Community Work News

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 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 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.

On June 14th, over 70 people braved the 105-degree heat index to help clean up the Mississippi River at Boom Island Park in Minneapolis. Conservation Minnesota, in partnership with United By Blue, Target, and Friends of the Mississippi River, spent two hours combing the river banks, neighborhoods, trails, and grassy fields for small plastics.