West Central Initiative

Sustainable Communities Network: Water Conservation and Rain Barrels with River Keepers
2025-03-12 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
Water Conservation and Rain Barrels with River Keepers
Learn about water conservation and rain barrels with the Sustainable Communities Network and the River Keepers – a nonprofit that is dedicated to connecting the Fargo-Moorhead community safely to the Red River of the North through education, stewardship, and engagement. River Keepers will talk about their work, the importance of water conservation, and how to make a DIY rain barrel or source a rain barrel.
How this connects to the Region 4 Climate Action Plan:

Expand water conservation outreach, communication, and education programs promoting water conservation for residents and businesses.
Promote, share and create “Actions you can take” fact sheets for businesses, homeowners, rental property owners, and renters. Incorporate other resources such as “landscaping for absorption” practices (like native plantings, rain gardens, and bioswales) and MyRain Ready.

How this connects to the Sustainable Development Goals:

Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Click here to register to attend.
Sustainable Communities Network
We invite you to join the Sustainable Communities Network and get connected to actionable climate and sustainability solutions! In the Sustainable Communities Network, you’ll connect with climate and sustainability experts and people like you working on solutions that support a resilient and sustainable future for our region.
Goals:

Connect people to actionable solutions to create more sustainable communities, now and in the future.

Build relationships across the region with each other and with the people and organizations creating positive change in their own communities.

Champion success stories and innovative projects that can be supported or replicated in other communities.

The topics and goals of the group are grounded in both the Minnesota Region 4 Climate Action Plan and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals that are part of our strategic framework.

Sustainable Communities Network: Seed Saving and the Power of Growing Your Own with North Circle Seeds
2025-04-09 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
Seed Saving and the Power of Growing Your Own
Get excited about starting your garden and growing your own food with Zachary Paige of North Circle Seeds and other local food enthusiasts! We will share pictures and a recap from the March field trip to North Circle Seeds as well as other information and inspiration to get you ready for gardening season.
How this connects to the Region 4 Climate Action Plan:

Support efforts to identify and increase utilization of shared food system assets such as shared food storage space, community commercial kitchens, group purchasing of growing equipment such as backyard greenhouses or hoop houses, and public-private partnerships. Support adoption of regenerative management by farmers and increased equality among farmers.

How this connects to the Sustainable Development Goals:

Goal 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture

Click here to register to attend.
Sustainable Communities Network
We invite you to join the Sustainable Communities Network and get connected to actionable climate and sustainability solutions! In the Sustainable Communities Network, you’ll connect with climate and sustainability experts and people like you working on solutions that support a resilient and sustainable future for our region.
Goals:

Connect people to actionable solutions to create more sustainable communities, now and in the future.

Build relationships across the region with each other and with the people and organizations creating positive change in their own communities.

Champion success stories and innovative projects that can be supported or replicated in other communities.

The topics and goals of the group are grounded in both the Minnesota Region 4 Climate Action Plan and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals that are part of our strategic framework.

Legislative Kaffeeklatsch
2025-04-25 07:00 - 08:00 (America/Chicago)
Lakes Country Service Cooperative & West Central Initiative invite you to join us for a virtual Legislative Kaffeeklatsch to hear from our region’s legislators. Lobbyist Darielle Dannen will moderate the event.
Register Today

Sustainable Communities Network: Benefits of Biking with the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota
2025-05-14 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
Benefits of Biking with the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota
Learn how you can reduce fossil fuel consumption while having fun, being active, and creating community connectedness with the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota—a non-profit that engages people, educates, and advocates for biking and walking state-wide! Bike MN will talk about their work hosting biking events and educating cyclists and how you can do the same in your own community.
How this connects to the Region 4 Climate Action Plan:

Develop a public communications campaign and incentives promoting alternative transportation, including biking and walking.
Support the capacity of neighborhood and community groups to implement climate mitigation and adaptation initiatives.
Support Safe Routes to School Plans and expand bike safety education for students

How this connects to the Sustainable Development Goals:

Goal 3: Good Health and Wellbeing
Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Click here to register to attend.
Sustainable Communities Network
We invite you to join the Sustainable Communities Network and get connected to actionable climate and sustainability solutions! In the Sustainable Communities Network, you’ll connect with climate and sustainability experts and people like you working on solutions that support a resilient and sustainable future for our region.
Goals:

Connect people to actionable solutions to create more sustainable communities, now and in the future.

Build relationships across the region with each other and with the people and organizations creating positive change in their own communities.

Champion success stories and innovative projects that can be supported or replicated in other communities.

