News & Insights

Today, we submitted the following letter in support of a bill that would create a state task force to help prevent critical minerals from ending up in our landfills. This common-sense solution could reduce the amount of new minerals we need to mine from the ground by reusing the minerals in our outdated technology waste. 

Last week, Conservation Minnesota signed on to testimony in support of a Minnesota Clean Transportation Standard. This legislation would reduce emissions from Minnesota’s highest polluting sector. 

As Minnesota’s 2024 legislative session gets underway, we are preparing to build on last year’s historic wins by advancing more impactful legislation to protect the Minnesota we love. Though this session will be shorter, we are still putting our support behind bills to reduce packaging waste, decrease emissions from the transportation sector, and more to make Minnesota a healthier and thriving place to live.

Winter is upon us, but our Conservation Crews are not hibernating—they’re hard at work. Crews at 32 middle schools across the state are working to finalize their project ideas and get down to business. 

In recognition of local governments’ work to protect the Great Outdoors, we launched the Blazing Star Award in 2022. Learn about the 2023 winners!

November is National Native American Heritage Month. It’s a time to celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and traditions of Minnesota’s Tribal Nations and acknowledge the important contributions Native people are making today. This month we’re learning more about indigenous foods, and their connection between people and culture.

Entering the 3rd year of our youth program, Conservation Crew, we've had some great results! Read about our program evaluation results from last school year and what we're looking forward to this school year.

Each August, farm families and agriculture leaders descend on 50 acres of farmland in Southeastern Minnesota’s Redwood County for Farmfest. Conservation Minnesota hosted our very first booth at Farmfest this year, where we engaged with attendees about climate-smart agriculture funding that was significantly increased in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

Our first term with Community Stewards based in Moorhead, Bemidji, and Winona ends this month. Over their 7-month term, Stewards reached over 800 people and hosted over 30 events. Our Stewards led educational and service projects, working with local citizens to help mitigate the impacts of climate change and improve conservation.

The Hmong community has a rich agricultural heritage. Without their contributions, local markets would see less small-scale sustainable farming, affordable fresh produce, and culturally relevant foods. Despite this, many Hmong farmers and other farmers of color face disadvantages and struggle to find their footing among an agricultural system built for generations around White farmers.