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 »
CURE promotes Erik Hatlestad to Program Associate and welcomes former intern Katie Laughlin as Communications and Program Associate. In June of 2016, Erik Hatlestad became CURE’s new Program Associate continuing his work on policy issues surrounding renewable energy, rural electric cooperatives, and sustainable agriculture. As a lifelong resident of Western Minnesota, Erik has a deep
CURE Staff Updates 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 »
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 were very
CHEN pedals to raise money for new CURE program Read More »
On Saturday June 25th, Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center hosted the Grand Opening of the Water/Ways Exhibit. The free exhibit will be at Prairie Woods until August 7. Water/Ways is a traveling exhibit and community engagement project done by the Smithsonian Institution as part of their Museum on Main Street program. In Minnesota, Water/Ways is
Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center Opens Water/Ways Exhibit 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 »
[easy-image-collage id=7030] On June 11, National Get Outdoors Day, CURE partnered with the MN DNR for year two of the “Paddle the Minnesota River in a Day” event. The Minnesota River Trail is 318 miles long beginning at the foot of Big Stone Lake and ending at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. The
125 miles in the Upper Minnesota River paddled by CURE Members Read More »
Moonstone Farm in Montevideo was the backdrop for The Keep the Hives Alive Tour stop in Minnesota River Valley. CURE and partners hosted the event on the Richard Handeen-Audrey Arner farm where diversified, sustainable, and holistic farm management has taken shape as a result of decades of planning and strategic design. Pollinators find refuge on
Keep the Hives Alive Tour Read More »
Long time CURE member, Jianhua Qian “Chen” sets out to pedal from the Missouri River to the Mississippi River in Iowa to raise awareness and money for CURE. This ride will begin on Sunday, July 23 in Glenwood, IA by putting his rear bike tire in the Missouri River and end eight days later putting
Chen hits the road for CURE 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!
