To know the prairie is to love the prairie and at the 2019 Tallgrass Prairie BioBlitz on Saturday, June 22nd, 150 people from across the state got to know one of the largest prairie reserves in Minnesota a lot better. “We wanted people to learn more about the tallgrass prairie ecosystem, that it’s right HERE […]
“It’s right HERE” — Getting to know the Tallgrass Prairie at the 2019 BioBlitz Read More »
Rural electric cooperatives’ loyalty to coal is holding rural America back. That’s according to a new report authored by CURE, We Own It, and the Center for Rural Affairs. During the 1970s, the country’s electric co-ops made significant investments to build coal-burning power plants; this was done in the interest of providing low-cost electricity to
“Rural Electrification 2.0” is the path to a clean energy future Read More »
Ready to learn more about prairie species in your neighborhood? Are you a prairie enthusiast ready to share your knowledge and passion with others? Looking for a fun family day that also supports public lands? Join us for a BioBlitz in and around Big Stone Lake state park near Ortonville, MN! This year, in partnership
2019 Tallgrass Prairie BioBlitz Read More »
On Wednesday, April 10th, Mother Nature showed us the power of climate change with a sudden onset of a spring snowstorm, but that didn’t stop over 450 Minnesotans from coming to St. Paul, rallying, and educating legislators on the importance of clean water and protections for the next generation. Minnesota is the Land of 10,000
Water Action Day 2019 plowed on despite a snowstorm Read More »
Three CURE members—Brad Blue, Marsha Van Denburgh, and James Nelson—are poised to make history and advance clean energy and democracy in Minnesota by running to unseat the incumbents on the Connexus Energy board of directors. Brad, Marsha, and James are running on a platform of cooperative democracy (democratic member control), clean energy and grid innovation,
Three CURE members Connecting Us to a clean energy future! Read More »
First and foremost, CURE dedicates resources to assure the health and sustainability of the Minnesota River Basin. Staff and members work together to wisely develop strategies that engage partners and decision-makers to take action to protect and restore water quality, biological integrity, and natural beauty. Though this effort starts in our own backyard, we sometimes
Minnesota River Basin Read More »
What information can Minnesotans who get their electricity from a rural electric cooperative find on their co-op’s website? For example, can co-op members get a basic explanation about the charges and fees on their electric bill? Can they see what mix of energy sources their electricity comes from? Is there information on how to vote
Most MN electric co-op websites lack basics for informing members Read More »
CURE has qualified for a $25,000 Small Cities Commercial Rehabilitation Grant that we’ll receive if we raise a $7,500 match. This match will help us with more than 50% of our renovation project. The To-Do-List includes replacing the front windows and doors, point-tucking the bricks on the lower level, resurfacing the upper level, recapping the
After 26 years CURE needs a “Nip & Tuck”! Read More »
On Saturday, September 22nd a small, but skilled group of volunteers led by Amy Rager, University of Minnesota Extension Professor/Extension Educator and Master Naturalist, participated in National Public Lands Day at Lac qui Parle State Park. They harvested prairie seeds from the park that will be used to increase the populations of these native plants at
National Public Lands Day 2018 Read More »
Sharon Day champions and protects water in a unique way. Her commitment goes beyond the typical activities of promoting legislation or simply speaking up for issues. She is a lifelong activist whose mission is cultural and spiritual and whose efforts can lead to transformational change. Sharon is a water walker who is carrying forward
Sharon Day is CURE’s 2017 RiverKeeper 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!
