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News & Insights
Lebanon Hills
Conservation Celebration 2022 staff and judges
Conservation Crew Celebration staff & judges: Isabel Istephanous (Youth Program Coordinator), Laura Bishop (former MPCA Commissioner), Reen Solheid (DNR), Charlene Simonson (The Nature Conservancy & CM board), Paul Austin (Executive Director)
by
Isabel Istephanous

Conservation Minnesota designed Conservation Crew to encourage middle schoolers to think critically about our environment. Each Conservation Crew—made up of five to 25 student and supported by a teacher or school staff—selects their focus and service project. Our Youth Program Coordinator reports on the first year of Conservation Crew.

Minnesota Capitol
The 2022 legislative session has ended at the Capitol in Saint Paul
by
David Pelikan

On May 23, the Minnesota Legislature adjourned, ending the 2022 Regular Session. The divided Legislature was unable to reach agreements on most major legislation before its deadline. Read our summary of what passed and where negotiations ended.

Man in cornfield with an ear of corn
by
David Pelikan
Keely Cervantes

The agriculture industry in Minnesota has a large impact on the health of our environment and economy, and we believe a strong omnibus with provisions that protect and strengthen our waters, lands, and communities would be a vital use of our historic budget surplus. Conservation Minnesota submitted the following letter in support of HF4366, the Omnibus for Agriculture, Housing, and Broadband.

many people talking to each other in a conference room
Sharing ideas, sparking innovation, and advancing conservation at the Environmental Commissions Conference 2022
by
John Anderson

What happens in St. Paul and Washington DC matters, it’s important to remember that much of the work that protects the Minnesota we love is happening at the local level in communities across the state. Conservation Minnesota is the only organization currently hosting gatherings of environment commission members from across the state.

smiling woman holds glass of water
by
Olivia Rivera

Minnesota small towns and urban areas alike are at risk for having lead-contaminated drinking water. Bipartisan bills to pay for lead service line replacement have been introduced in the Minnesota Legislature, and federal grants could be made available to Minnesota communities, but state legislators need to get bills across the finish line before the session ends on May 23rd.

Dog at Battle Creek Park
Battle Creek Park in Saint Paul
by
Avery Hildebrand

In 2019, Conservation Minnesota played a crucial role, alongside our national partners, in helping to permanently reauthorize the Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). On May 6th Secretary Haaland visited St. Paul’s Midway Peace Park to announce that $61 million of ORLP grants will be distributed this year to 26 metro areas across the country with three Minnesota parks slated to receive $9 million each. 

Bee on a dandelion
Dandelions are an important food source for bees in early spring!
by
Olivia Rivera

The perfectly manicured, clean-cut lawn has been a symbol of the American Dream since the 1800s. But a new trend from across the pond might change that. The No Mow May campaign allows homeowners to rethink yard maintenance while helping the environment. 

Child drinks a glass of water
by
Olivia Rivera

As Minnesotans, we pride ourselves on taking care of our communities and being at the forefront of public health. But we have overlooked a critical issue: safe drinking water. Minnesota has the tenth-highest number of lead pipes of all states.

Saint Paul Capitol at sunset
by
David Pelikan

This week, legislators return from their mid-session break to begin negotiating final omnibus bills and a bonding bill. Here’s an update on where the Legislature stands at half-time.

oak tree leafs out in spring
Branch out on Earth Day!
by
Olivia Rivera

Born out of a movement to build awareness of pollution, Earth Day is a day to act for the environment. From its origin in 1970, it has grown into modern environmentalism today, bringing together over 1 billion people each year to work for the home we all share. Here are some easy ways to start out the season in support of the Earth this Friday, April 22.