West Central Initiative

Community Energy Ambassadors in West Central Minnesota
2024-05-23 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Chicago)
Join the Clean Energy Resource Teams and West Central Initiative on May 23, 2024, in Fergus Falls to learn more about a new program to engage Minnesotans with clean energy information — Community Energy Ambassadors. Gather with your friends and neighbors to learn how you can access the knowledge and skills needed to help your community meaningfully participate in the clean energy transition.
The agenda will include learning about the Community Energy Ambassador program, updates from West Central Initiative’s climate work, and networking activities. Light refreshments will be provided.
Register Today!

17 Rooms – West Central Minnesota
2024-06-12 10:00 - 17:00
West Central Initiative, the University of Minnesota Morris, and the Morris Model have partnered to bring 17 Rooms to our region. The 17 Rooms process is about localized actions, insights, and community for the Sustainable Development Goals.
How does it work?
Participants gather into working groups (or “rooms”), one per SDG, to explore and advance actionable next steps relating to the SDGs. Action ideas are then shared to spot opportunities for cooperation that bubble up across rooms. The objective is to generate concrete localized actions that can be taken over the next 12-18 months to improve SDG outcomes.
Interested in participating?
We are looking for a cross-section of regional partners, including official and unofficial community and regional leaders, educators, nonprofit representatives, tribal representatives, high school and college students, business owners, and anyone passionate about furthering this region and planning for the future.
Learn more and express your interest in participating at 17rooms-mn.com.

Retirement Celebration for Nancy Jost
2024-06-20 11:00 - 13:00
After decades of dedicated service advocating for children, women, and families, Nancy Jost is retiring! Let’s celebrate the end of an era and the beginning of a retirement adventure. Join us at Thumper Pond Resort in Ottertail, Minnesota, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Remarks will begin at 11:30 a.m. Lunch will be served. This event is open to all, particularly those who have had the opportunity to work alongside Nancy over the years in any capacity. Please RSVP by June 11.
If you’re unable to attend the event at Thumper Pond, please consider sending your warm wishes (30 seconds or less) for a video compilation for Nancy to ashley@wcif.org by June 6.
In addition to the event at Thumper Pond, the Minnesota Prenatal to Three Coalition will recognize Nancy’s retirement on Thursday, June 13, from 5-7 p.m. at 23 Empire Dr STE 1000 in St. Paul. A short program will start at 5:30 p.m.

Rule 2 Family-based Modernization Listening Session
2024-06-26 18:00 - 20:00
Big Picture Agenda
• 5 mins: Welcome and housekeeping
• 10 mins: Presentation on draft revised licensing standards
• 30 mins: Gallery walk and feedback
• 60 mins: Come back as large group to discuss
• 15 mins: Closing and next steps

Sketches of Minnesota – Morris
2024-08-08 17:30 - 20:00
Join us for a community-inspired, laugh-out-loud evening on August 8 at the University of Minnesota Morris.
Presented by the Minnesota Humanities Center and Danger Boat Productions, Sketches of Minnesota will use laughter and comedy to celebrate what makes our community unique. The evening will promote dialogue, bridge divides, and help find ways to work constructively across differences.
The evening will begin with a meal and facilitated conversation, asking audience members to share what makes Morris and west central Minnesota great, what they think people get wrong about it, what local divisions concern them, and what future they imagine. The improv troupe will listen in on the conversations and take everything they heard from residents and bring it to life on stage through entirely unscripted improv comedy theater.
While the shows will be comedic, Sketches of Minnesota will never punch down. The aim is to foster understanding within and across communities, celebrate the state’s diversity, and showcase what residents cherish most about their corner of Minnesota.
You won’t want to miss this truly unique event. The event is free, but space is limited. RSVP below!
Brought to you in partnership with the University of Minnesota Morris and West Central Initiative.

The Minnesota Humanities Center sparks positive change by increasing our collective understanding of ourselves, our communities, and our histories through stories and experiences. Explore its programming and grantmaking at mnhum.org.
Danger Boat Productions uses comedy and improv to bring “hard thinky” stuff to life. It is best known as the parent for The Theater of Public Policy, which has been doing policy-inspired improv comedy shows since 2011. Learn more at dangerboat.net.
Sketches of Minnesota is funded in part with money from the Clean Water, Land & Legacy Fund that was created with the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008, by the National Endowment for the Humanities, and by the Initiative Foundation, West Central Initiative, and Blandin Foundation.

