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In this issue
Happy Spring!
Welcome to the March issue of the NextStep e-newsletter.
We also are continuing to post and update resources on the NextStep web site in an ongoing manner, and welcome your suggestions and inquiries.
To contact us, please send messages to nextstep@state.mn.us (instead of replying to this message)
Thanks for your interest!
-- Erin Barnes-Driscoll, NextStep e-newsletter editor
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http://www.pca.state.mn.us/r88uhxr
The following is adapted from the MPCA webpage above.
Minnesota GreenCorps, an environmentally focused AmeriCorps program coordinated by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), places members with organizations around the state to spend 11 months of service addressing critical environmental issues while gaining experience and learning valuable job skills.
Goals of the Minnesota GreenCorps program include reducing solid waste and increasing recycling in Minnesota communities; reducing greenhouse gases and other air pollutants; reducing water runoff and improving water quality; and training new environmental professionals.
Minnesota GreenCorps is a unique opportunity for individuals to gain experience in the environmental field, whether they are just out of college or contemplating a career change. The program allows organizations to make strides in the areas of energy conservation, green transportation, waste prevention, local foods, stormwater, urban forestry and living green.
The MPCA is currently recruiting host sites and members for the upcoming year, to begin in September 2014. Member applications are due June 6, 2014. Organizations that would like to host a GreenCorps member have until May 5 to turn in applications. For more information on Minnesota GreenCorps, please contact mngreencorps.pca@state.mn.us or visit http://www.pca.state.mn.us/mngreencorps.
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http://wrc.umn.edu/news/PreparingMinnesotaforClimateChangeAConferenceonClimateAdaptation/index.htm
The following is adapted from the website above.
Premieres Sunday, April 6 at 7:00 PM on Twin Cities Public Television
The Water Resources Center, on behalf of the Climate Adaptation Partnership, partnered with Twin Cities Public Television (TPT) and the Science Museum of Minnesota to create a half hour production: The Cost of Climate Change in Minnesota, which premieres Sunday, April 6 at 7:00 PM on Twin Cities Public Television’s statewide Minnesota Channel (identified as tpt MN in the Twin Cities and MN Channel throughout the state). The production features Bob Johnson of the Insurance Federation of Minnesota, Mark Seeley of the University of Minnesota and Paul Douglas of WeatherNationTV. This was recorded at the Minnesota Climate Adaptation Conference on November 7, 2013.
For more information, see the website above.
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http://monarchwatch.org/bring-back-the-monarchs/milkweed/free-milkweeds
The following is adapted from the website above.
Monarchs and pollinators need our help due to habitat loss. If your school or non-profit organization is interested in this conservation measure, Monarch Watch, a nonprofit educational outreach program based at the University of Kansas, can help you create a habitat for monarchs and pollinators.
If your organization qualifies, Monarch Watch will provide a free flat of 32 milkweed plugs as well as guidance on how to create a new habitat or enhance an existing garden. For more information or to apply, visit the website above.
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http://mn.gov/commerce/energy/topics/resources/Newsletters/Renewable-Energy/2014-Renewable-Energy-News/March-2014/mn-solarthermal-applications.jsp
The following is adapted from the website above
The Minnesota Department of Commerce started taking applications again on March 17 for the Made in Minnesota Solar Thermal Rebate Program. The solar thermal program accepted applications this year from January 1-February 28, but the program was not fully subscribed. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until 2014 funds are fully reserved.
The rebate program, which is part of the 10-year, $150 million Made in Minnesota Solar Incentive Program that began this year, is for customers of electric investor-owned utilities (Xcel Energy, Alliant Energy, Minnesota Power, and Otter Tail Power). Rebates are available to commercial and residential property owners who install solar thermal systems using collectors certified as Made in Minnesota. Solar thermal systems can be installed for space heating, water heating, and pool heating purposes. The rebate is equal to 25 percent of the system installed cost up to a maximum of $2,500 for residential, $5,000 for multifamily, and $25,000 for commercial systems.
For more information, see the website above.
