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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250813T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250813T130000
DTSTAMP:20260506T185105
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SUMMARY:Sustainable Communities Network: Protecting Water Quality with Shoreline Restoration
DESCRIPTION:Protecting Water Quality with Shoreline Restoration\nJoin 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. \nPete 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. \nWhether 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. \nHow this connects to the Region 4 Climate Action Plan:  \n\nProtecting natural waterways and lakes through addressing invasive species\, pollution\, recreation\, fishing\, wild rice\, etc.\nPromote 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)\n\nHow this connects to the Sustainable Development Goals:  \n\nGoal 14: Life Below Water\nGoal 15: Life On Land\n\n\nClick here to register to attend.\nSustainable Communities Network \nWe 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. \nGoals:\n\nConnect people to actionable solutions to create more sustainable communities\, now and in the future.\n\n\nBuild relationships across the region with each other and with the people and organizations creating positive change in their own communities.\n\n\nChampion success stories and innovative projects that can be supported or replicated in other communities.\n\nThe 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.
URL:https://wcif.org/event/sustainable-communities-network-shoreline-restoration-2/
CATEGORIES:Virtual Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wcif.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Shoreline-Resoration-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250910T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250910T130000
DTSTAMP:20260506T185105
CREATED:20250815T145109Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250815T145109Z
UID:10000205-1757505600-1757509200@wcif.org
SUMMARY:Sustainable Communities Network: The Morris Model Blueprint for Community Resilience
DESCRIPTION: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.  \nThe 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! \nHow this connects to the Region 4 Climate Action Plan: \n\nPromote and incentivize local renewable energy projects. Explore leveraging existing incentives to increase renewable energy utilization and generation throughout the region.\nCollaborate 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.\n\nHow this connects to the Sustainable Development Goals: \n\nGoal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities\nGoal 17: Partnerships for the Goals\n\nClick here to register to attend. \nSustainable Communities Network \nWe 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. \nGoals:\n\nConnect people to actionable solutions to create more sustainable communities\, now and in the future.\n\n\nBuild relationships across the region with each other and with the people and organizations creating positive change in their own communities.\n\n\nChampion success stories and innovative projects that can be supported or replicated in other communities.\n\nThe 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.
URL:https://wcif.org/event/morris-model-2/
CATEGORIES:Virtual Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wcif.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Morris-Model.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251210T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251210T130000
DTSTAMP:20260506T185105
CREATED:20250908T172812Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250908T172812Z
UID:10000208-1765368000-1765371600@wcif.org
SUMMARY:Sustainable Communities Network: Let’s Get Energized! New State Rebate Programs for Energy Efficiency
DESCRIPTION: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. \nThis is your chance to learn more about the requirements and rollout of these new programs: \n\nHome Electrification and Appliance Rebate (HEAR)\nHome Efficiency Rebate (HOMES)\nState Residential Heat Pump Rebate\nState Electrical Panel Upgrade Grant\n\nHow this connects to the Region 4 Climate Action Plan: \n\nPromote and distribute education and information to residents and businesses on advantages of and options for energy efficient appliances.\n\nHow this connects to the Sustainable Development Goals: \n\nGoal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy\nGoal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities\n\nClick here to register to attend. \nSustainable Communities Network \nWe 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. \nGoals:\n\nConnect people to actionable solutions to create more sustainable communities\, now and in the future.\n\n\nBuild relationships across the region with each other and with the people and organizations creating positive change in their own communities.\n\n\nChampion success stories and innovative projects that can be supported or replicated in other communities.\n\nThe 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.
URL:https://wcif.org/event/lets-get-energized-2/
CATEGORIES:Virtual Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wcif.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Website-Featured-Images-1.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260130T070000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260130T080000
DTSTAMP:20260506T185105
CREATED:20260105T160201Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T162412Z
UID:10000215-1769756400-1769760000@wcif.org
SUMMARY:Legislative Kaffeeklatsch
DESCRIPTION: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. \nRegister Today
URL:https://wcif.org/event/legislative-kaffeeklatsch-5-2/
CATEGORIES:Rural Democracy,Virtual Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wcif.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ZOOM-LINK.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260217T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260217T130000
DTSTAMP:20260506T185105
CREATED:20260106T200442Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T200442Z
UID:10000217-1771329600-1771333200@wcif.org
SUMMARY:Lakes and Prairies Solar 101 - Virtual
DESCRIPTION: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. \nThis 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. \nRegister to attend the Virtual 101. \n 
URL:https://wcif.org/event/lakes-and-prairies-solar-101-2/
CATEGORIES:Virtual Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wcif.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Solar.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260408T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260408T150000
DTSTAMP:20260506T185105
CREATED:20260317T144745Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260317T144745Z
UID:10000223-1775656800-1775660400@wcif.org
SUMMARY:Plastic Reduction Organizing Meet-Up
DESCRIPTION: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! \nMeet others engaged with this issue and learn about next steps for a regional group—shaped by your interests and skill sets. \nRegister for the Zoom meeting.
URL:https://wcif.org/event/plastic-reduction-organizing-meet-up/
CATEGORIES:Climate & Energy,Virtual Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wcif.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Plastic.png
LOCATION:https://wcif.org/event/plastic-reduction-organizing-meet-up/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260501T070000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260501T080000
DTSTAMP:20260506T185105
CREATED:20260106T144508Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T162348Z
UID:10000216-1777618800-1777622400@wcif.org
SUMMARY:Legislative Kaffeeklatsch
DESCRIPTION:Lakes Country Service Cooperative & West Central Initiative invite you to join us for a virtual Legislative Kaffeeklatsch to hear from our region’s legislators. \nRegister Today
URL:https://wcif.org/event/legislative-kaffeeklatsch-6-2/
CATEGORIES:Rural Democracy,Virtual Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wcif.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ZOOM-LINK.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260519T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260519T200000
DTSTAMP:20260506T185105
CREATED:20260127T141342Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T223001Z
UID:10000222-1779217200-1779220800@wcif.org
SUMMARY:Lakes and Prairies Solar 101 - Virtual
DESCRIPTION: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. \nThis 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. \nRegister to attend the Virtual 101. \n 
URL:https://wcif.org/event/lakes-and-prairies-solar-101-virtual2-2/
CATEGORIES:Climate & Energy,Virtual Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wcif.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Website.png
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