As the days grow longer and the flowers begin to bloom, we'll be spending time outside to garden, pick up trash and enjoy outdoor recreation. We wanted to share the exciting events and memorable moments from winter, and preview our plans for spring. We hope you'll join some of these fun opportunities to get involved!
Winter Salt Week
In January we partnered with the City of Rochester, Olmsted Soil & Water Conservation District, UMN Extension, and the Rochester Izaak Walton League to raise awareness about the environmental impacts of road salt and promote strategies for reducing chloride pollution in our freshwater systems. It only takes one teaspoon of salt to permanently pollute five gallons of water! Learn more about the connection between road salt and clean water, how you can help, and how to talk to friends and neighbors on the Izaak Walton League’s Salt Watch page.
Sustainability Film Series
We worked with Earthfest, The Izaak Walton League, Destination Medical Center, the Sierra Club, and the City of Rochester to host a sustainability film series, bringing thought-provoking documentaries to our community. In February, "Plastic People" explored the dangers of microplastics on human health, drawing a sold-out crowd at Pop’s Theater. March’s screening of "Woman of Carbon" highlighted women reengineering waste and repurposing materials, inspiring meaningful discussions among the 60 attendees.
Our final film, "Bad River," will be shown on April 24th. This powerful documentary follows the Wisconsin-based Bad River Band in their fight for sovereignty and their battle to protect Lake Superior, America’s largest freshwater resource. Reserve your free ticket today.
Environmental Book Club
This winter we read Johan Eklof’s “Darkness Manifesto”, a book about light pollution and night ecology, and “Dodge County, Inc : Big Ag and the Undoing of Rural America” by Minnesota author Sonja Trom Eayrs. Our next meeting will be Tuesday, May 13th at 6:30pm. Current book club members are voting on our next book—if you’re interested in joining or learning more, sign up for Book Club!
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities
Rochester volunteers and conservation organizations will be busy this spring! From picking up trash, to helping prevent water pollution, to planting trees and more. We have many opportunities for you to get active and involved. We'd love to see you at an event soon!
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Trash Pick-Up
Registration is now open for the Spring 2025 Litter Bit Better cleanup event, taking place April 19–27. Conservation Minnesota has adopted a site and is seeking team members to help pick up litter. Sign up to help with our site, which is in NW Rochester, Lowertown Neighborhood.
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Help Prevent Water Pollution
You can help keep our waterways clean by clearing storm drains of leaves and yard waste to prevent harmful algal blooms. Learn more and adopt a drain at the Adopt a Storm Drain website.
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Spring Community Tree Planting
RNeighborWoods help improve Rochester’s urban forest by planting and managing trees. Their spring planting event will be held on Saturday, April 26th starting at 8:30am. Join us in helping keep our air clean and promoting a healthy ecosystem. Sign up to be on our tree-planting team.
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Pollinator Gardens
If you love pollinators and want to create gardens, we have opportunities this spring to participate in garden projects happening within the school district. Email maryh@conservationminnesota to learn more.
If you plan to create your own pollinator-friendly habitat this spring, make sure you check out the resources available with Blue Thumb.
—Mary Huselid and Katie Inman