOR INCLUSION, DIVERSITY AND EQUITY

250

STAFF PARTICIPATING IN EMPLOYEE RESOURCE GROUPS

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In Brief

Plan on it

Know what to do this spring and summer

Construction updates Through June 2024

Inver Grove Heights and Eagan

Monthly

March–June

Immunizations are available for uninsured adults and children at the Northern and Western service centers.

Call 952-891-7999 to schedule an appointment. www.dakotacounty.us, search immunization clinics.

Get free help fixing everything from sweaters to lamps. www.dakotacounty. us, search fix-it clinic.

Immunization Clinics

March

Braver Angels at the Library

Discuss opinions on current issues among an equal number of conservatives and liberals. Find points of agreement while learning what might help others to do the same.

Presented by Braver Angels. Register at www.braverangels.org/minnesota.

In partnership with District 196 Community Education.

Fix-It Clinics

•March 19, noon–3 p.m., Community Center, South St. Paul •April 16, noon–3 p.m., Inver Glen Library, Inver Grove Heights •May 21, noon–3 p.m., Heritage Library, Lakeville •June 18, noon–3 p.m., Galaxie Library, Apple Valley

March–October

Landscaping for Clean Water

Reconstruct 70th Street (County Road 26) from Highway 55 to Highway 3. Reconstruct Argenta Trail (County Road 63) from Amana Trail to 65th Street. Traffic detoured.

April–November Eagan

Reconstruct County Road 32 from Lexington Avenue to Dodd Road.

Traffic detoured.

Webster and Greenvale Townships

Pave County Road 96 from Rice County Road 46 to County Road 23.

Traffic detoured.

May 2022–November 2023

•March 19, 9 a.m.–noon Wescott Library, Eagan

Learn simple yard landscaping that also improves water quality and provides pollinator habitat during virtual workshops. www.dakotaswcd.org, search landscaping for clean water.

AIS Detectors Core Course

April–August

June–November

Volunteer with the Wetland Health Evaluation Program to help monitor county wetlands. Registration opens April 1. Volunteering is June–August. www.dakotacounty.us, search WHEP.

Reconstruct intersection of County Road 47 and County Road 85.

Traffic detoured.

Learn about aquatic invasive species and how to limit their spread. www.dakotacounty.us, search AIS.

March 15–April 19

Master Recycler/Composter Class Master waste reduction, recycling and composting, and learn to inspire others on Tuesdays, 6:30–8 p.m. at Northern Service Center in West St. Paul. www.dakotacounty.us, search master recycler.

March–May

Salt Take Back

Dakota County will accept unused, clean salt from winter maintenance professionals to prevent improper disposal. Call 651-755-3121 for appointment from March 1–May 31.

WHEP Volunteering

May–September

Mattress Recycling Pickup

Get a reduced rate on curbside pickup for mattress recycling through Certified Recycling from Memorial Day to Labor Day. www.dakotacounty.us, search mattress pickup.

Aug. 20

Starry Trek

Search area lakes for starry stonewort, a type of algae that is Minnesota’s newest aquatic invasive species, on Aug. 20. www.dakotacounty.us, search AIS.

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Eureka, Castle Rock, Greenvale & Waterford Townships Reconstruct County Road 86 west of Galaxie Avenue to Highway 3.

Replace the existing railroad bridge.

Traffic detoured.

Vermillion Township

June–December Lakeville

Reconstruct Dodd Boulevard (County Road 9) and new construction of 179th Street from Hayes Avenue to Cedar Avenue.

Traffic detoured.

August 2022–June 2023 Randolph Township

Reconstruct County Road 88 from Finch Court east to Dakota County line. Traffic detoured.

Find a full list or have updates sent to you at www.dakotacounty.us, search road construction.

9 KEEPING YOU MOVING 10 HITTING THE BOOKS

Our Work PA R K

L I B R A R Y

P U B L I C H E A LT H

Managing the money County system keeps tabs on millions of dollars, thousands of transactions

R OA D S

Dakota County is a complex organization with 27 different departments providing services ranging from transportation, parks and libraries to public health and safety. Having the right tools to track where your tax dollars are going is important.

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Our Work Enterprise Resource Planning handles county funds, so it’s easier to follow where the money is going and where the money is coming from. This single software package can handle payroll, benefits, timekeeping and expenses for employees. It also tracks county purchases, contracts and grants, and keeps tabs on the county’s budget and investments. It’s kind of a big deal.

The county’s current Enterprise Resource Planning software needs to be replaced to reduce long-term risk.

In the coming months, Dakota County will launch a new Enterprise Resource Planning software from Oracle Cloud.

Payments to vendors, clients and staff

= =

The platform will give the county more flexibility and better support. It runs through the internet instead of an onsite server, so employees can securely access information from anywhere with an internet connection. That is more important than ever now that the office can be just about anywhere.

The new platform will cost $6.95 million over the coming years. The cost includes implementation, staff training and software maintenance.

It’s a good investment based on how important it is to ensure county funds are accurately managed.

of more than $441 million coming from property taxes, state and federal funding, license and service fees, and more. We also collect property taxes for distribution to cities, schools and other tax authorities in the county. In all, the county handles more than three-quarters of a billion dollars every year — and even more when you add federal coronavirus relief funds distributed during the pandemic.

Enterprise Resource Planning helps the county account for every penny.

Dakota County has an annual budget

Here’s just a little of what the system will do:

Collections $ totals

Payroll checks

= =

= =

2019

2019

2019

2020

2020

2020

Invoices

Collections

Timecards & payroll

From paper clips to snow plows, the county purchases a wide variety of items. We also need to distribute property taxes and reimburse employees for their work expenses.

The new system will handle paying all of the county’s vendors, clients and staff.

Dakota County collects payment for some community services. This includes fees for some adult probation and juvenile corrections programs, medical services performed by the county, collection of public assistance overpayments, and more.

The county relies on the system to get employees paid on time. With about 2,000 employees in 2020, that’s more than 53,000 paychecks. The system also tracks each employee’s tax deductions and benefits, including medical, dental, life insurance and disability.

In 2018, the county made 47,975 payments totaling $715,492,038.

The numbers increased to 48,867 payments for $755,484,301 in 2019.

During 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic, the county made fewer payments — 42,569 — but they totaled $841,349,972 due to the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

In 2020, Dakota County issued more than 54,500 invoices and collected more than $35 million.

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Our Work

Keeping you moving Traffic signal system improves traffic flow, safety Dakota County is using modern technology to make your commute smoother and safer.

The county is adding its Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) to more county roads and intersections. Typically, signal light timing is changed once every 3–5 years. However, development, population growth and other factors can require changes sooner. The ATMS allows the county to monitor signals remotely and adjust timing more frequently for changing traffic patterns.

Investment earning $

= =

2018

2019

Investments Dakota County safely invests county funds that have yet to be used to make your tax dollars go further. The county then uses these funds when needed to pay for major roads, parks and building improvements. As of May 2020, the county had $157.1 million in its investment portfolio. Those investments earned more than $12 million in 2019.

There are 65 county road intersections with signals connected to the ATMS. The county plans to connect 50 more signals by 2023. Another 30 are planned beyond that date.

The system also helps to synchronize vehicle movement between signals along a road. Synching traffic lights at multiple intersections reduces the number of red lights for a driver traveling along a county road and the overall wait for vehicles.