Climate Catalysts
2024-08-15 14:00 - 15:30
Climate Catalysts is a networking group comprised of regional stakeholders, community leaders, and West Central Initiative staff that convenes monthly around climate action in west central Minnesota. The Climate Catalysts group:

Supports cross-sectoral relationship building around climate action through regular conversations and idea sharing.
Collaborates by coordinating efforts and tracking progress on climate-related initiatives across the region.
Advocates for and supports climate work in the region, state, and beyond.
Shares information from and with partners, including training and educational opportunities, funding/resources, and events.
Educates and supports the development of regional climate champions: spokespeople knowledgeable in specific sectors in the Climate Action Plan.

Climate Catalysts August Meeting Agenda:

Group introductions
Climate data highlight
Presentation by WCI Staff: Introduction to the Region 4 Climate Action Plan with an overview of current climate work, and selected priority climate actions for the region
Resource Sharing: funding and training opportunities
Climate-related project updates from attendees
Time for discussion

Presentation topics will vary by month, if you have a project or program you would like featured, let us know! Upcoming topics for Climate Catalyst meetings include the CERTs Energy Ambassador Program, using the Minnesota CliMAT interactive online tool that provides highly localized climate projections for Minnesota, updates on EV charging projects that affect the region, growth of Organics Recycling Programs in the region, and more!
Click here to register to attend.

Welcoming Week in West Central Minnesota
2024-09-05 - 2024-09-22
Welcoming Week is a national movement organized by Welcoming America that helps communities become more welcoming to newcomers, immigrants, and refugees. Welcoming Week celebrations bring together neighbors of all backgrounds to build strong communities and affirm the importance of welcoming and inclusive places in achieving collective prosperity.
Click here to see a list of Welcoming Week events happening in our region.

Rural Voice How To Cultivate Conservation-Driven Agriculture In Rural Minnesota
2024-09-09 18:30 - 20:30
Join the Rural Voice and MPR’s Kerri Miller as we head to Detroit Lakes for a lively conversation at Bucks Mill Brewing about conservation agriculture. Find out more at RuralVoice.org
Click here to register.

Climate Catalysts
2024-09-19 14:00 - 15:30
Climate Catalysts is a networking group comprised of regional stakeholders, community leaders, and West Central Initiative staff that convenes monthly around climate action in west central Minnesota. The Climate Catalysts group:

Supports cross-sectoral relationship building around climate action through regular conversations and idea sharing.
Collaborates by coordinating efforts and tracking progress on climate-related initiatives across the region.
Advocates for and supports climate work in the region, state, and beyond.
Shares information from and with partners, including training and educational opportunities, funding/resources, and events.
Educates and supports the development of regional climate champions: spokespeople knowledgeable in specific sectors in the Climate Action Plan.

Climate Catalysts September Meeting Agenda:

Group introductions
Climate data highlight
Presentation by Climate Resiliency Officer Griffin Peck – Overview and use of the Minnesota CliMAT interactive modeling tool that provides highly localized climate projections for Minnesota. Users can view climate projections down to the 4 km/2.5 mile scale across the state, visualizing how even specific towns will likely be impacted in the coming decades.
Resource Sharing: funding and training opportunities
Climate-related project updates from attendees
Time for discussion

Presentation topics will vary by month, if you have a project or program you would like featured, let us know! Upcoming topics for Climate Catalyst meetings include the CERTs Energy Ambassador Program, regenerative agriculture work, growth of Organics Recycling Programs in the region, and more!
Click here to register to attend.

Transportation Alternatives Workshop
2024-09-25 13:00 - 14:00
West Central Initiative and MnDOT District 4 will host a workshop to discuss this year’s Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) solicitation. The workshop will be held in person and online via Zoom.
The workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, September 25, at 1:00 p.m. in person at West Central Initiative’s office, located at 1000 Western Ave in Fergus Falls. The Zoom link can be found below.
At the workshop, we’ll share information about the TAP solicitation, which will open this fall for project funding in 2029.
We will record the meeting and post it on our website for those who can’t attend.
Zoom Link

Community Conversations: Rise to the Challenge Book Signing
2024-10-01 18:30
Join us for an inspiring evening as Marlene M. Johnson, Minnesota’s first woman lieutenant governor, presents her powerful memoir, Rise to the Challenge: A Memoir of Politics, Leadership, and Love. Marlene’s story is one of breaking political ground, overcoming personal challenges, and demonstrating unwavering leadership. This book signing event is a unique opportunity to meet a trailblazer who has shaped Minnesota’s history and continues to inspire future generations. Don’t miss this chance to engage with Marlene and hear firsthand about her journey of resilience and dedication to public service.
Local mayors Amy Johnson of Ashby and Shelly Carlson of Moorhead will join Marlene to discuss the challenges and opportunities for women in leadership in 2024.

