Leaf Raking Message from the C3 Team

This is a C3 team reminder for those with a lawn to start thinking about getting your rake out next month and raking leaves before they end up in storm water drains. Large amounts of decaying leaves from city drainage systems increase nutrients which fuel algae growth and reduce oxygen levels, harming fish and native plants.

In 2022, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency assessed lakes within the Twin Cities metro watershed region feeding into the Mississippi River and found nearly half had poor water quality due to excess nutrients. For specific details on lakes near your neighborhood, download Minnesota’s 2024 Impaired Waters List.

Make sure to compost your leaves or use shredded leaves as mulch on your lawn or garden beds to add nutrients back into the soil and provide shelter for beneficial insects. Up for going the extra mile? Help any not-so-ambitious neighbor(s) rake, and make sure street drains stay clear.