For example, signal lights along County Road 42 and County Road 23 in Burnsville, Apple Valley, Rosemount and Lakeville were connected to the system and retimed. Afterward, there was a 14-percent reduction in the number of vehicles that had to stop for red lights. That resulted in an annual reduction of about 38 million vehicle stops and savings of 278,000 hours of delay. Reducing stops also makes it less likely rear-end crashes will occur.

The ATMS relies on a high-speed internet connection provided by fiber-optic cable buried underground.

Equipment at the intersection sends real-time traffic information

to software that staff can access anywhere to monitor the traffic patterns. That information helps determine how to adjust the signal times.

This system is good for drivers as well as taxpayers. The technology helps improve traffic flow on existing roadways. This can delay the need for more costly improvements such as additional lanes.

65 county

intersections with traffic signals connected to the ATMS

50

more intersections to be connected by 2023

30

additional intersections planned to be added in future

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Our Work

Hitting the books

GED program helps prepare jail inmates for future Rather than simply sitting behind bars, some Dakota County Jail inmates are studying.

Dakota County offers General Educational Development (GED) courses to inmates who have not completed their high school degree.

12

Dakota County Jail inmates who’ve earned a GED diploma since 2018

1,200

Total hours of educational and life skills training provided in 2020

We’ve been offering GED classes for years, and we became a certified testing site in 2018. Since then, 12 inmates have successfully earned their GED diploma. Eight completed their diplomas before COVID-19, and four finished during the pandemic.

Providing the GED program helps inmates fill their days with positive activities — that ultimately leads to a safer and healthier environment for jail staff and other inmates. As inmates learn, they gain confidence and prepare to return to society as contributing members. The program’s goal is to reduce the likelihood of inmates returning to jail and the risk factors that contribute to criminal activity.

In a typical year, the GED program consists of up to nine hours per week of in-person classroom instruction.

But, like most schools during the pandemic’s peak, the program moved online for virtual classes.

Educators

Classroom

10 | www.dakotacounty.us | SPRING/SUMMER 2022

More recently, we’ve moved to four hours a week in a hybrid model with both in-person and virtual instruction.

Students receive education packets to complete outside of class and return for grading. Inmates also have access to tablets with educational software for their studies.

Enrolling in the program is easy.

Inmates simply sign up at kiosks available in the jail. There’s no cost to Dakota County to offer the program — funds are provided by federal and state sources. School districts, community organizations and others help deliver the service.

In addition to the GED program, we also provide courses on college preparation, life skills, coping with anger, parenting and tablet digital learning. Combined, we provided more than 1,200 hours of training in 2020.

13 YOUR TURN 14 REMOVING BARRIERS

Community

Getting a Lyft

People with disabilities have limited transportation choices, and that can impact where they choose to live, when and where they work, and more.

Service gives residents with disabilities greater independence

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Community A Dakota County partnership with Lyft, a rideshare service company, is closing the gap by offering an ondemand transportation option for county residents with disabilities.

A pilot program launched in spring 2019 serving 23 people with rides only to and from work. Today, more than 700 residents are using Lyft, and services have been expanded to include rides to anywhere in the community.

Making strides Previous transportation options were limited to relying on others for rides or to a transportation service designed for riders unable to use regular public transportation due to the distance to a bus stop, a disability or health condition. These options require individuals to schedule a ride, days or even weeks in advance, leaving little or no flexibility.

case manager. They must have a smartphone to access the Lyft app and a credit or debit card to create an account. Riders simply use the Lyft app to request a ride and wait for their driver. Rides are available countywide and are subject to Lyft driver availability. Training on how to use Lyft is also available.

We want to know how the Lyft program and other transportation options are working, so we survey

Using Lyft, residents can request a ride any time. This provides more freedom with work schedules — if an individual is asked to work a longer shift or go to work early, Lyft makes it possible.

This gives people with disabilities more options. It promotes independence and increases access to essential services such as work, grocery stores, places of worship and more. Residents can now be more involved in their community and stay better connected to family and friends.

Riders using Lyft rideshare program

2019=23 2021=700

To use the program, eligible riders are referred by their Dakota County

Average rides per month

2021=23

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riders. Before the Lyft program was launched three years ago, 24 percent of surveyed individuals with disabilities were satisfied with their transportation options. In 2021, more than 85 percent of riders were satisfied.

Satisfied with transportation options

2018=24% 2021=85%

0

Going home To better serve our communities, Dakota County Jail is using Lyft to help people released from custody get home. They can get a ride to their home within the county, surrounding communities like Cottage Grove or Woodbury, or to a metro transit station — as long as it’s 25 miles or less.

If a ride is needed, the individual contacts a call center that schedules a ride. The rider is then picked up at the Law Enforcement Center in Hastings and brought to their destination.

Average rides per month Prior to Lyft, we offered DakotaLink, a bus service to help residents get to their county appointments, public health visits and other services.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic and fewer riders, we paused DakotaLink and started the service with Lyft. This was safer during the pandemic, and it saves money — an average of a $190 savings per rider.

2021=23

For more information about the Lyft service offered by Dakota County, visit www.dakotacouty.us, search lyft.

Lyft saves

$190/rider

YOUR TURN

New system saves you time at service and license centers

Your time is important, and Dakota County is now taking up less of it when you need to get your driver’s license, vehicle title transfer, passport, marriage license or other important documents.

Last fall, Dakota County service and license centers launched a new scheduling system from Qmatic to make it easier and faster for both online scheduled appointmentsoptions Satisfied with transportation and walk-ins.

2018=24% 2021=85%

The system allows you to check in online or at a kiosk in the building.

Once checked in, you’re given a number to reserve a spot in line.

Estimated wait times and the number being served are displayed on wall monitors in the lobby.

You can also opt into a text messaging notice that lets you know when your turn is coming, so you know when to return to our locations. For safety or health reasons, you may want to wait outside or if wait times are long, you can leave, do other errands and return later without losing your place in line.

Messages will also alert you when it’s your turn and which service counter to go to.

When scheduling online, you receive an email and text confirmation of the appointment as well as a reminder email the day before.

Before this new system, residents had no idea how long they would have to wait in line. Depending on location and time of day, wait times could be 1–2 hours. Service and license center

staff also had trouble estimating wait times because they didn’t know what residents needed. Now, we have a way to give you back part of your day.

Using this innovative scheduling system is smart because Dakota County service and license centers are some of the busiest in the state.

In 2019, the county’s six locations handled 194,363 transactions.

During 2020 and the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the transactions dropped to 136,607 — an almost 30-percent decrease. Transactions rebounded in 2021 with more than 174,486.

For more information on Dakota County service and license centers, including hours and services provided, go to www.dakotacounty.us and search service and license centers.

Transactions handled at Dakota County Service & License Centers 194,363 174,486 136,607

2019 2020 2021

gram

Community

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Community

Turning the page

Removing overdue fines on children and teen materials How it works:

Some Dakota County residents have stopped using the library because they cannot pay fines for their overdue materials or they fear getting a fine for late returns. While they’re an inconvenience to most people, overdue fines can be a big barrier to accessing the library for people who struggle financially.

• Library users of any age no longer receive fines on overdue children and teen items — including books, magazines, music, movies and more.

