The Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District (RPBCWD) is planning several special events to celebrate the return of Creek Week, a week-long series of events dedicated to celebrating local water resources and promoting watershed stewardship.
The Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District is a local government unit established in 1969 to protect, manage and restore water resources. It encompasses some 50 square miles of land that drains into any of the three creeks in its name. RPBCWD includes parts of seven cities (Bloomington, Chanhassen, Chaska, Deephaven, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, and Shorewood) and two counties (Carver and Hennepin).
Creek Week events are planned for the week of June 8-14 across various locations within the district.
Creek Week aims to connect residents with their local watershed through a series of educational and interactive events. Activities include:
Yoga in the Park: Ease into the day with a 45-minute community yoga session designed to wake up the body and mind. Led by Minnesota Water Steward Niki Scarpa Cohen, Spirit of the Lake Yoga. June 8, 10-10:45 a.m.
Cycle the Creek: An 18-mile bike tour around the Purgatory Creek watershed. An intermediate-level ride, participants should be prepared for uneven terrain, changes in elevation, and a moderate tempo. Trails are a mix of pavement and dirt. June 8, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Park Pop-up: Watershed District staff will be at North Lotus Lake Park to connect with local residents. Everyone is welcome to stop by for yard games, crafts, free ice cream and a Storybook Trail on the 0.5 mile loop around the park. June 8,10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Build Your Own Rain Barrel Workshop: This workshop will walk you through how to convert a retired oak wine barrel into a beautiful rain barrel of your very own. June 9, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Paint & Sip with Natural Inks: Local artist Kimberly Boustead will give a brief introduction into foraging plants to create inks, followed by time to paint an aquatic scene. June 11, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Learn-to-Canoe Night: Learn the basics of paddling and water safety from the Staring Lake Outdoor Center before heading off on a lake paddle. June 12, 6-8 p.m.
Volunteer Wetland Planting: Help RPBCWD add hundreds of plants to the Pioneer Trail Wetland Restoration Project site. A light breakfast will be provided prior to shuttling to the site. June 14, 9-11 a.m.
“We’re so excited to offer these events during Creek Week,” said Eleanor Mahon, community engagement coordinator with RPBCWD. “There are so many different ways to have an impact on clean water, and Creek Week is all about reaching new people within our watershed and helping them find the unique way that they can make a difference.”
To learn more and register for an event, visit rpbcwd.org/creek-week.
In addition to the scheduled events, RPBCWD will be promoting its Stewardship Grant Program, a program that supports residents installing projects that protect and improve our water resources. Eligible projects include native plantings, habitat restorations, shoreline restorations, alternative lawns and more. More information on these grants can be found at rpbcwd.org/grants.
