Volunteer Opportunities
There are currently no upcoming volunteer events
To be notified of volunteer opportunities and upcoming watershed events, please sign up for our contact list.
Check out our Events Page for more things to do!
Individuals
Adopt-a-Drain
Adopt-a-Drain is a nationwide community-based program that asks residents to “adopt” a local storm drain and commit to keeping it clear of leaves, trash, and debris. Adopt-a-Drain volunteers help prevent water pollution, reduce localized street flooding, and protect our local lakes, rivers, and wetlands. Learn more and sign-up to volunteer at https://mn.adopt-a-drain.org/.
Salt Watch
Salt Watch is a nationwide community science program that utilizes volunteers to raise awareness about the impact of road salt and to collect localized data on chloride levels. Learn more and sign up to participate at https://iwla.org/salt-watch/ .
Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, & Snow Network
The Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, & Snow Network (CoCoRaHS) is a nationwide community-based network of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds working together to measure and map precipitation (rain, hail, and snow). Data collected by CoCoRaHS volunteers is used by a wide variety of organizations and individuals, including Coon Creek Watershed District. Learn more and sign up to participate at https://www.cocorahs.org/state.aspx?state=mn.
Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC)
Are you interested in the protection and management of our local water resources?
If so, consider applying for our Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC).
CCWD maintains a Citizen Advisory Committee made up of local residents to advise and assist the District in its operations. The CAC meets on the second Wednesday of every month from 4:30-6:00 pm at the CCWD office. No prior experience is needed.
The CAC is directed by Minnesota Statute 103D.331, Subd. 2, to have at least five members. If possible, these members should include a Supervisor of the Anoka Conservation District, a member of the County Board, a member of a local conservation organization, a member of city council, and a member of a farm organization.
Groups
Your group can help with creek cleanups, pond cleanups, storm drain stenciling and more!
CCWD has six (6) storm drain stenciling kits available for check out. Learn more about storm drain stenciling on our YouTube channel.
Email info@cooncreekwd.org or call 763.755.0975 to get started!
Get Gritty!
When water pollution gets tough, the tough Get Gritty. Make the switch to grit and pick up a free bag at participating locations, while supplies last.
Thank you for making the inaugural year of Get Gritty a huge success! Check back in November for details on the 2026-2027 season.
Why is Salt a Problem?
A University of Minnesota study found that 78% of the salt applied to our roads and other surfaces ends up in groundwater, lakes, and wetlands. In a given year, 365,000 tons is used in the Twin Cities alone. Currently, there is no feasible way to remove this salt once it is in the water.
In the Coon Creek Watershed, Pleasure Creek, Springbrook Creek, and Laddie Lake are all currently impaired for chloride. Other creeks in the area, including Sand Creek and Coon Creek, are projected to reach impaired levels within the next 50-100 years.
Help protect our local waterways by being smart about salt use and incorporating grit into your winter routine!
Get Gritty is a partnership between Ramsey Washington Metro Watershed District, Rice Creek Watershed District, Coon Creek Watershed District, and Vadnais Lake Area Water Management Organization