• After you’re finished, simply return items to any Dakota County Library location by the due date.

• Most items overdue by 42 days or more will be considered lost and the replacement cost will be billed to the account.

That’s why Dakota County Library has removed overdue fines on all children and teen items, regardless of who checks them out. The change went into effect in January 2022.

• Overdue adult materials will continue to incur overdue fines.

• For more information, visit www.dakotacounty.us/library, search fines.

Removing fines helps provide access to books and other materials that support literacy and learning, and it encourages youth to again use the library.

71,260

Dakota County Library cardholders age 18 or younger.

Other library systems have removed overdue fines and seen an increase in new cardholders, visits and items checked out. Fines are a decreasing revenue source for libraries. E-books and other popular digital items aren’t subject to fines since they are automatically returned after three weeks.

Sunday hours are back Dakota County Library has returned Sunday hours.

Seven of nine county library locations are now open Sundays 1–5 p.m. — Farmington and Inver Glen remain closed.

Farmington and Inver Glen

• Monday–Wednesday......Noon–8 p.m.

• Thursday–Saturday.........9 a.m.–5 p.m.

• Sunday..................................Closed

All other library locations

• Monday–Thursday...........9 a.m.–8 p.m.

• Friday and Saturday.......9 a.m.–5 p.m.

• Sunday.........................1–5 p.m.

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130,821

Individuals who have used their Dakota County Library card in the past two years.

S

M

T

W

T

F

S

Stop in to check out something new, use the computers or iLAB equipment, or enjoy some reading time.

For more information, visit www.dakotacounty.us/library, click hours and locations.

Your Parks PROGRAMS & EVENTS • SPRING & SUMMER 2022

Enhancing the park INSIDE

Family Fridays Music in the Park Day Camps www.dakotacounty.us/parks

New features, more spaces to enjoy at Thompson County Park Fishing is a popular activity at Thompson, and we’ve added more space along the shore for anglers of all ages. At the south end of the lake, natural stone steps lead down to the shore from the paved walking trail.

We kept the popular fishing pier on the east side of the lake.

There are now more ways to enjoy time with family and friends at Thompson County Park.

The park, located in West St. Paul, is popular with residents and visitors who celebrate birthdays, enjoy a picnic and cast a fishing line. As we planned improvements to the park, community members told us they wanted even more places to gather, an improved playground and different places to sit and enjoy Thompson Lake. A recent construction project at the park fulfilled those requests.

A large playground has been Thompson’s crown jewel, drawing many families and youth to the park for fun and recreation. The new playground features a rubberized surface and play equipment that offers access for people with disabilities.

Musical instrument play structures, such as a flower-themed bell garden, let kids make music as they play.

Adults want a place to relax nearby as their children enjoy the playground, so we added more seating. In addition

to benches, four new picnic spaces — each with a table and grill — are located around the playground.

A large restoration project in 2019 improved the lake’s water quality and enhanced the experience for visitors.

That included an accessible, paved, half-mile trail around the lake. The county added lighting along the entire trail, enhancing safety and making the trail more usable in early morning and evening hours.

There is a new 64-foot pier on the west side of the lake and two gathering spaces with seating a short distance from the paved trail. Each space features interpretive signs about the park. Sharing information about the park and its natural resources is important for all ages, so there also are interpretive signs around the playground.

A new plaza located a short walk from Dakota Lodge gives visitors more space to take in the scenic views across the lake. The plaza has three tables with seating, including one that is wheelchair accessible. Each table surface includes a game board, to play

Growing native 1,400 plants from local seeds

Volunteer hours spent on native plant program

The next time you visit a Dakota County park, take a moment to look at the plants growing along the trail or in a prairie. Many were planted there through a time-intensive but environmentally important process.

checkers or card games while enjoying a lakeside view. Stairs on the plaza lead down to a lower deck with two new benches.

The plaza has stone pavers that will allow stormwater to filter into the ground before draining into the lake — an important feature to help keep the water clean.

In addition to purchasing plant material from vendors, the county started to collect native seed from the parks and other local areas. We then grow them in a recently built hoop house, a type of greenhouse.

Volunteers are an important part of this work.

There are other spaces to enjoy in the improved park.

The process starts in the fall, when volunteers and county staff walk the county’s prairies to gather seeds by hand from specific plant species.

The seeds are cleaned, sorted and stored until planting time. Some are grown by volunteers during the winter with in-home grow kits.

New, long picnic tables with accessible seating allow for larger family or group gatherings. A fire pit and sitting area has been added along the paved trail near the fishing pier, and a new bench swing overlooks the lake. Even with more seating areas, a new plaza and the enhanced playground, there is plenty of green space in the park to enjoy yard games and exercise.

When the plants have sprouted, the seedlings are transferred to the hoop house where they are watered and nurtured as they grow. When the plants have grown and are ready to be planted outside, the seedlings are taken to specific locations in our parks and planted in clusters to make them easier to find and collect seed from.

The park’s popular picnic shelter is available for rent for birthdays and other celebrations, and Dakota Lodge is the perfect indoor space for special events such as weddings and larger indoor gatherings.

Once these plants reach maturity and begin to produce seed, the process starts all over again.

To reserve Dakota Lodge or the picnic shelter, visit www.dakotacounty.us/parks and click on Rental Spaces.

Since the hoop house was constructed in 2019, 36,000 native plants have been grown. Not only is the program good for the parks’ natural areas, but it has resulted in more than $93,000 in savings in the cost of plants alone.

Plus, plants grown by commercial producers often come from seed that originated far from Dakota County. Seed and plants from local sources have adapted to the local climate and landscape over generations and perform better in our natural areas.

Growing native plants throughout their life cycle — from seed to seedling to mature seed-producing plant — takes a lot of hard work.

Volunteers have dedicated nearly 1,400 hours supporting the native plant program since 2019. That hard work is valued at $34,500. The volunteers take pride in improving our natural areas and enjoy the fun and friendship.

To get involved in the native plant seed program, visit www.dakotacounty.us/parks and search parks volunteering.

To learn more, go to YouTube and search dakota county hoop house.

$93,000 $34,500

Value of volunteer time

Savings gained by growing local seeds instead of buying them

PROGRAMS & EVENTS www.dakotacounty.us/parks, click Programs & Events

Program registration for spring/summer opens March 1.

HOMESCHOOL LAB YOUTH KNEE-HIGH NATURALISTS

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

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

Frogs, Salamanders and Turtles

These remarkable creatures are getting ready for spring. Learn where they live and what they eat.

Activity Number: 112001-01 • Thur, April 14; 10–11:30 am Activity Number: 112001-02 • Sat, April 16; 10–11:30 am

Spring Plants

Take a walk in the woods to explore how plants come to life in the spring.

Activity Number: 112001-03 • Thur, May 12; 10–11:30 am Activity Number: 112001-04 • Sat, May 14; 10–11:30 am

Incredible Eggs

Birds are not the only animals that hatch from an egg. Join an egg hunt and explore eggs up close.

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

Who Lives in the Woods?

Be an explorer and discover what animals and plants live together in the forest.

Activity Number: 112001-07 • Thur, July 7; 10–11:30 am Activity Number: 112001-08 • Sat, July 9; 10–11:30 am

Bugs, Bugs, Bugs

Catch bugs with a net and learn how important bugs are to our ecosystem.

