Biochar: How this “Supercharged Charcoal” is Helping Great River Greening Achieve our Vision for 2030
What if there was a way to restore degraded land, mitigate climate change, improve soil and water quality, AND make better use of the waste left behind after invasive species removal? This is essentially the promise of biochar.
Meet Four Black Conservationists Working for a More Just and Sustainable Future
Black conservationists have long been at the forefront of environmental activism, despite facing systemic injustices and institutional barriers that have limited opportunities for African Americans in the field of conservation.
As we celebrate Black History Month, we hope you find inspiration in the stories of Adjany, Washington, Kari, and Savonala—four Black conservationists that are paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive environmental movement.
Great River Greening’s Bold Vision to Combat Climate Change in Minnesota
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, without urgent action to decrease greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 global warming will surpass that critical threshold of 1.5°C in the following decades, leading to irreversible loss of ecosystems, and crisis after crisis for the most vulnerable people and societies.
Which is why in 2023, Great River Greening is launching a bold new strategic vision for our work.
Welcome Aboard
Join us in welcoming three new members to the Great River Greening Board of Directors.
Reflection from the Executive Director: Minnesotans are United
The thing I love about Minnesotans is that everyone has a favorite green space—whether it’s a neighborhood park, a lake for fishing, a cabin in the woods, or a birding spot.
No matter what or where that place is, we are united around our love of Minnesota’s outdoors.
Leave the Leaves!
Fall can be a busy time in Minnesota, as we prepare for the onslaught of a long winter. For many of us, our typical “fall chores” include many hours spent raking, chopping, bagging, and disposing of fallen leaves, stems from landscaping and gardens, and woody debris. It can be a lot of work, but there is a great excuse to taking a vacation from these fall chores.
The Power in Parks
Neighborhood parks provide a place to play, relax, and gather. They offer spaces for kids to play catch, for you to walk your dog, or simply enjoy the outdoors with friends. But did you know these very same parks are also helping to fight climate change?
Jeff Burnett Runs for Great River Greening
Last year, board member Jeff Burnett ran the Twin Cities Marathon and together with his generous supporters he raised over $7,000 for Great River Greening. This year, Jeff is back and ready to lace up his running shoes to run over 50 miles in six races—and we need YOUR help. But first, let’s learn a bit more about Jeff, and how his passions for the environment and running intersect.
Monarchs: Helping a Species Helps an Ecosystem
The migratory monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is one of the most iconic insects and one for which we all likely have fond memories. Unfortunately, this beautiful pollinator has now been added to the “Red List”, or considered endangered, by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Although the monarch butterfly is not yet listed as endangered on a federal or state level, this should still be considered a wake-up call. Monarchs have experienced decline, and there is work to be done to protect Minnesota’s state butterfly.
Great River Greening and Kernza®
Kernza® is the first perennial grain crop in the world—meaning farmers don’t need to replant it every year, allowing the crop to grow deep, complex root systems. These root systems protect delicate soil from erosion, absorb excessive and harmful nutrients, and retain water. Once established, Kernza® and other continuous living cover crops greatly improve our land and water. Environmental impacts include…