For nearly two years, CURE has developed curriculum in watershed education and exploring ways to disseminate those resources. With 12 Major Watersheds in the Minnesota River Basin, and a total of 81 watersheds state wide…
Watershed Academy 101: The Upstream Impacts on Downstream Outcomes Read More »
There is only one thing better than a beautiful fall weekend where the air is crisp and the sun warms your face, it is the opportunity to get your feet wet while hunting for the jewels of the Minnesota River: freshwater mussels. It was a beautiful fall day on the Minnesota River near the confluence
Jewels Discovered in the Minnesota River Read More »
“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
Volunteers Partner to Transform Historic Site Read More »
The Minnesota River in Granite Falls, MN, is the site for a recently funded study to determine whether a whitewater park would be feasible for a 3-mile stretch beginning at the Granite Falls Dam and ending downstream at the Minnesota Falls rapids. On Monday, September 21st, the Granite Falls City Council unanimously voted to
Minnesota River in Granite Falls is Site for Whitewater Park Study Read More »
About three weeks ago, CURE received a call from a landowner because he and three of his neighbors had been notified of a public hearing regarding a variance request from Duininck Inc.: the company wanted to mine gravel less than 500 feet from the Minnesota River. While there were already pits in place from the
Citizen Engagement at Public Hearing Shuts Down Mining Proposal Read More »
The MPCA Citizens’ Board may yet live, as the Governor’s Committee to Advise the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. As you may remember, the 2015 legislative session ended in near chaos. Post by Ariel Herrod, Water Program Coordinator.
Legislative and Gubernatorial Stubbornness Pay Off Read More »
Pollution not only harms our environment, it also costs Minnesotans a huge amount of money every year. Here in Minnesota, pollution from coal plants alone costs us at least 2 billion dollars a year in health and environmental impacts, and that number continues to grow. Post by Kristian Nyberg, Energy Program Coordinator.
Would you imagine that halloween pennant dragonflies, whorled milkweed, prairie clover, porcupine grass, and a long list of other insect and plant species could bring over 100 people together on a hot July weekend? Well they can, and people from across the state joined together to build upon their own personal knowledge of tallgrass prairie on July 10 and 11 for the 2015 Simon Lake BioBlitz.
Unlikely characters join forces to “Blitz” the Prairie Read More »
As slimy green algal sludge started to overtake our waterways for the summer, a news piece with a bold headline took Minnesota by storm.
It’s True: Big Ag is conquering Minnesota like a noxious, unkillable weed! Read More »
Minnesota is about to get a lot more clean energy from a new ground breaking solar project. The Aurora Solar Project, developed by Geronimo, LLC, is a 100 megawatt (MW) project, which will be located at 21 different sites across the state.
Smart Solar Projects: the Future of Good Business in Minnesota 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!