Activity Number: 112001-09 • Thur, Aug. 4; 10–11:30 am Activity Number: 112001-10 • Sat, Aug. 6; 10–11:30 am

Autumn Trees

Discover how trees get ready for winter through tree games and leaf art.

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

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

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

Geocaching

Discover how a GPS works and use one on a treasure hunt in the park.

Activity Number: 111501-01 • Wed, April 6; 1–3 pm Activity Number: 111501-02 • Thur, April 7; 1–3 pm

Biology of Hummingbirds

Learn about the life cycle, habitat and migration of the tiny rubythroated hummingbird.

Activity Number: 111501-03 • Wed, May 4; 1–3 pm Activity Number: 111501-04 • Thur, May 5; 1–3 pm

Biology of Dragonflies

Dive into dragonflies and study the adaptations and life cycle of these aerial predators.

Activity Number: 111501-05 • Wed, June 1; 1–3 pm Activity Number: 111501-06 • Thur, June 2; 1–3 pm

Raptor Migration

Explore the world of raptors and their migratory journeys.

Activity Number: 111501-07 • Wed, Sept. 7; 1–3 pm Activity Number: 111501-08 • Wed, Sept. 8; 1–3 pm

SCOUT BADGES

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

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

Junior Girl Scouts: Animal Habitats

Investigate animal habitats and learn what you can do to help protect endangered habitats.

Activity Number: 112303-01 • Tues, April 12; 5–7 pm

Brownie Girl Scouts: Eco Friend Learn how you can protect the environment through practices like Leave No Trace while earning your badge.

Activity Number: 112302-01 • Sat, April 16; 2–4 pm

Webelos: Geologist Badge

Spring Migration

Daisy Girl Scouts: Outdoor Art Maker

Storytelling

Earn your badge while learning about rocks and minerals and taking a walk through time.

Activity Number: 112308-01 • Sat, Sept. 10; 2–4 pm

Explore the outdoors and use what you see and hear in nature to make different art projects.

Activity Number: 112301-01 • Tues, Sept. 13; 5–7 pm

SENSORY FRIENDLY SUNDAYS

Learn about the seasons and what's happening outdoors during a naturalist-led walk in the park.

Age: 5–10 Free; registration required Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Springtime

Activity Number: 111002-01 • Sun, May 15; 10–11 am

Summertime

Activity Number: 111002-02 • Sun, Aug. 14; 10–11 am

FAMILY FOREVER WILD FAMILY FRIDAY

Join us for family fun on the first Friday of every month with outdoor park activities and a bonfire.

All ages Free

April Showers

Learn how spring rain wakes up the forest and brings fresh blooms through games, stories and activities.

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111001-01 • Fri, April 1; 6–7:30 pm

Learn birding basics and discover which birds return in the spring.

Dakota Lodge Thompson County Park Activity Number: 111001-02 • Fri, May 6; 6–7:30 pm Join professional storyteller Katie Knutson on an imaginary journey through the wild. Clap, stomp and chant as you help tell animal stories from around the world.

Empire Lake Shelter Whitetail Woods Regional Park Activity Number: 111001-03 • Fri, June 3; 6–7:30 pm

Yard Games

Bring a blanket and picnic and enjoy yard games in the park.

Dakota Lodge Thompson County Park Activity Number: 111001-04 • Fri, July 8; 6–7:30 pm

Raptor Center

Learn about raptors with a presentation from the Raptor Center.

Empire Lake Shelter Whitetail Woods Regional Park Activity Number: 111001-05 • Fri, Aug. 5; 6–7:30 pm

Kalpulli KetzalCoatlicue

Enjoy a performance with dancers from Kalpulli KetzalCoatlicue, a community of Indigenous people who share Aztec dancing rooted in the environment. A Minnesota Legacy program.

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111001-06 • Fri, Sept. 2; 6–7:30 pm

WOODCOCK WALK

Discover the well-camouflaged woodcock and take a walk to try to spot and hear this bird's aerial display.

Age: 8 and older Fee: $8/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111702-01 • Fri, April 8; 7:30–9 pm

STARWATCH

See the stars and hear Mike Lynch share stories about constellations and their legends.

Age: 5 and older Fee: $10/person Empire Lake Shelter Whitetail Woods Regional Park Activity Number: 111704-01 • Thur, April 21; 8:15–10:15 pm

FAMILY WILDFLOWER WALK

Hike with a naturalist when the spring ephemerals are in full bloom.

Learn basic wildflower identification while exploring the trails.

Age: 5 and older Fee: $5/person East Shelter Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 111403-04 • Sun, May 1; 11 am–noon

ECO PRINTING

Explore plants and textures of the prairie and create a natural weaving on a cardboard loom. Workshop led

by Eagan Art House. A Minnesota Legacy program.

Ages: 6 and older Free; registration required Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110201-04 • Sat, May 7; 1–3 pm

PATIO POTS

Join us on Mother's Day to build a small patio pot. Learn about the importance of native plants for local pollinators.

Age: 5 and older Fee: $15/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111302-01 • Sun, May 8; 11 am–noon Activity Number: 111302-02 • Sun, May 8; 1–2 pm

STORY TRAIL

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

All ages Free Thompson County Park Trailhead Thompson County Park Activity Number: 110902-01 • Fri–Mon, May 27–30; 8 am–8 pm McDonough Lake Loop Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110902-02 • Fri–Mon, Sept. 2–5; 8 am–8 pm

PARENT/CHILD CANOE

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

Age: 5 and older Fee: $10/person Schulze Beach Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111902-01 • Tues, June 7; 6–7:30 pm Activity Number: 111902-02 • Tues, July 19; 6–7:30 pm Activity Number: 111902-03 • Tues, Aug. 2; 6–7:30 pm

PARENT/CHILD KAYAK

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

Age: 5 and older Fee: $10/person Schulze Beach Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111901-01 • Tues, June 14; 6–7:30 pm Activity Number: 111901-02 • Tues, July 26; 6–7:30 pm Activity Number: 111901-03 • Tues, Aug. 9; 6–7:30 pm

FULL MOON HIKE

Explore the park by moonlight with a naturalist.

Age: 5 and older Fee: $5/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111401-03 • Thur, Aug. 11; 8:30–9:30 pm

SMARTPHONE NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY

Learn nature photography on a smartphone. Practice techniques in the classroom and out in the park to capture the best nature photo.

Age: 8 and older Free; registration required Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110201-03 • Sun, Aug. 21; 1–2:30 pm

MONARCH MIGRATION

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

Catch monarchs in the prairie and participate in monarch tagging.

Age: 5 and older Fee: $5/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111703-01 • Sat, Aug. 27; 10 am–noon

PARENT/CHILD ARCHERY

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

Age: 8 and older Fee: $15/person Archery Shelter Lower Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 110101-01 • Sun, Sept. 18; 9 am–noon Activity Number: 110101-02 • Sun, Sept. 18; 1–4 pm

SPARK! MOBILE

Join the City of Eagan's puppet wagon for family-friendly puppet shows and activities.

All ages Free Visitor Center Trailhead Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110203-01 • Fridays, June 24—Aug. 5; 10–10:45 am

NATURE WEAVING

Experiment with different printmaking techniques and styles.

