Sustainable Communities Network: Let’s Get Energized! New State Rebate Programs for Energy Efficiency
2025-12-10 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | MN
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.

Screening of Plastic People: The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics
2026-01-19 17:30 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | MN
Screening of Plastic People: The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics
Join us and The Grant County Collaborative on January 19 at 5:30 p.m. at the West Central Area Secondary School in Barrett, Minnesota for an eye-opening conversation about the hidden crisis of microplastics.
We’ll kick things off with a screening of Plastic People: The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics, a documentary that uncovers how tiny plastic particles have infiltrated our environment—and our bodies. This compelling film explores the global impact of microplastic pollution, from the food we eat to the air we breathe.
After the screening, stay for a thought-provoking discussion about what this means for public health, local ecosystems, and our everyday choices. What steps can we take as individuals and communities to address this urgent issue? How can we push for solutions that go beyond recycling?
Whether you’re passionate about environmental justice, curious about the science behind microplastics, or simply looking to learn more, this event is for you. Let’s talk about what’s at stake—and how we can be part of the change.
This event is free and open to everyone, and a meal will be provided.
We’ll start with the meal at 5:30 p.m., then begin the film at 6 p.m., with a community discussion to follow.
Please RSVP to save your spot!

The Great Transfer of Wealth: Partnering with Local Philanthropy for Better Communities
2026-01-26 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | MN
We’re hosting The Great Transfer of Wealth: Partnering with Local Philanthropy for Better Communities, a free class for anyone who cares deeply about their community!
Join us and Detroit Lakes Community Education on January 26 at 7 p.m. at Minnesota State Community and Technical College (M State) in Detroit Lakes. We’ll explore what the upcoming Great Transfer of Wealth means for our region, share our financial and estate planning tools, and discuss why communities across the country are coming together around generosity and legacy.

All attendees will receive an endorsed estate planning guide to help turn their values into lasting impact.

Visit http://dlschools.arux.app/…/creating-a-legacy-for-your… to register today!

Legislative Kaffeeklatsch
2026-01-30 07:00 - 08:00 (America/Chicago) | MN
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) | MN
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.

Home Energy Workshop
2026-02-21 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | MN
Join us on Saturday, February 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a fun and informative energy efficiency workshop in Ottertail, Minnesota.
During the workshop, we’ll explore content from the Clean Energy Resource Teams Community Energy Ambassador Program, collaborate in small groups to brainstorm ways to make homes and communities more energy-efficient, and share practical steps you can take to lower energy costs at home.
This event is ideal for anyone interested in energy efficiency and clean energy, curious about careers in solar, HVAC, or construction management, or eager to connect with others who want to make a difference.
If you complete the CERTs program by Earth Day, you will be entered to win a backpack solar charger, with a hardware store gift card also included to support your next project.
We’ll provide lunch and beverages for all registered attendees.
RSVP by Friday, February 20, to save your spot!

Battle Lake Screening of Plastic People: The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics
2026-02-26 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | MN
Screening of Plastic People: The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics
Join us and the Battle Lake First Lutheran on February 26 at 6 p.m. at the Battle Lake High School Auditorium for an eye-opening conversation about the hidden crisis of microplastics.
We’ll kick things off with a screening of Plastic People: The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics, a documentary that uncovers how tiny plastic particles have infiltrated our environment—and our bodies. This compelling film explores the global impact of microplastic pollution, from the food we eat to the air we breathe.
After the screening, stay for a thought-provoking discussion about what this means for public health, local ecosystems, and our everyday choices. What steps can we take as individuals and communities to address this urgent issue? How can we push for solutions that go beyond recycling?
Whether you’re passionate about environmental justice, curious about the science behind microplastics, or simply looking to learn more, this event is for you. Let’s talk about what’s at stake—and how we can be part of the change.
This event is free and open to everyone, and movie snacks are provided.
We’ll begin the film at 6 p.m. with a community discussion to follow.
Please RSVP by February 24 to save your spot!

