Invasive Species & Wood Waste Management

Date: Thursday, September 10, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Location: Chanhassen Library
7711 Kerber Blvd, Chanhassen, MN 55317

Invasive species and noxious weeds can have significant impacts on Minnesota's forests, prairies, waterways, and natural areas. This session will explore some of the invasive plants and pests found in Carver County, including Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), and discuss how residents can help prevent their spread.

Participants will learn how invasive species and noxious weeds are identified and managed, what landowners can do to protect their property, and how communities are responding to the loss of ash trees. The presentation will also cover options for managing and reusing wood waste generated from tree removal and other vegetation management efforts.

Big Woods Hike

Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Location: Camp Fire Minnesota
3300 Tanadoona Dr, Excelsior, MN 55331

Join Camp Fire Minnesota's expert naturalists for a guided hike through one of the region's remaining Big Woods forests. Participants will explore the history and ecology of this unique ecosystem while learning about native trees, wildlife, and plant communities that call it home.

This all-ages outdoor experience provides an opportunity to connect with nature and gain a deeper understanding of the environmental benefits forests provide, including wildlife habitat, water quality protection, and climate resilience. The hike will also highlight current conservation efforts and challenges facing Minnesota's woodlands.

Household Hazardous Waste & Environmental Center Tour

Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Location: Carver County Environmental Center
116 Peavey Circle, Chaska, MN 55318

Many common household products contain chemicals that can be harmful to people, wildlife, and the environment if improperly disposed of. Learn why it is important to safely manage household hazardous waste and what can happen when items such as paint, batteries, pesticides, cleaners, and other chemicals are placed in the trash or poured down the drain.

Participants will take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Carver County Environmental Center and discover how household hazardous waste is collected, processed, recycled, reused, or disposed of safely. The session will also highlight the Environmental Center's role in protecting public health and the environment while providing convenient disposal options for Carver County residents.

Understanding the Recycling Process

Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026
Time: 5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
Location: Chanhassen City Hall
7700 Market Blvd, Chanhassen, MN 55317

Ever wonder what happens to your recyclables after they leave the curb? Join us for an inside look at the recycling process and discover how materials collected throughout the Twin Cities metro area are sorted, marketed, and transformed into new products.

Dem Con's Public Relations and Education Coordinator Annie Eklund will be joining us to provide a virtual tour of their single stream recycling facility followed by plenty of time for Q&A. On the virtual tour, attendees will learn about daily operations, behind the scenes technology used to sort waste from recyclables, and what happens to the materials after processing.

Organics Recycling & Facility Tour

Date: Thursday, October 22, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Location: Dakota Prairie Composting
12386 Chestnut Blvd, Shakopee, MN 55379

Discover the growing role organics recycling plays in reducing waste and protecting the environment. This session will explore how food scraps, food-soiled paper, and other compostable materials are collected and transformed into nutrient-rich compost.

Hosted at Dakota Prairie Composting , this event includes a guided tour of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community's state-of-the-art organics recycling facility. Participants will see firsthand how organics are processed using advanced composting technology and learn how organics recycling helps conserve landfill space, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create a valuable soil amendment.

Building Material Reuse & ReclaimIT

Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Location: Lake Waconia Regional Park
8170 Paradise Lane, Waconia, MN 55387

Thinking about a remodeling project? Curious what happens to reusable building materials? Join us to learn about ReclaimIT , Carver County's building material reuse program. This session will explore how reusable construction and demolition materials can be kept out of the landfill and given a second life through local reuse opportunities.

Participants will learn about the ReclaimIT Store in Waconia, the building material reuse drop-off site in Norwood Young America, and Carver County's Building Material Reuse Grant Program. The presentation will also cover deconstruction, material salvage, and practical ways homeowners and contractors can reduce waste while saving money and keeping valuable materials in use.

Ready to participate?
Register for one or more Environmental Academy sessions.