Discover chlorophyll printing and explore pigment to transfer images from nature. Workshop led by Eagan Art House. A Minnesota Legacy program.

Age: 6 and older Free; registration required Dakota Lodge Thompson County Park Activity Number: 110201-05 • Thur, July 14; 6–8 pm

ADULT ZUMBA

Enjoy an energizing workout with upbeat music and fun dance moves. Classes led in both Spanish and English.

Age: 16 and older Fee: $8/person Dakota Lodge Thompson County Park Activity Number: 111202-01 • Mon, April 4; 6–7 pm Activity Number: 111202-02 • Mon, April 11; 6–7 pm Activity Number: 111202-03 • Mon, April 18; 6–7 pm Activity Number: 111202-04 • Mon, April 25; 6–7 pm

FOREST BATHING

Immerse yourself in nature while learning the principles of forest bathing. Slow down and use your senses to reconnect with nature in a peaceful hike. Led by Silvae Spiritus.

Age: 16 and older Fee: $30/person Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111406-01 • Sun, April 10; 2–4:30 pm Activity Number: 111406-02 • Sun, July 17; 5–7:30 pm

INTRO TO FLY FISHING FOR WOMEN

Enjoy a hands-on introduction to fly fishing, designed especially for women and taught by the Fly Fishing Women of Minnesota.

Age: 16 and older Fee: $15/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111102-01 • Sat, May 7; 10 am–noon

BEGINNING BIRDING

Explore Spring Lake Park Reserve and learn basic birding tips and identification.

Age: 16 and older Fee: $8/person Schaar's Bluff Gathering Center Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 111705-01 • Wed, April 27; 8:30–10 am Dakota Lodge Thompson County Park Activity Number: 111705-02 • Wed, May 11; 6–7:30 pm

NATURE JOURNALING

Learn techniques of observational drawing and watercolor pencils to capture nature in your journal.

A Minnesota Legacy program.

Age: 16 and older Free; registration required Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110201-01 • Sat, April 30; 1–3 pm

WILDFLOWER WALK

Hike with a naturalist when the spring ephemerals are in full bloom.

Learn basic wildflower identification while exploring the trails.

Age: 16 and older Fee: $6/person East Shelter

Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 111403-01 • Sun, May 1; 1–2:30 pm

Trout Brook Shelter

Miesville Ravine Park Reserve Activity Number: 111403-02 • Sun, May 1; 10–11:30 am Activity Number: 111403-03 • Sun, May 1; 1–2:30 pm

PROGRAMS & EVENTS INTRO TO FLY TYING FOR WOMEN

Join the Fly Fishing Women of Minnesota for an introduction to fly-tying equipment and technique.

Age: 16 and older Fee: $15/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111102-02 • Tues, May 3; 6:30–8:30 pm

BIRDING ON THE MISSISSIPPI

Explore the Rock Island Swing Bridge and its unique vantage point over the Mississippi while learning birding tips.

Age: 16 and older Free; registration required Swing Bridge Park Shelter Mississippi River Greenway Activity Number: 111701-01 • Sat, May 7; 8–10 am

MOUNTAIN BIKE WORKSHOP FOR MEN

Learn mountain biking skills for men from Valley Bike and Ski. Topics include bike handling skills, equipment, safety, trails and more.

For all skill levels.

Age: 15 and older Fee: $65/person Mountain Bike Shelter Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110301-01 • Wednesdays, May 18, 25, & June 1; 6–8 pm

MOUNTAIN BIKE WORKSHOP FOR WOMEN

Learn mountain biking skills for women, taught by women, from Valley Bike and Ski. Topics include bike handling skills, equipment, safety, trails and more. For all skill levels.

Age: 15 and older Fee: $65/person Mountain Bike Shelter Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110301-02 • Wednesdays, May 18, 25, & June 1; 6–8 pm Activity Number: 110301-03 • Wednesdays, July 27, Aug. 3 & 10; 6–8 pm

NATURAL PAINTS AND WATERCOLOR

Use natural ingredients to create a watercolor paint set and paint a masterpiece. A Minnesota Legacy program.

Age: 16 and older Free; registration required Schaar's Bluff Gathering Center Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 110201-02 • Thur, June 16; 6–8 pm

EDIBLE MUSHROOM WORKSHOP

Explore the world of edible mushrooms with instructors Sarah Foltz Jordan and Nick Jordan.

Practice identification with photos and fresh specimens, forage in a nearby forest, and cook and sample edible mushrooms.

Age: 16 and older Fee: $65/person Camp Sacajawea Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111709-01 • Sun, Aug. 28; 12:30–5 pm

BISON PREVIEW

The bison are coming to Dakota County Parks. Join us for an informational presentation about bison, their importance in the prairie ecosystem and how the county is reintroducing them to the parks.

Age: 16 and older Free; registration required Camp Spring Lake Retreat Center Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 111601-01 • Wed, Sept. 21; 6–7:30 pm

CAMPS LITTLE RIPPERS MOUNTAIN BIKE CAMP

Join us for a day camp designed for young riders, taught by Valley Bike and Ski. Bring your mountain bike and helmet. No previous experience required.

Age: 6–10 Fee: $45/youth Mountain Bike Shelter Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110406-01 • Wed, June 15; 9 am–noon Activity Number: 110406-02 • Wed, July 20; 9 am–noon Activity Number: 110406-03 • Wed, Aug. 10; 9 am–noon

SMALL FRY FISH CAMP

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

Age: 6–8 Fee: $45/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110407-01 • Fri, June 17; 9 am–3 pm

FISH CAMP

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

Age: 8–12 Fee: $115/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110401-01 • Wed–Fri, June 22–24; 9 am–3 pm Age: 10–14 Fee: $115/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110401-02 • Wed–Fri, June 29–July 1; 9 am–3 pm

NATURE'S NINJAS CAMP

Master the art of camouflage, stealth, balance and awareness in nature.

Age: 6–8 Fee: $115/youth Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110416-01 • Wed–Fri, July 6–8; 9 am–3 pm

ARCHERY CAMP

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

Fee: $115/youth Archery Shelter Lower Spring Lake Park Reserve Age: 8–12 Activity Number: 110402-01 • Mon–Fri, July 11–15; 9 am–noon Age: 10–14 Activity Number: 110402-02 • Mon–Fri, July 11–15; 1–4 pm

MOUNTAIN BIKE CAMP

Grab your mountain bike and helmet and join Valley Bike and Ski to learn bike handling skills, bike maintenance, trail maintenance and more. No experience required.

Age: 10–15 Fee: $115/youth Mountain Bike Shelter Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110403-01 • Mon–Thur, July 11–14; 9 am–noon Activity Number: 110403-03 • Mon–Thur, Aug. 1–4; 9 am–noon

MOUNTAIN BIKE CAMP FOR GIRLS

Grab your mountain bike and helmet, and join Valley Bike and Ski to learn bike handling skills, bike maintenance, trail maintenance and more. No experience required.

Age: 10–15 Fee: $115/youth Mountain Bike Shelter Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110403-02 • Mon–Thur, July 11–14; 9 am–noon

JUNIOR NATURALISTS CAMP

Get a feel for science in the field.

Work with park naturalists and ecologists to track and study plant and animal populations.