The topics and goals of the group are grounded in both the Minnesota Region 4 Climate Action Plan and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals that are part of our strategic framework.

Sustainable Communities Network: Understanding Climate’s Health Impacts with Dr. Kent Boyd
2025-06-11 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
Understanding Climate’s Health Impacts with Dr. Kent Boyd
A changing climate is affecting our health, from a longer allergy season to increases in vector-borne illnesses, and more extreme heat to heavier precipitation events. Join us to learn about the public health impacts of climate change and ways to strengthen your resilience with Dr. Kent Boyd – Climate Adaptation, Resilience, and Public Health Extension Educator with the University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership.
How this connects to the Region 4 Climate Action Plan:

Assist the Region’s population in preparing for and mitigating climate change impacts, including on public health and safety.

How this connects to the Sustainable Development Goals:

Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

Click here to register to attend.
Sustainable Communities Network
We invite you to join the Sustainable Communities Network and get connected to actionable climate and sustainability solutions! In the Sustainable Communities Network, you’ll connect with climate and sustainability experts and people like you working on solutions that support a resilient and sustainable future for our region.
Goals:

Connect people to actionable solutions to create more sustainable communities, now and in the future.

Build relationships across the region with each other and with the people and organizations creating positive change in their own communities.

Champion success stories and innovative projects that can be supported or replicated in other communities.

The topics and goals of the group are grounded in both the Minnesota Region 4 Climate Action Plan and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals that are part of our strategic framework.

Sustainable Communities Network: Let's Talk Plastic
2025-07-09 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
Let’s Talk Plastic
Join us to discuss plastic, one of today’s most urgent environmental challenges. Featuring special guest Nathan Reinbold from Pope Douglas Solid Waste Management, this session dives into the global Plastic Free July campaign, the surprising links between plastic production and climate change, and the emerging health risks posed by microplastics. You’ll walk away with fresh insights and practical ways to cut down on plastic in your everyday life.
How this connects to the Region 4 Climate Action Plan:

Increase public awareness about sustainable habits, available services, and how to properly recycle, compost, and reduce waste
Eliminate petroleum-based, single-use products through phasing out the use of single-use plastics

How this connects to the Sustainable Development Goals:

Goal 3: Good Health and Wellbeing

Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Goal 13: Climate Action

Click here to register to attend.
Sustainable Communities Network
We invite you to join the Sustainable Communities Network and get connected to actionable climate and sustainability solutions! In the Sustainable Communities Network, you’ll connect with climate and sustainability experts and people like you working on solutions that support a resilient and sustainable future for our region.
Goals:

Connect people to actionable solutions to create more sustainable communities, now and in the future.

Build relationships across the region with each other and with the people and organizations creating positive change in their own communities.

Champion success stories and innovative projects that can be supported or replicated in other communities.

The topics and goals of the group are grounded in both the Minnesota Region 4 Climate Action Plan and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals that are part of our strategic framework.

Sustainable Communities Network: Protecting Water Quality with Shoreline Restoration
2025-08-13 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
Protecting Water Quality with Shoreline Restoration
Join us for an engaging session on shoreline restoration and learn how natural shorelines play a vital role in protecting water quality and sustaining healthy lake ecosystems.
Pete Guck, Riparian Conservation Specialist with the East Otter Tail Soil and Water Conservation District, will discuss the current state of lakeshore development in our region and explore how restoring and preserving natural shorelines can help reduce pollution, support wildlife habitat, and improve the long-term health of our lakes.
Whether you’re a lakeshore property owner, outdoor enthusiast, or simply someone who cares about clean water, you’ll come away with practical insights and actions you can take to support this important work.
How this connects to the Region 4 Climate Action Plan:

Protecting natural waterways and lakes through addressing invasive species, pollution, recreation, fishing, wild rice, etc.
Promote reduced home fertilizer usage to reduce and eliminate water runoff capable of causing water quality impacts on the region’s surface water (such as algae blooms and low oxygen levels which harm fish)

How this connects to the Sustainable Development Goals:

Goal 14: Life Below Water
Goal 15: Life On Land

Click here to register to attend.
Sustainable Communities Network
We invite you to join the Sustainable Communities Network and get connected to actionable climate and sustainability solutions! In the Sustainable Communities Network, you’ll connect with climate and sustainability experts and people like you working on solutions that support a resilient and sustainable future for our region.
Goals:

Connect people to actionable solutions to create more sustainable communities, now and in the future.

Build relationships across the region with each other and with the people and organizations creating positive change in their own communities.

Champion success stories and innovative projects that can be supported or replicated in other communities.

