Activities/Plans

MLA Plans

MLA Priorities/Plans

Your membership dues will enable us to continue improving the health of our lake in these six ways:

  1. Address the weeds: through harvesting rebates and city/watershed partnerships  For more information check out our Aquatic Plants Management Guidelines and  Mitchell Lake Weed Harvesting Rebate
  2. Stop invasive species: Zebra mussels in particular Adopt-A-Dock Program
  3. Improve the shoreline: through clean-up, education, and restoration grants Mitchell Lake Landscape for Water Quality Rebate
  4. Stock the lake: member funding makes fish stocking possible Fish Stocking Program
  5. Keep the geese away: in partnership with the city of Eden Prairie EP Goose Management
  6. Grow membership: last but not least! Signup here

Everyone has a Role to Play

Everyone has a role to play in helping improve the Mitchell Lake water quality. Much of the deterioration of the lake has progressed as a result of the increased building construction around the lake over the past 2 decades.

For example, did you know?…

  • Water run-off from our lawns washes fertilizer and pesticides into the lake?  Managing and minimizing the water flow into the lake from our lawns will help the lake tremendously.
  • Water run-off from our driveways and the street in front of our homes washes directly down the storm drains, straight into the lake.  The soap used to wash our cars and the oil and coolant from the leaks from our vehicles is toxic to the lake environment and washes straight into the lake. Repairing our leaky vehicles and having them washed at professional cars washes that recycle their water is recommended. Another option is to wash our cars on our lawns rather than the street or driveway for those who prefer not to have their vehicles professionally washed.
  • Do your rain gutters direct the run-off from your roof straight onto your driveway and onto the street? Re-directing the gutter run-off of rain onto your lawn as a buffer or using rain barrels to capture the rain run-off is recommended. Nothing is better for landscaping and flowers than rainwater.
  • Do heavy rains collect in pools and puddles in your yard? The easiest way to help water infiltrate into the ground rather than run off into storm sewers is by creating a raingarden. Strategically place your raingarden on a site that will intercept water runoff. If constructed properly, the garden will drain the water within two days.  Information can be obtained online at www.bluethumb.org

Landscape for Water Quality

The  Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District (RPBCWD) and the City of Eden Prairie are both offering rebates for native plant Shoreline restoration buffers and rain gardens. In addition, the City of Eden Prairie offers rebates for buckthorn removal.

MLA $250 Rebate:  The Mitchell Lake Association is offering a $250 supplemental rebate to paid members that complete an RPBCWD or City of EP approved shoreline restoration, rain garden, or buckthorn removal project.

How do Shoreline buffers and Rain gardens improve Water Quality?

  • Capture Pollutants – Planting rainwater gardens and creating shoreline buffers help slow water runoff, capture pollutants that are in the rainwater, and let the water infiltrate slowly into the ground
  • Mitigate Erosion – Native vegetation slows down water runoff and their long root systems help reduce erosion and absorb extra nutrients.
  • Provide Better Wildlife Habitat – Native plants provide food or shelter for many songbirds, butterflies, or other wildlife and deter geese.

Why use native plants?

Native plants existed here prior to human influence.  They develop naturally in Minnesota and are adapted to our soil, water, and weather conditions.  Once established the area will need less irrigation, fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicide.  Less mowing is required, which is good for air quality.

Where to find more information on rebates?