Our local wetlands need your help! The annual Kasota Ponds volunteer clean-up event is coming up on Saturday, April 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Located off Highway 280, Kasota Ponds make up three of only four water bodies in St. Anthony Park, which are home to a variety of turtles, migratory waterfowl, fish, songbirds, mammals, invertebrates, and pollinator-friendly plants. Last year, volunteers removed around 2,200 pounds of trash and recyclables – and in 2024 we hope to collect even more!
Please email info@sapcc.org with questions.
Event Details:
Saturday, April 13 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Meet at NAPA Auto Parts (2530 Kasota Ave)
Dress for the weather and wear shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces. If you’d like, remember to bring insect and tick repellent. Work gloves, safety vests, and trash bags will be provided.
Rain date: Sunday, April 28
Bring your family, friends, or groups you’re a part of, or come alone! In addition to supporting our local environment, you will also have the chance to learn from educational presentations, enjoy refreshments, and bask with turtles (well, maybe just watch them). Join us to support our local environment, contribute to our community, and connect with neighbors!
About Kasota Ponds:
For two decades, the Environment Committee has led community members and local schools each spring to pick up debris near the Kasota Ponds wetland area off of Highway 280. This important wetland area suffers from illegal dumping as well as road runoff and litter. In a few hours, we remove dozens of bags full of trash and contribute to a healthier wetland environment for herons, turkeys, fish, and turtles.
The Committee successfully acquired security cameras for the area in order to discourage illegal dumping and hold those engaging in illegal dumping accountable. We hope to see fewer tires, air conditioners, computer monitors, and other large, polluting objects in Kasota Ponds in the years to come.
SAPCC was awarded Mini Grants from the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) for buckthorn removal at Kasota Ponds. We contracted with Minnesota Native Landscapes and the surrounding land owners to implement the project. As the educational component of the grant, Stephen Mastey, owner of Landscape Architect and Environment Committee Co-Chair, led native and non-native plant identification tours. Additionally, he and other volunteers removed small diameter buckthorn to help reclaim the edges of the pond and return it back to native vegetation.
All of this is part of the SAP Community Council’s work to create a native pollinator-friendly pond buffer that also assists in improving water quality.
MWMO came out with their drone and captured some great images of before, during, and after the Phase 1 buckthorn removal. Check out their Flickr page!