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Plant pollinator patches at Camel’s Hump Park and Open Space

April 11, 2017

Camel’s Hump Park and Open Space is part of Cottage Grove’s Gateway North Open Space – home to beautiful views overlooking Highway 61. On Saturday, May 20th, from 9:30-11:30 AM, volunteers will join Friends of the Mississippi River staff and install four pollinator patches throughout a section of the park. These sites will greatly benefit…

Building For Pollinators

April 9, 2017

Honeybees get lots of press, but there are more than 400 species of bee native to Minnesota that do a lot of pollination as well. The health of our wild bee population is uncertain but we know that their work is vital in the lives of many other species. With some simple woodworking, papercraft and…

Nature-Based Learning Conference for Educators

April 9, 2017

Dodge Nature Center and Preschool is offering a one-day conference to give educators an opportunity to observe and learn about nature-based education. Find inspiration, engage in dialogue with colleagues and learn practical ideas to help incorporate nature-based education into your classroom and school environment. Friday, April 28, 2017; 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Location: Dodge…

Pollinator Garden Party and Grooming

April 9, 2017

Our bees and butterflies thank you! Pitch in and garden a bit at the new Pollinator Park. Demonstrations about pollinator friendly gardening and pollinators by Marcie Forsberg, Beekeeper & Owner of Green City Gardeners. Light refreshments and garden gloves provided. Bring your garden trowel along. For more information, email dawnlamm@icloud.com Thanks for bee-ing a part…

Stormwater Management in Your Backyard

April 9, 2017

Stormwater Management in Your Backyard, presented by Mr. David Pasiuk, Master Water Steward Macalester-Plymouth United Church, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm – MAP RSVP for free childcare by 6/12 to mgcc@macgrove.org Learning Objectives: Practical, household level strategies for sustainable management of stormwater on urban lots. David Pasiuk will collaborate for one session focused on strategies,…

Green Tips

Think Twice About Bottled Water

If you live in an area with clean drinking water, fill a reusable bottle with tap water and bring it with you wherever you go to avoid buying bottled water. The U.S. sends 2 million tons of plastic water bottles to landfills each year—and producing those bottles requires oil and emits carbon dioxide. Some restaurants in the Twin Cities feel so strongly against bottled water that they refuse to sell it. Learn more.

Learn from Minneapolis

The City of Minneapolis continues to be a national leader in reducing the impact of global warming on our planet. Minneapolis’ sustainability work is guided by 24 indicators that measure our progress at creating a sustainable future for our residents. Check out this article to learn about Minneapolis’ sustainability accomplishments and be inspired.

Learn from Shoreview

Shoreview Green Community is a group of citizens from the north metro community of Shoreview who are working with the Sierra Club North Star Chapter to make Shoreview a model community for its environmental practices. The group focuses on clean water, efficient resource use, and transportation issues. Learn more about how your community can model Shoreview’s environmental efforts here.

Purchase Low Flow Plumbing Fixtures

Your family can save 13,000 gallons of water per year with a low flush toilet, 2,900 gallons with a low flow shower head and 700 gallons with faucet aerators. Reducing temperature and usage of hot water will also save money and energy.

Find more great water saving tips with our Home Water Audit Checklist!

Install a Solar Water Heater

Solar water heating is one of the least publicized but most cost-effective renewable energy options. According to Windy Dankoff of Conergy, solar water heaters capture six times more energy than solar electric at a third the cost.

Read our full article on Solar Water Heaters for more information.

Plant a Seed, Grow a Community

Community Gardens are community spaces that are communally cultivated and cared for; these spaces may consist of individually-worked plots, multiple person caretaker areas, sitting areas, and small-scale children play areas. Some say community gardens are the last existing opportunity Americans have to reclaim common spaces. This article offers great information about the many benefits community gardens provide.

Host a Climate Café

Climate cafés are a relatively new offshoot of the café discussion movement, which takes its inspiration from philosophical discussion groups. These discussion cafés offer a venue for respectful public conversation on the challenging subjects facing us daily. You can host a discussion anywhere and get the climate conversation going. Interested? Check out this article.

Learn from Woodbury

Is it possible for one of the fastest growing cities in Minnesota to be sustainable? The City of Woodbury has committed to try. Since adopting its initial Sustainability Resolution in 2006, the City has progressed toward becoming a sustainable community through several initiatives. You can read more about them in here. Can your city follow suit?

Learn from St. Paul

Wondering what our state’s capitol city is doing about climate change? The city is committed to making St. Paul “The Most Livable City in America” and a leader in sustainable urban living. To accomplish this, the city concentrates on energy efficiency and conservation, clean energy supply, alternative fuels, transportation options, recycling and waste reduction, and other areas. Find out more here.

Purchase Sustainable Lumber and Wood Products

Minnesota’s forests are vital to the state economy and environment. The Minnesota wood products industry provides employment to rural communities and serves markets throughout the world. As global trade in forest products grows, forest certification has emerged as a mechanism for consumers to identify wood products produced from sustainably managed forests. Nearly 50 different companies in Minnesota manufacture and market certified products. Retailers and distributors sell a variety of lumber, paneling, and decking products. Numerous local paper and printing companies also offer certified products.

More info here!

How Our Food Choices Effect the Planet

Plant pollinator patches at Camel’s Hump Park and Open Space

Building For Pollinators

Nature-Based Learning Conference for Educators

Pollinator Garden Party and Grooming

Stormwater Management in Your Backyard

How Our Food Choices Effect the Planet

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