Happening

As we enter the dormant winter months, we think back to sunny days in the garden and reflect on new growth in our youth program. Conservation Crew is a student-led extracurricular program for middle schoolers that develops leadership skills through conservation projects in schools and communities. We’re excited to share more about our program and its early successes. 

We launched the Blazing Star Award to recognize local governments that engage in exciting new projects that advance conservation, climate, or the environment. We announce the inaugural year recipients!

In the summer of 2021, the Fond du Lac Band submitted a proposal to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to reintroduce an elk herd on the Fond du Lac Reservation and the Fond du Lac State Forest. Conservation Minnesota drafted legislation to provide funding for this elk reintroduction proposal and offered support for the bill as it received a hearing in the Minnesota House of Representatives. We remain steadfast in our support for the Fond du Lac Band’s elk reintroduction proposal and are committed to continued advocacy.

In October, Conservation Minnesota co-hosted with the Trust for Public Land the first ever statewide Parks & Recreation Commissions Conference that brought together volunteer commissioners and board members from across Minnesota to network, share their successes, and learn from experts.

This Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we bring awareness to an important piece of Minnesota history that’s often overlooked and celebrate the contributions of the 11 tribal nations that called this place home long before Minnesota became a state. 

September 24th is National Public Lands Day. Many of our public lands were stewarded by Native Americans for thousands of years and continue to be today. Our Public Land & Outdoor Recreation Program Manager shares a few resources to help respect Native Nations’ sovereignty this National Public Lands Day.

To create a future that addresses historic disparities and ensures that no community is disproportionately impacted by pollution, we need responsible, forward-looking leaders willing to take courageous actions. At Conservation Minnesota we're creating resources to make sure voters and candidates understand our pressing conservation issues. 

This month, we want to recognize the Latino community's contributions in Minnesota by highlighting Latinos' important role in agriculture. Latino farmers are helping change the agricultural landscape through innovative practices.

Our Public Land & Outdoor Recreation Program Manager, Avery Hildebrand, considers how outdoor recreation can help communities economically while creating an identity and inspiring passion. He shares his experience in Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area.

Each season more farmers are facing challenges due to climate change. As extreme weather events like drought and hail storms become more common, it's critical that we find climate solutions in agriculture. Investing in our environment and research can pave the way for future generations of farmers in Minnesota.