Happening

News & Insights
Lebanon Hills
Group gathers at water's edge to listen to guide
The Spring 2025 Environment Commissions Conference gathered at Seidl's Lake Park in Inver Grove Park.
by
Avery Hildebrand

Conservation Minnesota partners with GreenStep Cities & Tribal Nations to bring together volunteers from across the state who serve on city environment, sustainability, natural resource, and parks & recreation advisory commissions. This spring, we toured Seidl’s Lake Park in Inver Grove Heights to learn more about the restoration work and unique partnerships that have turned the park into something special.

Joyful senior dipping feet in Lake Superior in Duluth
You're sure to feel super at Lake Superior!

Time spent in the Great Outdoors offers powerful mental and physical health benefits—and the impact is broad. Studies show that for people of all ages everywhere, across demographics and circumstance, nature provides measurable and substantial positive impacts. Minnesotans have good reason to love our Great Outdoors—it protects us. In turn, we work to protect it.

Adult teaches group of kids how to fish
From one of many Steward events, teaching people about foraging and fishing in Moorhead

For the past three years, Conservation Minnesota hosted AmeriCorps members—we call them our Community Stewards—throughout the state. Their work has had a powerful and far-reaching impact. Unfortunately, due to changes in federal priorities, this program will end in July.

Blazing Star Award Conservation Minnesota
by
Avery Hildebrand

Each year, Conservation Minnesota presents local governments with the Blazing Star Award, which celebrates Minnesota communities that have led projects that feature innovation, create a sense of belonging, leverage unique partnerships, and have deep beneficial environmental impacts. Learn about the 2025 winners!

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
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.