The Prior Lake-Spring Lake Watershed District invites local residents to take part in the second annual “Watershed Week,” running from Sept. 28 through Oct. 4.

The week-long celebration offers free opportunities to explore, volunteer and express creativity while learning about the area’s lakes. Registration for all events can be made through www.plslwd.org.

“Our four Watershed Week events offer fun, free and unique ways to explore and connect with the watershed,” according to Danielle Studer, Water Resources Specialist. “We hope everyone who comes leaves with a deeper appreciation and connection with the water resources that provide so much for us.”

Event highlights include:

Headwater Lake of Prior Lake Tour

• Sunday, Sept. 28, 2 to 4 p.m., meet at Prior Lake City Hall, RSVP required
• Tour includes a guided bus tour of lesser-seen lakes in the watershed and their role in water quality and ecosystem health. Participants will exit the bus at each stop, so wearing of comfortable walking shoes is recommended.

Nature Writing with Laurie Allmann

• Wednesday, Oct. 1, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Spring Lake Township Office, RSVP required
• Environmental writer Laurie Allmann will lead a workshop for all experience levels. Enjoy a day of nature, discussion and writing. Materials and lunch provided.

Geocaching Adventure

• Friday, Oct. 3, 4 to 6 p.m., Spring Lake Regional Park / South Entrance
• Join the Watershed District and Three Rivers Park District for a family-friendly geocaching adventure that highlights how to care for the local watershed. Participants are asked to arrive by 5:15 p.m. to take part in the entire program.

Invasive Buckthorn Bust

• Saturday, Oct. 4, 10 a.m. to noon, 2541 South Shore Dr., Prior Lake
• Volunteers are needed to remove invasive buckthorn from Spring Lake’s shore. Bring friends and gloves! The event will include information on the impact of buckthorn and removal methods.

The Prior Lake-Spring Lake Watershed District manages and preserves the community’s water resources using community input, engineering practices and the ability to efficiently fund beneficial projects which transcend political jurisdictions. The district covers about 42 square miles in Scott County, including portions of the cities of Prior Lake, Shakopee and Savage, along with the townships of Sand Creek and Spring Lake.

For more details and registration on the events, visit plslwd.org or contact Studer at dstuder@plslwd.org or by calling (952) 440-0069.