Age: 10–14 Fee: $165/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110417-01 • Mon–Fri, July 18–22; 9 am–3 pm

ADVANCED MOUNTAIN BIKE CAMP

Take your riding to the next level by diving deeper into bike skills and bike and body separation drills.

Must have completed previous Dakota County Mountain Bike Camp and be able to ride black trails at Lebanon Hills Regional Park.

Age: 11–15 Fee: $135/youth Mountain Bike Shelter Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110403-04 • Mon–Thur, Aug. 8–11; 9 am–noon

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

Age: 8–12 Fee: $165/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110404-01 • Mon–Fri, Aug. 8–12; 9 am–3 pm

INFORMATION REGISTRATION

To register online, search for the program using the activity number or a keyword in the program title.

In response to COVID-19: • Registration is required for all classes and events.

• Modifications have been made to all programming to follow current COVID-19 state health guidelines.

• All programs and events are in person, but may be converted to a virtual format.

West St. Paul Mendota Heights

South St. Paul

River to River Greenway

Eagan

Minnesota River Greenway

Mississippi River Greenway

Inver Grove Heights

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

EQUIPMENT Provided unless specified.

RESERVE A PRIVATE PARTY

NEED EQUIPMENT?

For private programs, field trips or birthday parties, visit www.dakotacounty.us/parks, search private program.

Rent paddleboards, canoes and kayaks at the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center. www.dakotacounty.us/parks, search equipment rental.

DAKOTA COUNTY

PARKS & GREENWAYS

Archery Biking Boating Camper cabin Camping Canoeing/Kayaking Cross-country skiing

Spring Lake Park Reserve

Dog on-leash Dogsledding/Skijoring

North Creek Greenway Burnsville

Lake Byllesby Regional Park

Thompson County Park

Rosemount Hastings

Apple Valley

Whitetail Woods Regional Park

Dakota Woods Dog Park

Mississippi River Greenway

Fishing Gardening Geocaching Hiking

Coates

Horseback riding Horseshoes

Lakeville

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

Ice skating

Vermillion Farmington

In-line skating Kicksledding

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Mountain biking Nature playground Miesville

Paddleboarding Picnicking

Miesville Ravine Park Reserve

Pick up a detailed Parks and Greenways Guide at any park facility.

Cannon Falls Randolph

Lake Byllesby Regional Park

Playground Recreational bonfire Sand volleyball Skate skiing

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Sledding Snowshoeing Swimming Beach Visitor Center Walking

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Whitetail Woods Regional Park

Head to Whitetail Woods for entertaining musical performances and a tasty food truck meal.

All ages Free; vehicle ticket required Amphitheater Whitetail Woods Regional Park Activity Number: 112601-01 • Tues, June 28; 5–7 pm Activity Number: 112601-02 • Tues, July 26; 5–7 pm Activity Number: 112601-03 • Tues, Aug. 30; 5–7 pm

Celebrate the start of summer with live music, yard games, food and fun.

All ages Free; vehicle ticket required Amphitheater Whitetail Woods Regional Park Activity Number: 110803-01 • Tues, June 21; 4–8 pm

SCHOLARSHIPS Call 952-891-7000.

Thompson County Park

MUSIC IN THE PARK

SUMMER SOLSTICE PARTY

Big Rivers Regional Trail

• For updated information, visit www.dakotacounty.us/parks.

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

Spring Lake Park Reserve

EVENTS

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

Miesville Ravine Park Reserve

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

Age: 4–6 Fee: $115/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110412-01 • Mon–Fri, Aug. 15–19; 9 am–noon

PAYMENT Payment is due at registration.

All major credit cards are accepted.

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

BOOKS IN THE WOODS CAMP

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See for yourself Take time to enjoy nature in Dakota County Parks.

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24 ORGANICS DROP-OFF LOCATIONS ADDED 25 RECYCLING 101

Go Green Mattress disposal program helps you sleep easier

Helping the environment and helping others has never been so easy. Dakota County brought together a licensed mattress recycler and a local nonprofit to collect mattresses and box springs from county residents for recycling or donating to those in need.

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Go Green Residents received a reduced-rate curbside pickup from the mattress recycler from Memorial Day to Labor Day last year for mattresses or box springs, so they could easily get rid of their mattress the right way. The mattress recycler separated high-quality items and donated them to people in need through a local organization. The rest were disassembled and recycled.

During the summer collection, the recycler completed 304 pickups,

304 626

pickups totalling

mattresses & box springs collected

1,509 mattresses kept out of landfills

collecting 626 mattresses and box springs. Some residents donated furniture as well. In all, about four trailer loads of good mattresses, box springs, furniture and bed frames were donated.

With a shortage of beds for people in need due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dakota County also sponsored a mattress donation drive in December.

An additional 105 mattresses were collected.

During the last two years, these curbside collections have kept 1,509 mattresses and box springs out of landfills.

Residents will have another opportunity for these reduced-rate curbside collections in 2022. Watch the Dakota County website for details.

More than mattresses The county also provides funding to cities and townships to put on other community collection events to keep good materials out of the landfill.

Community collections provide a variety of drop-off options. Depending on the event, residents can get rid of things like bikes or shoes, pumpkins after Halloween, or get their confidential documents shredded and recycled. Stay up-to-date on seasonal collection opportunities by going to www.dakotacounty.us, and searching recycling guide.

How do I recycle bikes

?

Organics drop-off locations added Food scraps make up waste in our landfills, but they don’t have to be there in the first place. The Dakota County organics program is a convenient option for residents to drop off their food scraps, such as spoiled produce, leftovers and coffee grounds.

Three new drop-off locations were added in 2021, bringing the total drop-off sites in the county to eight:  Thompson County Park in West St. Paul  Mendakota Park in Mendota Heights  Civic Center Park in Burnsville  Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan

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T he Mulch Store in Rosemount  Dakota County Transportation Shop in Hastings  Lakeville Water Treatment Facility  Farmington Central Maintenance Facility

16,000 pounds collected weekly (estimate)

Go Green

Recycling 101: Helping schools reduce waste Minnesota public schools generate more than 500,000 pounds of waste every day — and 80 percent of that waste could be recycled or composted.

Without a proper recycling program in place, recyclables such as milk cartons and plastic bottles end up in landfills.

Dakota County offers local schools tools to help reduce waste, properly recycle, separate food scraps, and educate students and staff members.

We also help schools understand and follow county recycling requirements such as placing recycling containers next to trash containers, labeling containers properly and providing recycling education.

All schools in the county can request free container labels to help students identify what goes where and resources like posters and activity guides to educate others about recycling. They can also receive free recycling education performances, busing for field trips to local recycling facilities and guest speakers from county environmental experts.

Today, 82 Dakota County schools participate in the program. As a result, they have reduced contamination and increased recycling. Several schools created green teams — studentled clubs that educate peers on waste reduction and recycling, host community activities like plastic bag drives, and create displays for school and community events.

The county offers grants up to $10,000 to schools to help improve their waste management practices. These grants can pay for indoor and outdoor recycling containers, reusable utensils, food sharing tables and more.

For more information visit www.dakotacounty.us, and search school recycling, or contact program staff at 952-891-7557 or schoolrecycling@co.dakota.mn.us.

82

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7

13

40 %

Schools have participated in the school grant program.

Student green teams were started with assistance from Dakota County.

