Conservation Minnesota is seeking volunteers to aid in a variety of environmental initiatives throughout the state.
Rashelle Brown, the community stewardship facilitator in Bemidji and an Americorps member, aims to connect people to organizations that are making a difference in the region. Brown joined the KAXE Morning Show on Tuesday, April 25, to discuss recruitment efforts.
Conservation Minnesota is a statewide organization with the goal of solving environmental problems throughout the state. Its footprint distinguishes the organization from other environmental groups, Brown stated, particularly because of its outreach in Greater Minnesota.
“We recognize that Minnesotans use our outdoor spaces in many different ways, and we’re really interested in hearing from all of those users on the issues that are concerning to them,” Brown said. “ … The position that was created for me in our area was to engage people in doing activities in their local community and just getting excited about getting out in to the spaces right around them.”
Connecting people to organizations
Community stewardship facilitators like Brown aim to connect people with organizations already making progress in their areas of interest. Thus, Brown spent the first few months of her Americorps appointment getting to know local environmental nonprofits and government agencies.
A recent project included clearing 100 pounds of debris from storm drains and stenciling “no dumping” messages on them to educate passersby that runoff from those drains ends up in Lake Bemidji. Another involved creating 120 gardening kits for area youths.
“Our survey results indicate that people really care about the environment and it’s hard to narrow that down to just one or two issues when people are asked to pick what’s most important to them,” Brown said. “ … So my main goal is to give them an outlet for that desire, I guess, to be involved in their communities and to do what they can.”
Upcoming opportunities
Upcoming projects include an “Ask an Expert” table at the Walker Farmers Market on June 3. Jim Etzel will answer people’s questions about no-dig and organic gardening. On June 23, a volunteer group is planting a rain garden in Bemidji. Finally, Conservation Minnesota is starting a hiking club with a 4-H group in Cass County on July 15. A local master naturalist will participate to help teach the students about native species.
To learn more or get involved, visit conservationminnesota.org/volunteer or email Rashelle Brown at rashelle@conservationminnesota.org.