The topics and goals of the group are grounded in both the Minnesota Region 4 Climate Action Plan and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals that are part of our strategic framework.

Sustainable Communities Network: The Morris Model Blueprint for Community Resilience
2025-09-10 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
You’re invited to learn more about the success of the Morris Model – an award-winning group made up of partner organizations working together towards a shared vision of advancing a sustainable community in Morris, Minnesota, and west central Minnesota.
The Morris Model focuses its work on energy conservation, clean energy, community resilience, cultural exchange, and celebration with specific goal areas within clean and efficient energy, transportation, waste reduction and recycling, and education. Learn more about what made the Morris Model successful with the new Morris Model Coordinator Talitha Anderson, and what steps you can take to support similar initiatives in your own community!
How this connects to the Region 4 Climate Action Plan:

Promote and incentivize local renewable energy projects. Explore leveraging existing incentives to increase renewable energy utilization and generation throughout the region.
Collaborate with residential and commercial waste haulers to establish organics diversion programs for residential and commercial buildings. Support and encourage local governments to use strategies to move the municipal operations toward zero-waste.

How this connects to the Sustainable Development Goals:

Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Click here to register to attend.
Sustainable Communities Network
We invite you to join the Sustainable Communities Network and get connected to actionable climate and sustainability solutions! In the Sustainable Communities Network, you’ll connect with climate and sustainability experts and people like you working on solutions that support a resilient and sustainable future for our region.
Goals:

Connect people to actionable solutions to create more sustainable communities, now and in the future.

Build relationships across the region with each other and with the people and organizations creating positive change in their own communities.

Champion success stories and innovative projects that can be supported or replicated in other communities.

The topics and goals of the group are grounded in both the Minnesota Region 4 Climate Action Plan and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals that are part of our strategic framework.

Sustainable Communities Network: Let’s Get Energized! New State Rebate Programs for Energy Efficiency
2025-12-10 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
Join us and special guest Kathleen Hovland from the Minnesota Department of Commerce to learn more about saving money with high efficiency appliance upgrades and upcoming state rebate programs. Minnesota’s Commerce Department will be launching Save Energy Minnesota, comprised of four new residential rebate programs, in late 2025.
This is your chance to learn more about the requirements and rollout of these new programs:

Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate (HEAR)
Home Efficiency Rebate (HOMES)
State Residential Heat Pump Rebate
State Electrical Panel Upgrade Grant

How this connects to the Region 4 Climate Action Plan:

Promote and distribute education and information to residents and businesses on advantages of and options for energy efficient appliances.

How this connects to the Sustainable Development Goals:

Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Click here to register to attend.
Sustainable Communities Network
We invite you to join the Sustainable Communities Network and get connected to actionable climate and sustainability solutions! In the Sustainable Communities Network, you’ll connect with climate and sustainability experts and people like you working on solutions that support a resilient and sustainable future for our region.
Goals:

Connect people to actionable solutions to create more sustainable communities, now and in the future.

Build relationships across the region with each other and with the people and organizations creating positive change in their own communities.

Champion success stories and innovative projects that can be supported or replicated in other communities.

The topics and goals of the group are grounded in both the Minnesota Region 4 Climate Action Plan and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals that are part of our strategic framework.

Legislative Kaffeeklatsch
2026-01-30 07:00 - 08:00 (America/Chicago)
Lakes Country Service Cooperative & West Central Initiative invite you to join us for a virtual Legislative Kaffeeklatsch to hear from our region’s legislators. Darielle Dannen will moderate the event.
Register Today

Lakes and Prairies Solar 101 - Virtual
2026-02-17 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-05-19 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago)
Learn about solar energy and its benefits for your home, or small business. Solar United Neighbors will take you through the technology, economics, financing, and more.
This presentation from the experts at Solar United Neighbors will answer all your questions about going solar. You’ll learn about the solar program, solar technology, and financial considerations.
Register to attend the Virtual 101.

Plastic Reduction Organizing Meet-Up
2026-04-08 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Detroit) | https://wcif.org/event/plastic-reduction-organizing-meet-up/
If you joined us for a screening of Plastic People: The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics and were inspired to take the next step, or if you haven’t seen the movie but want to join with others to advance action against plastic waste in west central Minnesota, this meet-up is for you!
Meet others engaged with this issue and learn about next steps for a regional group—shaped by your interests and skill sets.
Register for the Zoom meeting.

Legislative Kaffeeklatsch
2026-05-01 07:00 - 08:00 (America/Chicago)
Lakes Country Service Cooperative & West Central Initiative invite you to join us for a virtual Legislative Kaffeeklatsch to hear from our region’s legislators.
Register Today
