EVENTS
Earth Day, April 26, 10AM - Noon
Pick a Park and Join us! This event is hosted by Citizens for Sustainability in partnership with the Saint Anthony Village Parks & Environmental Commission and Saint Anthony Village Public Works.
Spring Clean-Up Day, Saturday, May 3, 9AM – Noon
Easily dispose of unwanted items. Drop off at Public Works, 3801 Chandler Drive. This is a Cash Only event. A list of accepted items and pricing is available at savmn.com/cleanupday.
Ramsey County Environmental Center Opens Tuesday, April 1
1700 Kent Street, Roseville MN | Open year-round, Tuesday through Friday, 11AM – 6PM, Saturdays, 9AM – 4PM, Closed on Holidays
This new facility will make it easier for residents to reduce, reuse, repair and recycle. All services offered at the Ramsey County Environmental Center will be available to all Saint Anthony Village residents.
Features include: A household hazardous waste drop off; Electronics, food scraps and general recycling; Free product reuse room
Join the county’s celebrations during Earth Week!
Tuesday, April 22: First 200 participants dropping off household hazardous waste or electronics on will receive free giveaways.
Thursday, April 24 Open House, 6 to 8PM.
Saturday, April 26: Fix-It Clinic at the facility from 10AM to 1PM.
CLIMATE PLAN IN ACTION
Solar Power Coming to City’s Public Works Facility and Water Treatment Plant
The City of Saint Anthony Village is adding rooftop solar to help power two city buildings and benefit our community now and into the future. Our city is one of 18 local governments across the state to receive grants from the Minnesota Department of Commerce Solar on Public Buildings Program. The Solar on Public Buildings grant was awarded for the Public Works Facility and Water Treatment Plant and covers 60% of costs for each project. 30% of costs will be covered by direct pay tax credits from the federal government and the remaining 10% will be covered by city capital funds. The solar installation is expected to be completed and delivering power to both buildings by the end of 2025, pending a roof replacement at Public Works, and the process to coordinate utility connection with Xcel Energy. Solar power will help to reduce energy costs, and expand our energy infrastructure. Solar power also helps reduce electricity-based greenhouse gas emissions.
COMMUNITY NEWS:
Saint Anthony Students Learn about Saving Water. Every Drop Counts.
Students from Wilshire Park 4th grade participated in our annual Water Conservation poster contest, focused on saving water at home. This program starts with a presentation to students about our crucial water resources. Students learned that only 3% of all the earth’s water is fresh water, and only 25% of that is available for people to drink. Therefore, we have a limited amount of fresh water and we can’t replenish water supplies as fast as we are using them. These posters, and many more, were created to remind all of us to be mindful of how we use water, and to share tips on how to conserve water at home and beyond. You can see the winning posters in the Spring Edition of the VillageNotes, page 5. Congratulation to our winners: Sam, Annie, Dylan, Greyson, Savannah, Avery and Cora
Ecological Improvement Project: Prairie Restoration at Silver Point and Central Parks
Saint Anthony Village is partnering with Hennepin County, to restore both parks and create a pollinator habitat and refuge.
Primary Objectives for the Project include:
1. Restoring native prairie communities
2. Improving ecological function by increasing native vegetation cover, diversity and habitat structure, and increasing habitat for Species of Greatest Conservation Need
At Silver Point Park, work will get underway this spring and summer to restore some areas as native prairie and provide a habitat and refuge for pollinators. Central Park restoration is slated for fall. The main objective for the restoration will be to help residents learn about pollinator gardens and native landscapes so that they can correctly incorporate them in their own yards. The project will include educational materials and outreach.
Adopt a Storm Drain
Help keep our local waterbodies clean and healthy by adopting a storm sewer drain near you. Often these sewers drain straight into our lakes, ponds, rivers and streams, thus, it is crucial that only clean water enters the water! The Adopt-a-Drain program allows residents to adopt a storm drain in their neighborhood and keep it clear of leaves, trash, and other debris to reduce water pollution. Volunteering for 10 to 15 minutes, twice a month, keeps our waterways cleaner and our communities healthier. Here are some ways that you can become a storm drain steward:
• Find and take responsibility for a storm drain in your neighborhood.
• Keep this drain clear of leaves, grass clippings, trash, and other debris.
• Some helpful tools would be a broom, rake, gloves, shovel, and a bag for disposal.
• If you see material beneath the grate, notify 311.
• For your safety be mindful of traffic, try wearing a safety vest, and never try to remove the grate.
For more information, visit mn.adopt-a-drain.org