Hosted at Northern Lights Casino
6800 Y Frontage Rd NW, Walker, MN 56484
June 27 4:00 PM- 8:00 PM
Water Connects Us All Annual Meeting
Kick off the weekend by joining MLR’s annual Water Connects Us All Meeting—a focused evening with lake leaders, partners, and advocates celebrating our work together to protect Minnesota’s waters. The evening is designed to give you a fast, engaging overview—a short “commercial”—of each of MLR’s active programs and working groups, from invasive species prevention and shoreline protection to leadership development and our Water Connects Us All campaign. You’ll hear directly from those leading this work through a series of brief, high-impact lightning talks.
But just as important, the evening leaves plenty of room for what we know matters most: connecting. Following the talks, you’ll have time to meet other members, share strategies, and spark collaborations over food and conversation.
Agenda:
- 4:00 PM – Welcome Reception
- 5:30 PM – Lightning Talks: A rapid tour of MLR’s programs
- 6:00 PM – Dinner & Networking: Space to connect, reflect, and collaborate
Whether you’re already involved or just getting started, this is your chance to plug in, get inspired, and help shape the future of MLR.
June 28, 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Stop Starry Stonewort: AIS and Leadership Summit
The day after our Water Connects Us All Annual Meeting, we invite you to return for the Stop Starry Stonewort Summit—a focused morning of learning, leadership, and collaboration to tackle aquatic invasive species and shoreline degradation across Minnesota.
This summit brings together lake association leaders, agency partners, and advocates to dive deeper into the science, strategy, and tools we need to protect our waters. Through a mix of panels and breakout discussions, you’ll explore practical approaches to stopping the spread of starry stonewort and zebra mussels, advancing native shoreline restoration, and building lasting local leadership.
The day is structured around three focused tracks:
- Track 1 – Aquatic Invasive Species:
Starry stonewort, zebra mussels, and effective aquatic plant management - Track 2 – Native and Natural Shorelines:
Making native the norm with Lake Steward, the MN Natural Shoreline Partnership, and loon habitat protection - Track 3 – Leadership Development:
Civic tools for navigating lake politics, engaging your community, and educational resources like Project WET
Schedule:
- 7:00 AM – Breakfast
- 8:00 AM – Summit Opening
- 9:00 AM – Panels & Discussions
- 12:00 PM – Closing Reflections
This summit is designed to equip you with smart strategies, peer support, and actionable next steps. Whether you’re focused on AIS response, shoreline health, or growing your local association’s impact, there’s a place for you in this conversation.
Ticket Costs: $25
Discounted rooms are available
Hotel: Northern Lights Casino
6800 Y Frontage Rd NW
Walker, MN 56484
Use the Group Name MN Lakes & Rivers (Booking ID # 4879)
BOOK YOUR ROOMS BY JUNE 25, 2025, and while space is available.
Dates:
- Check-in: Friday, June 27th
- Check-out: Saturday, June 28th
- # of Days: 1 Night
Room Blocks limited quantities for each block:
- Standard Rooms at $100 + tax
- Jacuzzi Rooms at $130 + tax
- Suite Rooms at $165 + tax
Deposit: $50 due at check-in.
Room Release Date: June 27, 2025 (rooms not booked by this date will be released).
Reservations:
Guests must call the NLC Hotel Front Desk at 844-554-2646 and mention the Group Name or Booking ID #.
Payment: Individual payment required. A valid credit/debit card and photo ID are required.
Check-in/Check-out:
- Check-in: 4:00 PM
- Check-out: 11:00 AM
- Early check-in/late check-out: $5 per half-hour.
For questions or to make a reservation, contact the hotel directly.