Volunteers Partner to Transform Historic Site

Group of volunteers

“What a great day!  We removed over 20 loads of buckthorn with 40 volunteers.  The estimated value of the day’s work is $5,810.22 (independentsector.org).  National Public Lands Day is a great way for Minnesota Master Naturalist to partner with local groups and locations to work on natural resource issues that result in positive outcomes.” – Amy Rager, Program Director, Minnesota Master Naturalist.

CURE along with the Minnesota Master Naturalist program, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Minnesota Historical Society and the Lac qui Parle High School YES! Team (science club) joined forces on Saturday, September 26th, to participate in the National Public Lands Day volunteer event at the Lac qui Parle Mission. Nearly 40 volunteers from age 8 to 74 gathered to “Bust the Buckthorn” and clean the Mission site. Over 20 loads of buckthorn was cut, treated, and hauled off!

For CURE, the best part of the day was realizing that of those who volunteered, 23 are CURE members and 11 are Minnesota Master Naturalists. This seemed to be a win-win for all involved!

“I am so impressed with the amount of work that was accomplished. The Lac qui Parle site is really transformed. We couldn’t be more appreciative of the partnership, and couldn’t imagine being able to accomplish that on our own.” –  Ben Leonard, Manager of Community Outreach and Partnerships, Minnesota Historical Society.

Before & After_Buckthorn Removal at Lac qui Parle

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Kelsey Olson

Kelsey Olson

Director of Environmental Stewardship

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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!