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The following is adapted from the University of Minnesota Institute on the Environment April 2014 enews—Frontiers in the Environment
Developing world changers, saving Yellowstone, the real global disease hotspots, social responsibility in Scandinavia and the frontiers of carbon reduction are the featured topics for April’s Frontiers in the Environment talks, held at noon Wednesdays in St. Paul or online. Each session includes a lively 30-minute presentation followed by Q&A and a networking reception.
Wednesdays, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
IonE Seminar Room R380, Learning & Environmental Sciences Bldg., St. Paul, MN
Free and open to the public; no registration required
April 2 — Developing World Changers in Graduate Education
Kate Knuth, Director, Boreas Leadership Program, Institute on the Environment
April 9 — Yellowstone: More Valuable than Gold
Mike Clark, Former Executive Director of the Greater Yellowstone Coalition
April 16 — Global Capital and Disease Hot Spots
Rob Wallace, Visiting Scholar, Institute for Global Studies
April 23 — Scandinavia: Sustainability & Corporate Social Responsibility
Robert Strand, Assistant Professor of Leadership & Sustainability, Copenhagen Business School and Director of Nordic Network for Sustainability
April 30 — Adventures on the Frontiers of Carbon Reduction
J. Drake Hamilton, Science Policy Director, Fresh Energy
For more information on these or other Frontiers in the Environment talks, visit http://environment.umn.edu/news_events/events/frontiers.html#strand.
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http://freshwater.org/
The following is adapted from the website above.
The 2014 State of Water Conference is an opportunity for citizens committed to improving and protecting water resources to network, connect with resource professionals from around the state, gain technical insights, and find opportunities to engage in water resource protection.
The conference will be held at Cragun’s Resort in Brainerd May 1 and 2. This year’s conference will feature speakers such as Darby Nelson, author of the book For Love of Lakes, and Dr. Peter Sorenson, the head researcher at the new Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center at the University of Minnesota.
Previously sponsored by Minnesota Waters, the conference has been re-organized through a partnership between the University of Minnesota Extension, Conservation Minnesota, the Freshwater Society, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Board of Water and Soil Resources.
For more information or to register, visit http://www.conservationminnesota.org/state-of-water-conference/.
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http://www.rural-design.org/
The following is adapted from the website above.
The Citizens' Institute on Rural DesignTM (CIRD) has issued a request for proposals to rural communities facing design challenges - such as Main Street revitalization, how to manage and direct growth, design community-supportive transportation systems, preserve natural and historic landscapes and buildings, protect working agricultural lands, and provide adequate and affordable housing - who are interested in hosting a local workshop in 2014-2015.
Successful applicants will receive a $7,000 stipend and in-kind professional design expertise and technical assistance valued at $35,000. The deadline for submitting a proposal is Tuesday May 6, 2014 at 8:00 pm Central Time.
For more information or a copy of the RFP, see http://www.rural-design.org/.
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http://www.environmental-initiative.org/events/upcoming/business-environment-series-beyond-zero-waste
The following is adapted from the website above.
Event Date & Time: Friday, May 9, 2014, 8 AM - 12:15 PM
Location: Great River Energy, Maple Grove, MN
$50 for members
$90 for non-members
“Zero waste” initiatives are becoming more commonplace, but how this ambitious goal is defined can vary widely - from a focus on end-of-life to a broader, life cycle-oriented approach. Innovative companies are beginning to look beyond disposal, adopting new business models, rethinking product design, and re-imagining their approach to waste.
In this session, hear local and global examples of companies that are moving toward "zero" by employing these creative strategies to make their waste work for them - both adding value and benefiting the environment. Informal networking and small group discussions with a cross-sector group of sustainability professionals will help attendees look at their company's waste in a new light, and bring tangible takeaways back to their workplaces.
For more information or to register, see the website above.
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http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/grants/index.htm#rfgpa
The following is adapted from the website above.
EPA’s Office of Sustainable Communities is seeking proposals for a Smart Growth Information Clearinghouse. Under this solicitation, EPA intends to fund further development and ongoing maintenance of a web-based national information clearinghouse focused on smart growth. Eligible applicants are States and local governments, Indian Tribes, public and private colleges and universities, and hospitals, laboratories, and other public or private nonprofit institutions, among others. For-profit organizations and individuals are not eligible to apply. Proposals must be received by EPA or through www.grants.gov by 4:00 p.m. Central time on Monday, May 12, 2014. EPA expects to make an award announcement by fall 2014.
