Dec. 3, 2021 — Built into parts of Mower County’s countryside, more than a dozen grass-covered structures help improve water quality and reduce flooding.
Cody Fox has led the nearly $7 million construction of those 14 structures the past six years as the Cedar River Watershed District’s project manager, which…
Nov. 12, 2021 — After a big rain, Wayne DeWall would see soil from his Mower County cropland washing away in the headwaters of the Root River’s south branch.
In recent years, though, that has changed where DeWall has established sections of native vegetation called “prairie strips” in strategic spots…
AUSTIN, Minn. — Oct. 21, 2021 — Soil-health partners will come together next week for a free event on a Mower County farm to share experiences and research on cover crops, reduced tillage and other practices.
Terry and Cindy Hamilton will host the Mower County Soil Health Field Day from…
In 1950, the Cedar River did not have a modern bridge crossing it along the more than 20 miles between Austin and St. Ansgar, Iowa.
Prairie strips established in small areas of southeast Minnesota crop fields are showing the ability to improve water quality on site by filtering rainwater.
This innovative practice will be featured at a free field day Wednesday, Sept. …
Plants need nitrogen to grow but too much of the essential nutrient on cropland can lead to excessive amounts of it polluting groundwater, streams and lakes.
Northern Country Cooperative in recent years has led an innovative research project on 8 acres of its cropland in Mower County to study how…
Heavy rain in spring 1903 caused the Cedar River to rise rapidly in Austin.
Major flooding ensued, especially around the downtown dam where Kinsman’s greenhouses had relocated just two years earlier, north of the German Hall. …
July 27, 2021 — Anglers who enjoy fishing in the Cedar River Watershed are getting a visual reminder this summer to not leave trash behind, including along shorelines.
July 15, 2021 — Jacob Herzog became inspired in 1910 after reading a newspaper article that put a $1 million value on a city having a lake.
That night, Herzog discussed the idea of Austin getting a lake — worth $28 million in today’s dollars — with a local barber…
Just before the iron-truss bridge, a pickup truck stopped in December 1952 to allow a bus to go through the narrow crossing over the Cedar River in Austin’s state park.
Another driver was not able to do the same and collided with the back of the pickup, damaging the vehicle.
