Did you know that tallgrass prairie is one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world with less than one percent of virgin, untilled prairie left? Or that we have some of the best remaining swathes of prairie right here in Pope County, MN? On the rolling hills at Glacial Lakes State Park, nearly […]
2017 BioBlitz brought 150 to the Tallgrass Prairie Read More »
On Wednesday, April 19, 2017, more than thirty members of CURE (Clean Up the River Environment) and the Land Stewardship Project (LSP) boarded a bus heading to the State Capitol from southwest MN to take part in Water Action Day. Rural Minnesota was well represented, as members boarded the bus from Clarkfield, Appleton, Olivia, Montevideo, Marshall,
Water Action Day at the State Capitol Read More »
In 2009, McDonald’s made a promise to U.S. consumers because of the work of a small group of rural Minnesotans living around RD Offutt’s (RDO) potato fields. McDonald’s promised to cut its use of pesticides on its French fries. Seven years later little has changed in McDonald’s pesticide consumption. Those rural Minnesotans are still sprayed
Toxic Taters Week of Action Read More »
Earlier this summer CURE co-sponsored the Minnesota stop of the Keep Hives Alive Tour at Moonstone Farm in Montevideo. During the stop Minnesota beekeeper James Cook shared with us the risks posed to pollinators (both native and commercial) and food systems as a whole. The tour took 2 million dead bees to the Environmental Protection
Governor Dayton takes action to protect bees and other pollinators Read More »
CURE members and constituents are encouraged to provide input and feedback regarding any and all concerns that they have with the Chippewa River Watershed. This is an opportunity for a public voice to be heard. The Chippewa River Watershed stands out as a prime example of surface water pollution issues in greater Minnesota, and how
MPCA seeks public comment on Chippewa Watershed Read More »
The statement “the little engine that could” is often used when an unassuming individual takes on a large task with relentless determination. On an afternoon last spring, longtime CURE member, Jianhua ‘Chen’ Qian came into the office and offered to use his ‘pedal power’ to raise money for CURE outdoor programs. As an avid biker
CURE member volunteers to raise money for outdoor programs Read More »
On Thursday, August 18th Governor Dayton kicked off a Year of Water Action at Itasca State Park, near the headwaters of the Mississippi River. For the next twelve months the Governor will use his platform to educate Minnesotans on the issues facing water in our state and empower them to take action. “We have
Governor Dayton kicks off Year of Water Action Read More »
Since April at the Camp of the Sacred Stones, land and water protectors of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe have stood in opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL). In recent weeks the camp has swelled to thousands as members of other indigenous communities and anti-pipeline activists have rushed to the area to stand with
Native Communities Resist Pipeline Project Read More »
[easy-image-collage id=7099] From Paddling the Minnesota River to Pedaling from the Missouri River to the Mississippi River, Chen is biking to raise $5,000 for a new CURE program. Born in China, Jianhua Qian grew up in a time when people didn’t think about the environment and thus the air and rivers in and around Shanghai
CHEN pedals to raise money for new CURE program Read More »
There really isn’t anything better than to spend a week engrossed with like minded “Prairie & Pothole” enthusiasts. June 13 – 17 just over 20 people from places like Rochester, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Brookings, Sioux Falls and points inbetween came to Lac qui Parle State Park for the Minnesota Master Naturalist (MMN) Prairies and Potholes
Minnesota Master Naturalists Gather on the Prairie Read More »
Kelsey Olson (she/her) joined CURE in 2025 as its Director of Environmental Stewardship. As a skilled environmental naturalist, Kelsey’s work focuses broadly on environmental education and advocacy with a keen focus on rural land use and how that use impacts our environment and climate. Working Lands, how land is used to support agriculture and forestry, is a key focus of her work. She brings 15 years’ experience in public communication, environmental education, and rural community engagement – strong communication strategies are core in her work. This includes two terms of service with AmeriCorps in the VISTA program in Oregon and Maryland and a nearly 10-year career as a naturalist followed. She recently worked on communications and marketing for rural economic development.
Kelsey lives in New London, MN, with her young children, husband, dog, and two cats. They enjoy spending time together outside and finding small treasures in nature. Visits to Minneapolis often include visits to one of their favorite historical museums, the Minnesota Swedish Institute. Kelsey enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, whether this is canning local produce, making kombucha, or other treats!
