Sustainable Tuesdays, a weekly presentation on topics related to environmental and sustainability issues presented by Bemidji State University’s Sustainability Office, will focus on water and water quality during its March schedule.
Sustainable Tuesdays are held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Rail River Folk School, located at 303 Railroad St. SW in Bemidji. They are open free to the public unless otherwise noted.
March 12 – Septic Systems and Water Quality
Properly maintained septic systems are crucial when it comes to caring for our water in a sustainable way. Shirley Nordrum, water resource educator for the University of Minnesota Extension, will present on the function of septic systems and address maintenance, local environmental concerns and the importance of protecting water quality.
March 19 – Sustainable Water Management
Michele Walker, northwest regional groundwater specialist from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, will lead a discussion on where water comes from and what makes a healthy water system. She will discuss the basics of groundwater flow, how surface and groundwater interact, and give an overview of some basic water issues facing the Headwaters region. She also will share a series of water conservation tips.
March 26 – Celebration of World Water Day
The theme of the United Nations World Water Day 2013 is “International Year of Water Cooperation.” This presentation will explore ways in which this international theme can be connected to water issues in the Headwaters region and to issues of shared water resources with Canada. A guest speaker for this presentation will be announced at a later date.
Sustainable Tuesdays are a partnership between Bemidji State’s Sustainability Office, the Indigenous Environmental Network, Minnesota GreenCorps and the Rail River Folk School. The Sustainable Tuesdays presentations aim to draw upon the strengths of the region’s diversity to create a sustainable Bemidji.
For more information, contact Caitlyn Schuchhardt in the BSU Sustainability Office, (218) 755-3765.