This event is free, and registration is requested. We’ll provide light refreshments.

This event is sponsored by the Fergus Falls Public Library and Victor Lundeen Company.

Community Conversations: MPR’s Talking Sense – Depolarizing Ourselves
2024-10-03 17:30 - 19:30
Doors Open: 5:30 p.m. | Workshop: 6 p.m. | Fergus Brewing
Join Minnesota Public Radio and Braver Angels at Fergus Brewing for this free in-person session to become more aware of your “inner polarizer” and learn methods for disagreeing without contempt and ridicule. MPR will record these conversations as part of the Talking Sense series.
During this 1.5 hour session, participants will learn:

How to be more aware of their own “inner polarizer”
How to be critical without demonizing, dismissing or stereotyping large swaths of the population

Talking Sense is MPR News’ reporting project that explores the roots of polarization in communities, families, and homes, and looks at how Minnesotans are navigating these divisive times. It’s also a series of live events and online tools that help Minnesotans have challenging political conversations without letting the need to change minds stand in the way of preserving important relationships.
Registrants will receive one complimentary drink and refreshments. We’ll begin serving refreshments at 5:30 p.m.
Space is limited and registration is required.
Register

Solar PV Planning and Zoning Best Practices
2024-10-09 14:00 - 15:30
Join us for a virtual training session on best practices in planning and zoning for solar photovoltaic (PV) installations and development. A local government’s approach to zoning and development can significantly impact solar energy growth. The inclusion of solar energy planning and zoning best practices provides a foundation that can help facilitate solar energy growth while balancing other development priorities in a community. This free training will provide communities with strategies for incorporating solar into plans, ordinances, and development regulations.
Click here to register for the Zoom meeting.

Immigration in Minnesota’s West Central Region: A Changing Story Virtual Event
2024-10-15 15:00 - 16:00
Minnesota’s rural areas and small towns are constantly evolving. Immigration has been a part of our communities’ stories for more than 100 years and will continue to shape our region for generations to come. Join us to learn more about this changing and dynamic history. Allison Liuzzi, Project Director of MN Compass, will share recent and historic trends in immigration in our communities. Who were our region’s immigrants in the 1800s, 1900s, and today? How do our immigrant communities look different from the state and the nation? How do immigrants contribute to our economy and workforce? Come prepared to learn something new and to bring your own experiences and reflections; this presentation will include time for questions, answers, and discussion.
Click here to register for this free event.

Climate Catalysts
2024-10-17 14:00 - 15:30
Join us on Zoom in October to learn about how food waste contributes to climate change and how the growth of Organics Recycling Programs in the region can help divert food waste from landfills.
Climate Catalysts October Meeting Agenda:

Group introductions
Climate data highlight – Food Waste and Climate Impacts
Presentation on the growth of Organics Recycling Programs in the region with Pope/Douglas Solid Waste, Otter Tail County, Stevens County, and Becker County Solid Waste Departments. Presenters will share outcomes from existing programs, plans for upcoming programs or program growth, and lessons learned that can help other communities get started.
Resource Sharing
Climate-related project updates from attendees
Time for discussion

Presentation topics will vary by month, if you have a project or program you would like featured, let us know! Upcoming topics for Climate Catalyst meetings include the CERTs Energy Ambassador Program, plastics and climate, climate storytelling, and more!
Climate Catalysts is a networking group comprised of regional stakeholders, community leaders, and West Central Initiative staff that convenes monthly around climate action in west central Minnesota. The Climate Catalysts group:

Supports cross-sectoral relationship building around climate action through regular conversations and idea sharing.
Collaborates by coordinating efforts and tracking progress on climate-related initiatives across the region.
Advocates for and supports climate work in the region, state, and beyond.
Shares information from and with partners, including training and educational opportunities, funding/resources, and events.
Educates and supports the development of regional climate champions: spokespeople knowledgeable in specific sectors in the Climate Action Plan.

Click here to register to attend.

