North news briefs: Blaine asks for help with groundwater

The city of Blaine, noting that the Coon Creek Watershed District has seen declines in groundwater near the surface, is asking residents to take steps to help, including:

• Keep grass 3 inches tall before mowing, so roots will grow deeper and take rain down with them

• Plant long-rooted plants

• Plant a butterfly garden, hummingbird garden, native wildflower garden, pollinator or rain garden (see www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/landscaping)

• Limit lawn watering to once a week

• Make sure downspouts go to water your yard rather than to driveways, patios or sidewalks

• Use efficient products, such as a watersense toilet.

The camp for kids 5-13 (must have completed kindergarten) will be held Aug. 11-15 from 9:30 to noon each day. It will feature lessons in the language and culture through food, crafts, stories, songs, games and folk dance. The classes and activities are held in the one-room West Riverside School and a log cabin built by Swedish immigrants. The school is located west of Cambridge and 1 mile north of Hwy. 95 on County Road 14.

Registration is $60 ($50 if parent or grandparent is a current member of the Historical Society).

The preschool camp will be offered Aug. 12-14, also from 9:30 a.m. to noon, and is open to kids ages 4 and 5 (must be toilet-trained). Registration is $40 ($30 if parent or grandparent belongs to the Historical Society).

For further information or to register, go to www.ichs.ws/swedish-camp.html or call 763-689-4229 or e-mail ichs@izoom.net.

The Coon Rapids police and fire departments will hold a two-day safety camp July 22-23 for Coon Rapids students who will be entering fourth and fifth grades this fall. The camp will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at Sand Creek Park, 1008 Northdale Blvd. Topics will include water, fire and electrical safety; basic first aid; and how to use 911.

A registration form is available on the city website — www.coonrapidsmn.gov. Click on Community Events, then Safety Camp.

For further information, call the Coon Rapids Fire Department at 763-767-6429 or e-mail schapin@coonrapidsmn.gov.