Lakes and Prairies Solar 101 - Morris
2026-03-24 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | West Central Research and Outreach Center, 46352 MN-329, Morris, 56267, United States
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 Morris Solar 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.

Home Energy Workshop
2026-04-11 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Ottertail Community Center, 93 Lake Avenue, Ottertail, MN, 56571, United States
Join us on Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a fun and informative energy efficiency workshop in Ottertail, Minnesota!
During the workshop, we’ll explore content from the Clean Energy Resource Teams Community Energy Ambassador Program, collaborate in small groups to brainstorm ways to make homes and communities more energy-efficient, and share practical steps you can take to lower energy costs at home.
This event is ideal for anyone interested in energy efficiency and clean energy, curious about careers in solar, HVAC, or construction management, or eager to connect with others who want to make a difference.
If you finish the program and complete an additional community engagement task by the end of April, you’ll be entered to win a backpack solar charger!
We’ll provide lunch and beverages for all registered attendees.
RSVP by Friday, April 10, to save your spot!

Solar Celebration with Solar United Neighbors
2026-04-22 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | West Central Initaitive, 1000 Western Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN, 56538, United States
Solar Celebration with Solar United Neighbors
Join us and Solar United Neighbors for a free evening of solar inspiration as we reflect on the success of the Lakes and Prairies Solar Co-op, celebrate Earth Day, and explore what’s ahead with the 2026 co-op. Enjoy a meal, listen to stories from community members who went solar, pick up tips for powering your own home, and mingle with neighbors who drive our region’s clean-energy future.
You’ll get an insider tour of our brand-new solar installation, led by a local solar installer who will explain how solar strengthens individual and community resilience while answering all your solar-related questions.
Food will be ready at 5 p.m., and the program and tour will begin at 5:30 p.m.
Whether you’re a current Lakes and Prairies Solar Co-op member, a community leader exploring clean energy initiatives, or interested in learning how to power your home and community with solar by joining the 2026 co-op, we’d love to see you there.
RSVP by April 20 to reserve your spot!

Legislative Kaffeeklatsch
2026-05-01 07:00 - 08:00 (America/Chicago) | MN
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

Pizza & Possibilities: Shaping the Future of Battle Lake
2026-05-06 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Detroit) | ABC Brewing Co., 114 Memory Lane, Battle Lake, MN, 56515, United States
Join us and the Battle Lake Innovate Team on Wednesday, May 6 from 5 – 7 p.m. at ABC Brewing Co. in Battle Lake for Pizza & Possibilities: Shaping the Future of Battle Lake!
Participate in a community conversation in collaboration with our Going Local program, enjoy free pizza, and share your ideas about the future of Battle Lake. There will also be free art projects for kids!
No registration is required. We look forward to seeing you there!

Run4Rural - Alexandria
2026-05-12 08:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, 203 Broadway St, Alexandria, MN, 56308, United States
Run4Rural is our free public leadership training program designed for people interested in growing and strengthening their local communities through elected office and other forms of public leadership. This nonpartisan training will be useful for existing and emerging rural leaders and people active in their community whether or not they have decided to run for office.
Alexandria Training: May 12 at the Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.
Register by Monday, May 11 to save your spot!
Learn More about Run4Rural.

Lakes and Prairies Solar 101 - Moorhead
2026-05-12 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Moorhead Public Library, 118 5th St S, Moorhead, MN, 56001, United States
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 Moorhead Solar 101.

Run4Rural - Moorhead
2026-05-13 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Moorhead Public Library, 118 5th St S, Moorhead, MN, 56001, United States
Run4Rural is our free public leadership training program designed for people interested in growing and strengthening their local communities through elected office and other forms of public leadership. This nonpartisan training will be useful for existing and emerging rural leaders and people active in their community whether or not they have decided to run for office.
Moorhead Training: May 13 at the Moorhead Public Library.
Register by Monday, May 11 to save your spot!
Learn More about Run4Rural.
