The Park and Rec Board and Carver County have both been honored by the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District for their efforts to combat the spread of invasive species through area lakes and streams.

They've been named 2013 "Watershed Heroes" for establishing boat inspections designed to keep zebra mussels from expanding their infestations. St. Louis Park is being honored for its collaboration on the restoration of Minnehaha Creek, including development of new trails. The students of El Colegio charter school in Minneapolis created a curriculum and video about the school's stormwater management system that keeps all the rainwater that falls on it on site.

Individuals being honored are Ken Gothberg of St. Louis Park, Elizabeth Weir of Medina and Lee Keeley, a founding member of the Gleason Lake Improvement Association. The awards will be presented Thursday from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Bayview Activities Center in Excelsior.

Bill McAuliffe

@billmcstrib