Solar PV Permitting and Inspection Best Practices
2024-10-23 12:00 - 14:00
Join us and SolSmart for a virtual training session on best practices in permitting and inspection for solar PV installations. The permitting and inspection process is one of the most important tools local governments can use to encourage more rooftop solar installations. This free training will provide communities with strategies for streamlining permitting processes and improving solar inspections.
Since 2016, SolSmart has helped over 500 local governments prepare for solar energy market growth. With funding from the US Department of Energy, SolSmart provides free technical assistance to help cities, counties, small towns, and regional organizations achieve clean energy goals. SolSmart has established solar best practices across local processes such as permitting, inspection, planning, government operations, community engagement, and market development.
This webinar will give you an overview of the program basics and new updates to keep you on top of the solar energy transition. This webinar will highlight mechanisms through which communities can streamline the permitting process for local solar development.
This free training will provide communities with strategies for incorporating solar into plans, ordinances, and development regulations.
Click here to register for the Zoom meeting.

Lakes and Prairies Solar 101 - Morris
2024-11-12 18:30 - 20:00
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.

Solar PV Permitting and Inspection Best Practices
2024-11-19 15:00 - 17:00
Canceled
Join us and SolSmart for a virtual training session on best practices in permitting and inspection for solar PV installations. The permitting and inspection process is one of the most important tools local governments can use to encourage more rooftop solar installations. This free training will provide communities with strategies for streamlining permitting processes and improving solar inspections.
Since 2016, SolSmart has helped over 500 local governments prepare for solar energy market growth. With funding from the US Department of Energy, SolSmart provides free technical assistance to help cities, counties, small towns, and regional organizations achieve clean energy goals. SolSmart has established solar best practices across local processes such as permitting, inspection, planning, government operations, community engagement, and market development.
This webinar will give you an overview of the program basics and new updates to keep you on top of the solar energy transition. This webinar will highlight mechanisms through which communities can streamline the permitting process for local solar development.
This free training will provide communities with strategies for incorporating solar into plans, ordinances, and development regulations.

Going Local - Underwood
2024-11-20 17:00 - 19:30
Going Local is our free rural democracy workshop. At the Going Local workshops, we’ll share food and stories, learn about some of the unique challenges rural communities face, and explore what we can do together to make our community stronger and healthier. West Central Initiative is hosting this workshop in partnership with Sverdrup Lutheran Church and the Unitarian Church of Underwood.
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Going Local - Hoffman
2024-11-21 17:30 - 19:30
Going Local is our free rural democracy workshop. At the Going Local workshops, we’ll share food and stories, learn about some of the unique challenges rural communities face, and explore what we can do together to make our community stronger and healthier.
Oops! We could not locate your form.

Climate Catalysts
2024-11-22 09:30 - 16:30
Climate Catalysts November Gathering
Join us for a special in-person meeting on Friday, November 22, at the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center in Fergus Falls. The program for the day includes a session with the Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) on their Community Energy Ambassador Program and other programs, updates from West Central Initiative climate staff, a special preview workshop from the Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership (MCAP) Community Climate Leaders Program, and of course networking and great food!
Agenda
Coffee and Conversation – 9:30 – 10 a.m.
West Central Initiative Welcome – 10:00 – 10:10 a.m.
CERTs Energy Ambassador Program and Updates – 10:10 – 10:50 a.m.
Heidi Auel, Central CERT Coordinator, and Imani Moser, West Central CERT Coordinator, will discuss how to join the Community Energy Ambassador program. The program is designed to advance clean energy projects within Minnesota communities. As a Community Energy Ambassador, you gain access to the knowledge and skills needed to help others meaningfully participate in the clean energy transition. You also support communities in their efforts to start clean energy projects with relevant resources and connections.
Climate Conversation Groups – 11 – 11:20 a.m.
Lunch – 11:30 – Noon
Talking Climate – Noon – 12:30 p.m.
Review climate change basics with West Central Initiative Climate Resiliency Officer Griffin Peck and climate communications tips with West Central Initiative Climate Officer Cedar Walters.
MCAP Community Climate Leaders Preview – 12:40 – 3 p.m.
Christy Marsden, Curriculum Manager with MCAP, will lead us through an interactive Climate Storytelling workshop that’s part of the Community Climate Leaders Program that will launch in 2025. In the workshop, you will reflect on your climate story, which may include your experience of climate change, what motivates you to take climate action, or your vision of a better future. Connecting climate impacts to our lived experiences can help us connect with others, and we can use those connections to drive personal and community change.
Happy Hour to follow– 3:30 -4:30 p.m.
Please RSVP below to let us know you’re coming!

Lakes and Prairies Solar 101 - Fergus Falls
2024-12-04 18:30 - 20:00
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 Fergus Falls Solar 101.

Climate Catalysts
2024-12-19 14:00 - 15:30
Join us on Zoom in December to learn about our local food systems and regenerative agriculture in west central Minnesota.
Climate Catalysts December Meeting Agenda:

Group introductions and breakout room
Climate data highlight
Presentation: “Exploring the impacts of local food and regenerative agriculture in the region.”
Presentation topics will vary by month, if you have a project or program you would like featured, let us know! Upcoming topics for Climate Catalyst meetings include the CERTs Energy Ambassador Program, plastics and climate, climate storytelling, and more!

Climate Catalysts is a networking group comprised of regional stakeholders, community leaders, and West Central Initiative staff that convenes monthly around climate action in west central Minnesota. The Climate Catalysts group:

Supports cross-sectoral relationship building around climate action through regular conversations and idea sharing.
Collaborates by coordinating efforts and tracking progress on climate-related initiatives across the region.
Advocates for and supports climate work in the region, state, and beyond.
Shares information from and with partners, including training and educational opportunities, funding/resources, and events.
Educates and supports the development of regional climate champions: spokespeople knowledgeable in specific sectors in the Climate Action Plan.

Click here to register to attend.

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Grant Information Webinar
2025-01-08 15:00 - 16:00
Join us to learn more about the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Grants available through West Central Initiative.
Local governments in small cities or towns with populations under 15,000 are eligible to apply. Awards to local governments can be between $2,000 and $20,000. Other local units of government, such as a township, school district, parks district, or any combination of those units operating under an agreement to exercise powers jointly, can use the funds. Funds cannot be used for implementation projects.
Local governments may use funds for a variety of energy planning and project development uses, including but not limited to:

Climate, energy, and resiliency planning.
Energy audits on government facilities.
Engineering and technical assistance services for government facilities.
Other energy-related studies for public buildings and community plans.

West Central Initiative was awarded an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) from the Minnesota Department of Energy to support energy efficiency and climate and energy planning activities to reduce energy use and fossil fuel emissions and improve energy efficiency.
Tune in to this webinar to learn more about this grant opportunity.
Register to attend.

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Grant Information Webinar
2025-01-16 18:30 - 19:00
Join us to learn more about the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Grants available through West Central Initiative.
Local governments in small cities or towns with populations under 15,000 are eligible to apply. Awards to local governments can be between $2,000 and $20,000. Other local units of government, such as a township, school district, parks district, or any combination of those units operating under an agreement to exercise powers jointly, can use the funds. Funds cannot be used for implementation projects.
Local governments may use funds for a variety of energy planning and project development uses, including but not limited to:

Climate, energy, and resiliency planning.
Energy audits on government facilities.
Engineering and technical assistance services for government facilities.
Other energy-related studies for public buildings and community plans.

West Central Initiative was awarded an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) from the Minnesota Department of Commerce to support energy efficiency and climate and energy planning activities to reduce energy use and fossil fuel emissions and improve energy efficiency.
Tune in to this webinar to learn more about this grant opportunity.
Register to attend.

Lakes and Prairies Solar 101 - Moorhead
2025-01-23 18:30 - 20:00
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.

Legislative Kaffeeklatsch
2025-01-31 07:00 - 08:00
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 Sam Walseth will moderate the event.
Register Today

Sustainable Communities Network: Should I buy an Electric Vehicle (EV)?
2025-02-12 12:00 - 13:00
Should I buy an EV?
How do you know if buying an electric vehicle (EV) is the right choice for you? Join the Sustainable Communities Network and the Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) to learn more about EV rebates, EV charging options, and an EV owner panel so you can hear about owner experiences – the good, the bad, and everything in between!
How this connects to the Region 4 Climate Action Plan:

Educate the public on existing state, federal, and utility incentives for efficient and electric vehicles, including tax incentives and at-home electric vehicle charging outlet incentives.
Support improved awareness of EV technology, performance, operational cost savings and other benefits through organized “EV Ride and Drive” events throughout the region.

How this connects to the Sustainable Development Goals:

Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy
Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities
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: Water Conservation and Rain Barrels with River Keepers
2025-03-12 12:00 - 13:00
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: North Circle Seeds Field Trip
2025-03-27 12:00 - 14:00
Join the Sustainable Communities Network for a field trip to North Circle Seeds in Vergas, Minnesota! Owner Zachary Paige will talk about his work with the University of Minnesota Extension Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships focused on supporting rural grocers, organic agriculture, and why he started North Circle Seeds.
Zachary will lead us on a tour that includes the seed saving operation/pack house, seed starting in his new greenhouse, food storage in a root cellar, solar panel with battery system and more. A locally sourced lunch from Manna Food Co-op and seed samples will be provided to registered participants.
Register by Wednesday, March 26 to save your spot!
