Water Connects Us All Annual Leadership Gathering:

To RSVP and secure your spot with a $25 contribution per guest, register here:

In February 2023, Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates partnered with the St. Anthony Fall Laboratory to host a webinar providing updates on their research regarding boat wakes, prop thrust, and their impacts on lake ecology. Over 400 individuals from across the state and Canada attended, underscoring the significance of this research. This May, MLR and SAFL are joining forces once again for an in-person event focused on lake stewardship and the crucial role of research conducted at SAFL. In May, SAFL will open its doors to MLR’s network of decision-makers and passionate lake stewards for an evening dedicated to our shared commitment to enhancing and preserving the legacy of our lakes.

MLR empowers citizens to steward Minnesota’s waterways by collaborating to protect and restore lake and river resources statewide. By convening our leadership network for this event, we not only express gratitude for the dedication exhibited by our members and leaders, but also fulfill our mission to bring together all those affected by lake and river issues. Through knowledge sharing, equity promotion, and lasting community engagement, we strive to ensure a sustainable and equitable legacy for our lakes and rivers. Water truly does connect us all. Come join us in celebrating this connection.

Join us on Fri, May 17, 2024, at 6:00 PM at the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory in Minneapolis, MN.

Registration form:

https://www3.thedatabank.com/dpg/529/donate.asp?formid=SAFL_Event&c=20240326165040847255

Dress: Smart Casual (This is an outdoor event)

Event Address: 2 SE 3rd Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55414

Directions and Parking: Take SE 3rd Ave to reach the lab. Parking is available on-site. After parking, cross the bridge and follow signs to the event. We look forward to welcoming you!

To RSVP and secure your spot, make a $25 contribution per person to MLR here:

For any inquiries about the event, reach out to Sami at sami@mnlakesandrivers.org or 612-351 -1916.

The St. Anthony Falls Laboratory – Earth, Water, & Life

Perched majestically along the banks of the Mississippi River rests a beacon of innovation and exploration—the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory (SAFL) at the University of Minnesota. Since its inception in 1938, SAFL has stood as a pioneer in fluid mechanics research, shaping the realms of engineering and environmental science with a dedication to advancing societal knowledge. Nestled below the Mississippi River’s largest waterfall, SAFL originally focused  on hydraulic and engineering research, but has  evolved over the years to embrace diverse disciplines and modes of inquiry. From delving into the mysteries of stratified flows to researching the role of beavers in mitigating drought,  SAFL has continuously expanded its horizons, pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration.

Origins and Evolution:

In the 1930s, under the guidance of Lorenz G. Straub and with funding from the Works Progress Administration, SAFL was founded for the  study of hydraulics and engineering. In a landmark moment in 1984, SAFL soared to new heights with the establishment of an atmospheric boundary layer wind tunnel. This cutting-edge facility has since played a pivotal role in unraveling the intricacies of boundary layer effects on natural and urban environments, while also spearheading groundbreaking research in renewable wind energy.

Further Enhancements and Collaborations:

The period spanning from 1977 to 1993 marked a transformative phase for SAFL, characterized by substantial growth and diversification. With a strong emphasis on integrating education into its research endeavors, SAFL attracted top-tier faculty and expanded into new kinds of research. In 2002, SAFL became  the headquarters of the National Center for Earth-Surface Dynamics (NCED), solidifying its position at the forefront of earth surface dynamics. The integration of SAFL into the University of Minnesota’s College of Science and Engineering in 2011 further elevated its status as a preeminent research facility, empowering it to tackle complex scientific inquiries and foster innovation with renewed vigor.

Pioneering Research and Collaborative Initiatives:

Aligned with SAFL’s commitment to pioneering research, Minnesota Lakes and Rivers (MLR) stands as a staunch supporter of its endeavors, recognizing the crucial role SAFL plays in safeguarding Minnesota’s waterways. From investigating eco-friendly mitigation strategies for harmful algal blooms to conducting groundbreaking studies on prop thrust’s impact on lake ecology, SAFL’s collaborative efforts with MLR exemplify its dedication to addressing real-world challenges and driving meaningful change.

To RSVP and secure your spot, make a $25 contribution per person to MLR here: