Maplewood environmental commission sets 2026 priorities, schedules tours and community outreach

At the same meeting, the Maplewood Environmental and Natural Resources Commission reviewed unfinished business and the commission's 2026 work plan, and staff presented a slate of community outreach opportunities.

Staff described the annual trash and recycling review (reports from haulers to be integrated into the county system) and said contracts with haulers (residential trash and recycling) expire on June 30, 2027; staff advised starting RFP preparation well in advance so new contracts can be in place by that date. "You need to give the haulers at least six months prior to that contract beginning date," staff said.

The commission agreed to review the draft climate mitigation plan in March and the final plan in May as public meetings. Commissioners suggested a stormwater-focused site tour (several commissioners recommended Wakefield-area BMPs and parks with implemented practices) and staff agreed to propose a summer tour and to coordinate with watershed outreach staff on the Get Gritty campaign and pet-waste education.

Staff also outlined community programs and volunteer opportunities: an Arbor Day tree sale (online orders March 2–May 1; pickup May 16–18), Edgerton Community Garden registration windows (returning gardeners Feb 24–Mar 10; new gardeners from Mar 16), Bluebird-monitoring outreach (March events) and the annual spring cleanup at Aldrich Arena on April 25 (drop-off fees noted). Staff encouraged commissioners to volunteer for outreach shifts at events.

The commission directed staff to assemble an annual report for city council review (staff to propose a date for a commission chair appearance), and to bring the work-plan and priorities back for further planning. No votes on new policy were taken at this meeting; the discussion set priorities and scheduling for the coming months.