Great River Greening

???? What does it take to transform a community and restore our land? ???? It begins with vision, determination, and a whole lot of hard work—plus, a little dirt under the nails! As Great River Greening celebrates 30 years, we’re honoring the incredible individuals who helped build this movement from the ground up. Huge shoutout to Rob Buffler, Maxine Hughes, and Deborah Karasov—their dedication laid the foundation for a movement that’s growing stronger—and greener—every day. Curious how it all began? ?? Dive into this month’s blog and learn more about these amazing lands stewards at https://lnkd.in/eXzvEUrZ.

Our science-led work continues to show great results for Minnesota's outdoors!

?? This St. Patrick’s Day, let’s think beyond the shamrock and celebrate Minnesota’s native clover—the Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea)! ?? While traditional clovers are often associated with luck, this prairie plant brings something even better: resilience. It supports pollinators, improves soil health, and strengthens our grasslands—key ingredients for a thriving environment. At Great River Greening, we know that restoring native landscapes is more than just good fortune—it’s essential for a sustainable future. This St. Patrick’s Day, we’re celebrating the power of native plants to create healthier ecosystems for generations to come. #PurplePrairieClover #NativePlants #RestorationMatters #StPatricksDay #GreatRiverGreening

?? Spring Awakening in Minnesota ?? As the days get warmer, the trees in Minnesota come to life! ?? For coniferous trees, new shoots begin to develop, expanding into fresh stems and vibrant needles. ?? Meanwhile, deciduous trees swell with new energy and reproduce by forming flowers. Their seeds find their way to new locations with the help of the wind, birds, and even small mammals. It's a beautiful reminder of nature's cycle and the new life that spring brings! ?? Spring is also the perfect time to join us as a volunteer! Check out our calendar (https://lnkd.in/gT9vVH6X we have some exciting events lined up, including tree planting, seeding events, and more.?? ?? Learn more from the MN Department of Natural Resources: https://lnkd.in/gQej4U_s

Last week at Ritter Farm Park in Lakeville, we kicked off the first of four upcoming biochar training demonsrations! ???? ? At Great River Greening, we’re committed to expanding the practice of processing waste materials in specialized biochar kilns for sustainable land management. We’re also educating leaders, fire marshals, and land managers across the state on how to implement biochar and highlighting its benefits. Curious about biochar? ??? Check our website ( https://lnkd.in/grknMqfi) for details on upcoming demos and how it’s transforming natural resource management! Check out some photos from Ritter Farm: 1?? One of our traditional flame-capped kilns (also known as Oregon kilns) in action! ?? 2?? Our team quenching biochar — an essential step to stop the active burning process and secure the biochar. 3?? Biochar we produced during the demo.

Urgent: Funding Cuts Threaten Cooling Minnesota Communities Program ?? Check out today's Star Tribune article, which highlights the far-reaching impacts of the freeze on federal environmental grants, including the impact on our Cooling Minnesota Communities program which aims to plant and water 10,000 trees across Minnesota. The impact is severe, and we need YOUR help to keep this critical work alive. Take Action Today! Your support can make a difference in protecting Minnesota's green future. Read the article at https://lnkd.in/ew_-P6nJ, and visit greatrivergreening.org learn how you can help.

?? Celebrating 30 years of restoring and sustainably managing Minnesota’s landscapes! ??? From our early beginnings to where we are today, it’s been an incredible journey— and we couldn’t have done it without YOU! We’re grateful for your support in making this vital work possible. Check out the timeline at https://lnkd.in/eDJv8qQT to learn more about our journey and celebrate the progress we’ve made in building healthy, climate-resilient ecosystems across Minnesota! Here’s to many more years of restoring and safeguarding our environment for future generations!! ????

Have you had the chance to get outside and enjoy this lovely weather? You never know what you might spot—birds, deer, and soon, signs of spring! If you’re looking for a great spot for a late winter/early spring hike, check out these five Great River Greening restoration sites:??? Lebanon Hills Regional Park (Eagan)??? Springbrook Nature Center (Fridley)??? Belle Prairie County Park (Little Falls)??? Quarry Park and Nature Preserve (Waite Park)??? Nerstrand Big Woods State Park (northeast of Faribault) Explore nature and experience the beauty of Minnesota’s great outdoors! [Photo taken at Springbrook Nature Center.]

In celebration of our 30th anniversary, we reflect on the individuals who have shaped our journey. Over the past three decades, we have been guided by those who believe in the power of community engagement and environmental stewardship. ? In this month’s blog, we recognize two individuals whose early involvement laid the foundation for our organization: U.S. Senator Norm Coleman and Ellen Brown. You can read more in this month’s blog post on our website: https://lnkd.in/grhGzV5y

?? Program Update ?? We want to update you on the status of our Cooling Minnesota Communities (CMC) program. Unfortunately, even though the federal funding pause has been rescinded, it appears that reimbursements are not being processed. Due to the uncertainty surrounding this situation, we are pausing the federally funded portion of the program until we receive further clarification. ? Our commitment to a greener, healthier Minnesota remains unwavering. We are actively working to understand the full impact and will continue to keep you informed as we learn more. ?This is a challenging time, but your support is more important than ever. Thank you.