Schools replaced disposable plastic utensils with reusable, metal utensils.

Schools reduced food waste by offering food sharing.

of all schools in Dakota County are collecting organics (food scraps).

7,907 households using organics drop-off sites More residents are collecting their organics — an estimated 16,000 pounds per week across the county — which helps reduce the amount of waste in landfills and create nutrientrich compost. As of December 2021, there were nearly 8,000 households participating across all eight sites, a 44-percent increase since 2020.

That growth is good, but we still have work to do. Current participation is at about 5 percent of the more than 168,000 households in the county.

More sites are being planned to make it even easier for residents to drop off their organics close to home.

By signing up for the free program, residents can help reduce waste and divert up to one-third of their trash from finding its way into a

landfill. All registered participants receive free compostable bags to use at home and helpful tips. To sign up, visit www.dakotacounty.us and search organics.

44% increase in organics recycling participation

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A place to call home F E A T U R E

Making stable housing a reality and homeownership more affordable

A PL ACE TO CA LL HOME

Having a place to call home is important for a healthy life.

We all do better when we have stable housing.

Children and older adults are safer, and people of all ages can enjoy life, spend time with family and friends, and focus on work or school when they don’t have to worry about where they will sleep.

Most of Dakota County’s 168,000 households — 74 percent — live in a home they own. The other 26 percent of households are renters. Some rent because it’s a better living situation, but often, it’s all they can afford. Other residents don’t have a home. They can get space in a shelter or other emergency help to avoid sleeping outside or in other unsafe conditions, but hundreds of residents are on a waiting list for limited shelter space.

MAKING HOUSING A PRIORITY Housing is difficult for many residents because of economic challenges, the pandemic and a lack of affordable options. The Dakota County Board of Commissioners made housing a priority even before residents told us it was a top issue facing the county in the 2019 residential survey.

Homelessness has increased in Dakota County and across the Twin Cities. In the past 20 years, rental prices have increased by 10 percent in the county, while renters’ income has decreased by an average of 10 percent. At the same time, home values climbed more than 20 percent while average homeowner income declined by 1 percent.

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More than 38,000 households pay more than 30 percent of their total income toward housing.

That includes 18,170 renters and 20,173 owners.

Paying that much for housing means they may have difficulty covering other living expenses.

The struggle to afford housing affects a larger share of people of color than white residents.

In part because on average, people of color earn much less income. The median income for white residents in Dakota County is nearly $90,000 per household. For Hispanic or Latino residents, it’s $59,447, and it’s just $55,718 for Black residents.

There are many ways the county supports homeowners and renters and helps others find or maintain stable housing. We will continue offering those services even as we find new ways to improve housing for residents.

The county supports residents by controlling property taxes, which makes homeownership more affordable. We also provide rent assistance to qualified residents who can’t cover all their housing costs. However, these resources are limited, and there are waiting lists to receive help.

Seniors, families with children under age 18 and other adults can apply for affordable rental housing that is owned and managed by the Dakota County Community Development Agency (CDA).

We also offer shelter for people experiencing homelessness, prevent evictions and help people who are evicted find new housing. The county has programs that help people on a limited budget make repairs and energy-efficiency updates to their home.

731

Homeless individuals or families provided temporary shelter through the county from 2018-2020

KEEPING PROPERTY TAXES LOW The county board knows how much property taxes can impact your household budget, so commissioners have worked hard to keep the levy in check. For a second year in a row, the board froze the property tax levy for 2022.

Dakota County leads the state in keeping your property taxes down. Since 2016, it has the lowest county tax per person of all 87 Minnesota counties. It also has the lowest tax rate among all counties. This rate helps determine how much you pay in taxes for your property.

The county provides high-quality services and programs with the least amount of property tax needed. It’s important to remember that the county only uses a portion of what each property owner pays in taxes. The rest is collected for cities, school districts and other taxing districts.

HELPING PEOPLE WHO ARE HOMELESS There are more than 200 people experiencing homelessness in Dakota County at any given time. Some of these residents are in shelters while others live on the street. The shelter population is disproportionately people of color. Racial and

ethnic minorities make up about 26 percent of the county population but 55–60 percent of families using shelters.

The county offers emergency shelter and, together with community partners, added more rooms for people during the pandemic. Before the pandemic, there were just 87 emergency shelter spaces for families and single adults. The adult shelter was only open overnight in the winter and changed locations throughout the season.

Since the pandemic started, emergency shelter space has been available day and night yearround and doesn’t change locations. This past winter, there were 137 rooms available for adults, couples and families. Rooms are available in Eagan, Inver Grove Heights, Hastings, Burnsville and elsewhere. Individuals who need emergency shelter usually stay an average of 186 days.

Families that need shelter stay an average of 120 days and then find more stable housing.

We’ve nearly doubled the number of shelter rooms since before the pandemic, but there is still a long waiting list.

Helping homeless residents move from emergency shelter into more stable housing was a priority of the county’s first housing business plan, approved

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A PL ACE TO CA LL HOME

by commissioners in 2017. The goal was to help 737 homeless individuals or families find housing in the first three years. By the end of the third year, the county found housing for 731 individuals or families. However, the number of Dakota County residents experiencing homelessness has continued to grow, and there’s not enough affordable housing to serve the increased demand.

The county is developing its next housing business plan this year. We plan to continue offering yearround shelter rooms with services to help people who have other life challenges. We’ll also provide resources to low-income residents who live in rental property and need social services, financial assistance to cover their housing costs or help finding a job. This will help prevent more people from experiencing homelessness.

SUPPORTING RENTERS Shelters are not long-term solutions, so we help people move from shelters to rental housing.

On average, the county is helping more than 170 individuals or families at any given time find stable housing. Most of those properties are privately owned, but some are owned by the county’s CDA or nonprofit organizations.

Cahill Place in Inver Grove Heights is an example of supportive housing for previously homeless families. Cahill Place opened in 2020, offering 40 rental units with two or three bedrooms. The project was paid for with state, Metropolitan Council and CDA funds. It’s owned and managed by nonprofit Center City Housing Corp. The county provides financial support for Cahill Place residents to receive assistance, such as mental health and disability services, job placement help and programs for children.

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Many people who live in rental housing don’t make enough money to pay rent on their own.

Rental assistance vouchers help fill that gap and keep people from losing their housing and returning to shelters.

The pandemic has threatened to leave many residents unable to cover their housing costs as they earned less income or lost their job altogether.

In 2021, the county received $23 million in federal pandemic relief funds for emergency rental assistance. More than 2,600 rent and utility payments were made from senior housing April–December last year, developments totaling $13.7 million.

CDA PROPERTIES

29

That emergency federal funding is in addition to rental assistance that’s been available since long before the pandemic.

The CDA manages rent assistance programs

1

workforce apartment building

304

units of public housing

1

youth supportive housing development

WHO IS SERVED BY CDA PROPERTIES Senior housing funded with local, state and federal dollars. More than 3,100 households in the county received rent assistance last year. These programs are funded mostly by the federal government with some smaller programs funded by the state.

People in different living situations may qualify for different types of rental assistance — recently homeless, low-income families and older adults.

Some programs have time limits while other programs are available long term, but all have certain income and qualification requirements.

The average monthly housing assistance payment is about $750 per household.

