 The North American Association of Environmental Education (NAAEE) has compiled a guide that provides a spectrum of resources to support and learn about the LGPTQIA2S+ community. The guide is for educators, students and community members. The resources strive to broaden understanding of climate justice and cultivate inclusive spaces in learning environments.
Access the Pride resources.
 Hennepin County Environment and Energy has many programs for youth. Over 6,500 youth were directly reached by these programs in 2022. Programs include grants, tours, field experiences, internship programs, and more.
Learn more about environmental education programs and access resources.
Free aquatic invasive species training
Tuesday, June 27 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 7515 Izaak Walton Road, Bloomington
 Mark your calendar for an evening of aquatic invasive species identification and information. The workshop will be hosted by the Bush Lake Chapter of the Izaak Walton League at their clubhouse on Bush Lake. After a presentation and looking at preserved samples, participants will have the opportunity to walk out to the shoreline of Bush Lake and even wade in the lake at the to find and identify different aquatic and shoreline species. The workshop is free, but registration is required. Learn more and register.
Connections between climate resilience and mental well-being: panel discussion and networking
Friday, June 23 from 10 to 11:30 a.m., followed by a social with refreshments for those attending in person from 11:30 a.m. to noon
Join Hennepin County Public Health and Hennepin County Climate and Resiliency for a panel discussion on the connections between climate change, resilience, and mental well-being.
Panelists from MN Renewable Now, Minneapolis Climate Action, and Hennepin County will be discussing:
- Their work on climate action and resiliency
- The effects of climate change on mental well-being
- The disproportional impacts on historically marginalized communities, including people of color, low-income families, and residents with disabilities
This event is being held in person at Ridgedale Library and will be live streamed virtually through Microsoft Teams. After the panel, those attending in person will have refreshments, time to build social connections with others passionate about this work, and a chance to take home a small gift.
RSVP by completing the short registration form.
Register for the Midwest Environmental Education Conference
November 2 through 4 in La Crosse, Wisconsin
 The theme of the 2023 Midwest Environmental Education Conference is restoring connections to land and each other. The conference will highlight the increasing importance of place-based relationships and justice for Indigenous people.
Cost: $260 for full conference registration
Learn more and register before October 4.
The following organization received a Hennepin County Green Partners grant. The grants provide training, support, and funding to organizations to implement projects that engage residents to learn about, protect, and improve the environment.
Longfellow Community Council builds Leopold benches for community gardens
 Longfellow Community Council partnered with organizers at Better Futures to build ten Leopold benches using reclaimed and recycled wood. Leopold benches are beneficial for viewing wildlife because the design of the bench allows for a person to sit backward on the bench, providing a rest for elbows while looking through binoculars. This makes them great for bird watching!
Once the ten benches were built, Longfellow community members spent an afternoon painting them at Black Table Arts Co-op. Each volunteer brought their own creativity to the benches by painting them with colors, designs and patterns that reflected their story. The benches were then lacquered to make them weatherproof.
The benches were then placed throughout South Minneapolis in community gardens and outdoor spaces. Benches are located at Corcoran, Bancroft, East Phillips, and West Bank Community Gardens. They are also at Tamales y Bicicletas and Mashkiikii Gitigan Urban Farms, Peaceful Patch Garden and the Longfellow Community Council office.
Use the map to find a bench, then take a picture and tag @longfellowcommunitycouncil on Facebook or Instagram for a chance to win a $20 Target gift card and Longfellow merch!
Learn more
hennepin.us/environmentaleducation
Environmental education network Facebook group
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