Happening

Climate change is causing longer stretches of hotter, drier weather, making forests more conducive to burning. Wildfires are stark reminders of both the need for climate action and the importance of clean air. But in recent months, we’ve seen federal rollbacks that ease restrictions on polluters, which will likely result in worse air quality. Learn about how Minnesota is responding.

Last week, Conservation Minnesota attended Farmfest in Southern Minnesota, where we connected with farmers, families, and community members who care deeply about our state’s land and water. Farmfest is a three-day fair that brings together people from across the region to showcase the latest in farming equipment, technology and services, and talk about the future of agriculture and rural communities.

We closed out another successful year of Conservation Crew across Minnesota, with more than 500 students finding new and creative ways to protect the Great Outdoors. Now, for the first time ever, some Conservation Crews are extending into the summer season. Looking ahead to the 2025–26 school year, we are excited to announce we will have a new record of more than 50 Conservation Crews across the state. Get more news from the Crew!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.