We’re also helping smaller households of one or two people who need affordable housing. Gateway Place in West St. Paul is a CDA-owned workforce housing development that opened in fall 2021 with 54 units of studios and one-bedroom apartments.

Another step toward home ownership for some residents, especially families, is a rental townhome. The CDA rents 847 townhomes at an affordable rate. Each year, about 30 families move from a CDA-owned townhome to their own home.

Townhome tenants are encouraged to take part in the CDA’s homebuyer education program if they want to eventually buy their own place.

PROVIDING OPTIONS FOR OLDER ADULTS

59%

Workforce housing

29%

Whether townhomes or Public housing apartments, rental units are important for older residents. They can live Youth housing on their own without the responsibilities and costs of home ownership. They can choose to be close to family and friends, who can help care for them. Some seniors stay in a rental unit only a few years while others have stayed much longer.

11% 1%

The CDA offers rental housing for seniors age 62 and older in all major Dakota County cities — Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Farmington, Hastings, Inver Grove Heights, Lakeville, Mendota Heights, Rosemount, South St. Paul and West St. Paul. There are 1,731 total CDA senior housing units in 29 buildings.

Senior housing is available to those with annual incomes below $55,950 for one person or $63,950 for two people. Some apartments have a flat rental rate while others are based on the resident’s income. One-third of senior housing residents receive only Social Security income.

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REDUCING EVICTIONS When residents are going to be removed from an apartment or rental unit due to not paying rent, an eviction hearing may be held in district court.

Property owners and tenants each have rights.

Not all tenants who face eviction understand the process, know their options or have legal assistance.

Evictions can be complicated, costly and problematic for people when they look for new housing. The county wants to help limit the number of evictions and help those who are removed from their home get resources they need to find new housing.

Last fall, the county worked with district court judges and community partners to create a voluntary eviction court clinic. County staff and community partners who know about housing resources can assist tenants facing eviction. We ask for information about their housing situation and income, and then we try to help them avoid eviction, if possible, and plan their next steps.

The goals of the eviction court clinic are to reduce unnecessary evictions and prevent people from ending up in homeless shelters with legal or financial problems from their past rentals.

Landlords play an important role in the local rental market, and evictions can be costly for them as well. The county assists landlords as they work with tenants who may not be paying rent.

Preventing avoidable evictions is good for both tenants and landlords.

137

Homeless shelter rooms in Dakota County

106

Home weatherization projects completed in 2021 with grant support

55

Home improvement projects completed in 2021 with CDA loans

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HELPING HOMEOWNERS Buying a home is the most expensive purchase most people will make. The CDA offers classes for people who are ready to buy a house and other services for homeowners. More than 150 households have participated since July 2019.

The CDA’s homebuyer education program can help you learn about buying a home, including qualifying for a mortgage, home inspections and the closing process. Last year, 60 households participated in the program.

Pre-purchase counseling is

also available for residents who would like one-on-one support to reach their homebuying goals.

There are also resources for people at risk of losing their home, including the CDA’s Mortgage Foreclosure Program.

Nearly 200 households received foreclosure counseling support from July 2019 to June 2020.

An advisor works with residents who are having problems making their mortgage to identify ways to help them stay in their home and get a mortgage modification request to their lender.

Even if you can afford your own house, sometimes costly improvements don’t fit in your budget. The CDA’s Home Improvement Loan Program can help lower-income residents pay for upgrades and repairs, including roofing, a furnace, electrical or plumbing fixes, and improvements such as adding a ramp. Homeowners must meet income limits in order to qualify for the no-interest loans, which can range from $15,000 to $35,000 and are repaid when the property is sold or ownership changes.

We complete about 75 home improvement projects each year.

Making your home energy efficient is important, especially with Minnesota’s extreme cold and heat. Those improvements can include better insulation, reducing air leaks through doors or windows, efficient furnaces, and new appliances. Grants are available for lower-income homeowners to make those energy upgrades.

60

Households that took CDA homebuyer education classes in 2021 More than More than 100 households qualified for the grant and made improvements last year.

38,000

county households pay more than 30 percent of their income toward their housing costs.

The county has many ways to help residents find and keep a home. Hundreds of homeless residents have Seniors in CDA a safe space in shelters rental housing who and can receive resources only have Social they need, such as rent Security income assistance to move into an apartment. Families, individuals and older adults have found stable housing in CDA-owned rental housing.

30%

Homeownership is the ultimate housing goal for many residents. The county helps make that a reality through homebuyer education and counseling programs, grants and loans for lower-income homeowners, and a commitment to controlling the county tax levy that affects all property owners.

To learn more about housing programs, visit www.dakotacda.org or go to www.dakotacounty.us and search housing.

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Pull up.

Stay in your car.

We’ll unload.

Bring your used batteries, household cleaners, old electronics, leftover paint, outdated cell phones and more to The Recycling Zone in Eagan.

Drop-off hours Wednesday........9 a.m.–8 p.m.

Thursday ............Noon–8 p.m.

Friday...................9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Saturday ............8 a.m.–5 p.m.

A valid driver’s license or photo ID is required when dropping off materials.

The Recycling Zone 3365 Dodd Road, Eagan Find more accepted items and hours at www.dakotacounty.us, search recycling zone or call 651-905-4520.

Your Commissioners

Mike Slavik

Kathleen A. Gaylord Laurie Halverson

Joe Atkins

T: 651-438-4427

T: 651-438-4428

T: 651-438-4430

District 1

District 2

District 3

Liz Workman

Mary Liz Holberg

T: 651-438-4431

T: 651-438-4243

Mary HamannRoland

District 5

T: 651-438-4429

District 6

District 7

T: 651-438-4411 LILYDALE MENDOTA MENDOTA HEIGHTS

WEST ST. PAUL SUNFISH LAKE

5

INVER GROVE HEIGHTS

APPLE VALLEY

District 2

4

7

Includes the cities of South St. Paul, West St. Paul, Sunfish Lake, and Inver Grove Heights Precincts 1 and 8–10.

NININGER

ROSEMOUNT

HASTINGS

COATES

6

MARSHAN

1

LAKEVILLE FARMINGTON

RAVENNA

VERMILLION

EMPIRE

VERMILLION TWP NEW TRIER

MIESVILLE

HAMPTON EUREKA

CASTLE ROCK

HAMPTON TWP

RANDOLPH RANDOLPH TWP SCIOTA

GREENVALE

Email:

board@co.dakota.mn.us 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.

SOUTH ST. PAUL

EAGAN

BURNSVILLE

Contact us District 1

2

3

District 4

District 3

Includes the cities of Lilydale, Mendota, Mendota Heights, and Eagan Precincts 1–7 and 9–12.

District 5

Includes the city of Burnsville.

District 6 DOUGLAS

Includes the city of Lakeville.

District 7

Includes the cities of Rosemount Precincts 3 and 5, and Apple Valley.

WATERFORD NORTHFIELD

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YOU’RE READY TO WORK. WE’VE GOT THE TOOLS.

Let’s build your future together.

CAREERFORCE CAN JUMPSTART YOUR JOB HUNT OR LAUNCH A CAREER CHANGE: • In-person and virtual job search resources • Resume tips and hiring events • Employment services for all ages and abilities • Traitify and other career assessment tools www.dakotacounty.us, search job search assistance

CareerForce Center