Happening

News & Insights
Lebanon Hills
Agricultural field in bloom
Field of cover crop winter camelina in US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (USDA ARS) Swan Lake Research Farm in Morris, MN | photo credit: Russ Gesch, USDA ARS

Minnesota is uniquely poised to leverage its legacy of innovation in business, research, and agriculture by delivering clean air, clean water, and world-leading climate solutions—all while building exciting new Minnesota industries that create jobs in communities throughout our state. Read about a few examples of how this transformation is beginning to take place.

Students preparing a garden.
Crew students preparing a garden bed

Earth Day has come and gone, but Conservation Crew chapters across the state are still leading projects to protect the environment. From reducing waste in their schools to restoring native habitats and raising awareness in their communities, these young changemakers are showing what it means to take action for our environment. Learn more about what they've been up to!

Stream over rocks near Superior Hiking Trail
Love Minnesota's Great Outdoors? Consider becoming a board member! | photo credit: Avery Hildebrand

Are you passionate about protecting Minnesota’s Great Outdoors? Conservation Minnesota is looking for new members to join our Board of Directors. Applications will be accepted until May 12th, 2025.

Protect 100 percent clean energy.

Changes are currently being proposed at the state legislature that would weaken the 100% Clean Energy Standard. The Standard—that would lead to less pollution and more good-paying clean energy jobs and lower energy costs—was passed in 2023. Contact your legislators now to uphold the 100% Clean Energy Standard.

Volunteers show off bags of litter they've removed
Volunteers picked up trash during a Litter Bit Better event
by
Mary Huselid
Katie Inman

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. Learn about exciting events and memorable moments from winter in Rochester, and preview our plans for spring. We hope you'll get involved!

Sautéing vegetables
by
Nels Paulsen
James Lehner

Conservation Minnesota has worked for many years to remove toxic PFAS chemicals from our products and the environment. In 2023, we helped pass Amara’s Law, which prohibits non-essential uses of PFAS. A bill was introduced at the state legislature to exempt a list of commercial and industrial projects from Amara’s Law, which would continue to expose Minnesotans to dangerous PFAS chemicals unnecessarily. We submitted the letter below in opposition to the repeal bill and will continue to advocate for the strictest enforcement and protections for Amara’s Laws.

Blazing star flowers in a garden
Blazing Stars in a pollinator garden
by
Avery Hildebrand

The Blazing Star Award celebrates the environmental and conservation actions of local governments across Minnesota. Is your local government doing something worthy of Blazing Star Award recognition? We are now accepting applications!

Stream flows through Lester Park in Duluth in winter
Lester Park in Duluth | photo: Avery Hildebrand
by
Paul Dolan Linne

Learn about recent community events with our Stewards in Duluth and what's coming up next!

group in park with the litter they've cleaned up
Community Steward Cassidy and volunteers after their Wilson Park litter pick-up
by
Jackson May
Cassidy Lindboe

The role of our Community Stewards is to build relationships within the community, facilitate service projects, promote learning, and spark conversations about their area's most important conservation issues. Our Saint Cloud Stewards share highlights from the fall season.

Bemidji Steward leads an event at waters edge
Bemidji Steward, Ashley, leads an aquatic invertebrates event in the summer
by
Ashley Harris

Our Bemidji Community Steward, Ashley, shares highlights from past and future events in the area.