Image: Over 250 farmers fill the room at our low-carbon farming workshop in Owatonna.

We started the year with a workshop in Owatonna that drew over 250 attendees interested in a new low-carbon farming initiative. We discussed carbon intensity, selling low-carbon grain for a premium, and enhancing soil health. A key takeaway was the need for more accessible resources for farmers on sustainable practices, which we addressed by featuring experienced farmers in panel discussions. More than 70 farmers calculated their carbon intensity score for corn production at the event, and the regional average was 29.5. These results show that participating farmers are already producing grain with lower emissions than average, with some leading the way. Moving forward, we aim to foster peer learning among these growers.

Image: Steven Pahs from Rice SWCD speaking to a crowd at Twin Oaks Farm in Northfield, taken by Margie O’Loughlin.

In July, the Soil Health Bus Tour engaged 78 participants, including farmers and local officials, as they explored the Cannon River Watershed. The tour highlighted effective conservation practices, featuring interseeding cover crops at Twin Oaks Farm and insights on Kernza® from Honken Farms, which also provided lunch. The event concluded at TJ Kartes’ Farm, showcasing successful soil restoration through reduced tillage and cover crops. This experience reinforced community ties and underscored the importance of sustainable farming for environmental stewardship and economic resilience.

Don and Sue Redman and other event attendees at the Medford WMA Land Dedication Event, taken by Hannah Robb.

Between July and August, we celebrated the creation of two new wildlife management areas within our watershed. The dedication of the Sakatah WMA: In-Yan Bo-Sda-Ta Wa-Kpa Unit, thanks to the efforts of the Meyers family, now protects 164 acres along the Cannon River, improving access for hunters, anglers, and birdwatchers while revitalizing native wetland habitats. A couple of weeks later, we celebrated the establishment of the Medford WMA, thanks to Don and Sue Redman, which protects 153 acres adjacent to the Straight River. This area not only preserves critical shoreline for wildlife but also enhances recreational opportunities, reflecting our community’s dedication to conservation and ecosystem health.

Dana and Bill Jokela speaking to a crowd at Sogn Valley Farm, where they helped us host a Kernza Field Day.

Our August Kernza® field day at Sogn Valley Farm gathered 28 attendees, including growers, market partners, and local advocates from the UMN Forever Green Initiative. Participants discussed the cultivation and market development of Kernza, a sustainable perennial grain. The event featured a walk through a thriving Kernza field, showcasing its deep roots that help prevent soil erosion and capture carbon. This gathering emphasized Kernza's potential in sustainable agriculture and fostered connections among participants committed to eco-friendly farming practices.

Last summer, Bridge Square was alive with color, joy, and community spirit as Northfield residents gathered for Nuestra Agua, Nuestras Vidas, an event hosted by Clean River Partners in collaboration with Healthfinders Collaborative and the City of Northfield. With the motto "Our Water, Our Lives," the event aimed to deepen connections with the local Latine community while raising awareness about important water-related issues impacting everyone in Northfield.

Image: Rocky Casillas Aguirre at Nuestras Agua, Nuestras Vidas, taken by Margie O’Loughlin.

Our organization has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with River Bend Nature Center (RBNC), which focuses on environmental stewardship and education in our community. For years, we've collaborated to offer youth volunteer opportunities, like storm drain decal applications. We also deliver classroom presentations about stormwater pollution prevention, and this year we introduced a new curriculum called Clean River Rangers. Inspired by the National Park Service’s Junior Ranger Program, students can earn challenge stickers by completing clean water tasks in their neighborhoods.

Image: Evelyn Rosas (left) and Caitlin Juvland (right), provided by River Bend Nature Center.

In early spring of 2024, we launched our Volunteer Corps program, a step toward fostering community stewardship and enhancing the health of our local ecosystems. This initiative empowers volunteers to engage in hands-on restoration and conservation activities, creating opportunities for individuals to make a tangible difference in the environment.

Our Volunteer Corps kicked off with a wood stacking event in April to prepare for a biochar initiative in partnership with Sharing Our Roots. Volunteers came together, enjoying the camaraderie while contributing to important ecological work. As summer unfolded, we celebrated Pride Month in June with wild strawberry propagation at Carleton Arboretum, highlighting the joy of nurturing both nature and community.

Throughout the season, our dedicated volunteers distributed native grass seeds at Sunktokeca Creek WMA in Faribault and worked diligently to plant trees at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park in collaboration with Great River Greening. In July, we tackled the challenge of invasive plant species at St. Olaf Natural Lands, directly bolstering the health of local habitats.

The excitement crescendoed in September during our Watershed-Wide Cleanup, where volunteers united to remove litter from the river, reinforcing our commitment to keeping the Cannon River Watershed clean and vibrant. We wrapped up an impactful year by planting 300 willow trees at the Organic Compound Farm, a testament to our volunteers' hard work and dedication.

The launch of the Volunteer Corps provides vital environmental benefits and strengthens community bonds, allowing participants to connect deeply with one another and the land. As we look to the future, we are thrilled to continue this journey of restoration, empowerment, and shared joy in caring for our natural world.

Image: Volunteers planting willow trees at the Organic Compound Farm, taken by Wil Crombie.

Last fall marked a significant milestone as we launched the QUEERY program, an initiative designed to empower queer youth in southeastern Minnesota to connect with nature and build community. QUEERY stands for Queer Unity, Environmental Education, and Recreation for Youth, and it embodies our mission to create a safe and affirming space for young people to explore the outdoors while fostering meaningful connections with one another.

Our first meetings connected a variety of young people from the region, showcasing nature's ability to bring us together. In October, we met at Lyman Lakes for a fall colors hike, where participants delighted in the beauty of the changing seasons and learned about wood frog tadpoles. The walk in Carleton College's Cowling Arboretum was particularly memorable as we observed various birds flitting through the trees, sparking curiosity and excitement among the group.

In November, at River Bend Nature Center, attendees enjoyed a calming nature journaling exercise. Using the "I notice, I wonder, it reminds me of" method, participants practiced observing their surroundings and connecting their personal experiences to nature. After the event, group members shared that the activity was very calming and they were interested in trying nature journaling at home.

Our final gathering of the year, also at River Bend Nature Center, offered an engaging introduction to birding. We immersed ourselves in the world of birds, comparing species and journaling about the elusive American Woodcock. Participants engaged in activities like using binoculars and exploring bird guides, even trying out the Merlin app to identify and listen to various bird calls.

By the end of the year, QUEERY had 12 youth participants signed up for the program. Our reach extended across southern Minnesota, including Belle Plaine, Bloomington, Cannon Falls, Faribault, Nicollet, Northfield, Prior Lake, and Scandia. The enthusiasm and connections formed within this program highlight the vital role that nature plays in community and resilience among queer youth. As we move forward, we’re excited to continue fostering this unique blend of outdoor exploration and personal empowerment through the QUEERY program.