Press Release: New Funding Announcement

CRP Secures $13,100 From Northfield Shares To Enhance Volunteer Programs And Environmental Restoration Efforts

Northfield, MN – Clean River Partners (CRP) is thrilled to announce a significant funding boost of $13,100 from Northfield Shares, enhancing our commitment to ecological health and community engagement in the Northfield area. These two grants, made possible through the support of Our Community Foundation, will empower CRP to expand its impactful volunteer programs and restoration initiatives in the coming year.

CRP Team from left to right, holding a check from Northfield Shares: Jennifer Tonko (Executive Director), Maggie Stahley (Conservation Program Assistant), Anna Holman (Conservation Program Manager), Teresa Tillson (Administrative & Development Assistant), Tessa Parks (Conservation Program Coordinator), Felicia Hokenstad (Communications Coordinator), and Heron Mahr (Community Engagement Coordinator)

A notable portion of this funding, $9,550 from the Nutting Beautification Fund, will enable CRP to build environmental, personal, and community health in the Cannon River watershed through engaging volunteer experiences. Heron Mahr, Community Engagement Coordinator for CRP, emphasized the importance of these efforts, stating, “In 2024, we were able to host some awesome volunteer events thanks to funding from Northfield Shares. It was so rewarding to see the impact we could have on the landscape just by working with a group of dedicated volunteers for a few hours. Now that we have a larger grant in 2025, I’m excited to see that impact grow.”

Volunteer events in 2024 included wood stacking with Sharing Our Roots, propagating wild strawberries with the Carleton Arboretum, pulling invasive species at St. Olaf Natural Lands, and conducting a Watershed-Wide Cleanup to clear litter from the river. Projects like these both help improve the environment and cultivate a strong sense of community stewardship.

In addition, CRP is excited to announce a new $3,550 grant from the Engeseth-Rinde Restoration Fund. This funding will support educating and connecting emerging community professionals and volunteers to develop increased capacity for current and future restoration activities at Prairie Creek Wildlife Management Area. “I am so excited to partner with Friends of Prairie Creek and River Bend Nature Center to restore these rare prairie ecosystems for future generations to enjoy,” said CRP’s Conservation Program Manager, Anna Holman.

CRP is so grateful to Northfield Shares for supporting community-led environmental care and invites you to join them in these initiatives. For more information or to get involved, please visit www.cleanriverpartners.org or contact our team!