For more information, see the website above.
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http://www.morris.umn.edu/cst/symposium/
The following is adapted from the website above.
The Center for Small Towns (CST) strives to host an event every summer at the University of Minnesota, Morris. The themes and structure of the events change, but always address important concerns, issues and ideas related to small towns.
This year on June 4–5, CST will present Understanding Rural Migration: Myths, Trends, and Opportunities Exposed. The symposium will address the changing truths of small towns and the current myths surrounding migration to and from small towns. Spanning two days there will be a series of breakout sessions, discussions, and keynotes. For additional information on the symposium, visit the website above.
CST is now accepting proposals for breakout sessions at the event. They are looking for proposals that highlight strategies, actions, and initiatives used in rural communities that attract and retain people, or strategies or collaborations employed to change the rural narrative. A key goal of the symposium is to learn and share what efforts and research has been done by community leaders and rural development organizations in proactively recruiting and retaining residents.
Proposers have the option to submit a 45-minute presentation/panel or a poster which will be displayed throughout the event. For more information or to apply, visit http://www.morris.umn.edu/cst/symposium/proposals/2014CallForProposals.pdf
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http://new.artsmia.org/press/finland-designed-environments/
The following is adapted from the website above.
This May, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts will present a wide-ranging exhibition devoted to Finnish design of the past 15 years. On view May 10 through August 17, “Finland: Designed Environments” will examine how nearly every aspect of Finnish life incorporates thoughtful design thinking—from city streets and summer homes to fashion and food—and is marked by sensitivity to form and material. The exhibition is the first significant U.S. museum presentation since the 1990s to examine contemporary Finnish design.
Major themes will include architecture and urban design, sustainability, and new areas of design. In architecture, projects of young Finnish firms who have been gaining international recognition for their bold designs will be highlighted. The exhibition will also show the crossover between contemporary Finnish and American design with the inclusion of David Salmela’s Bagley Nature Center at the University of Minnesota-Duluth.
For more information, see the website above.
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For more details as well as other positions, see http://www.nextstep.state.mn.us/jobs.cfm
Minnesota Chamber of Commerce: Energy Efficiency Specialist (open until filled)
St. Croix River Association: Development Director (open until filled)
West Side Community Organization: Food Justice Project Coordinator (open until filled)
Vadnais Lake Area Water Management Organization: Watershed summer intern (deadline April 3)
Mississippi Watershed Management Organization: Water Quality Monitoring Intern (deadline April 3)
Conservation Corps MN & IA: Lake Vermilion State Park Trail Crew, (deadline April 20)
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For more details as well as other events, see http://www.nextstep.state.mn.us/calendar.cfm
*4/2 Women’s Environmental Network Annual Networking Event
*4/3 2014 Sustainability Film Series: A River Changes Course
*4/8 Bees in Crisis: Colony Collapse, Honey-Laundering, and Other Problems Bee-setting American Agriculture
*4/12 Seward Co-op Twin Cities CSA Fair
*4/12 The Benefits of Being Shallow: A Shallow Lakes Forum
*4/17 Do It Green! Minnesota Fundraiser: A Celebration of Sustainable Green Businesses
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This email newsletter is sent today to 3,663 sustainability professionals and others interested in building sustainable communities, most of whom live in Minnesota. It was prepared by staff in the Sustainable Development Unit of the Resource Management and Assistance Division at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).
We hope that you find this information useful; please send us an e-mail at nextstep@state.mn.us if you need help using the resources presented here. (We will not receive replies sent to this e-mail message.) You are encouraged to enter events and jobs directly onto the NextStep web site.
The NextStep web site has an on-line directory of those who would like to post their contact information, sustainability interests and expertise and then subscribe to the newsletter. To add yourself to the directory, visit http://www.nextstep.state.mn.us/join.cfm
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Contact the NextStep Newsletter editor, Erin Barnes-Driscoll, at nextstep@state.mn.us
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