- Upcoming virtual trainings in environmental education topics
- Upcoming composting trainings held both virtually and in-person
- Environmental education opportunities in our communities
- Update on Green Partners grantee, Minnesota African Women's Association
Creating a new green future webinar
Thursday, August 17 at 9 p.m.
Learn about zero-waste practices and the role of education in building green lifestyles from the North American Association for Environmental Education. Presenters include Holly Liou, the CEO and Co-Founder of Baked Tipsy (Taiwan), and Sujitra Vassanadumrongdee, Senior Researcher at the Environmental Research Institute (Thailand). Register for this free webinar.
Leading for change virtual workshop
Two-part workshop in October and November
 This free, two-part interactive workshop introduces the North American Association of Environmental Education’s (NAAEE) Community Engagement Guidelines for Excellence, offers facilitation ideas, and provides guidance on designing learning opportunities in your community.
- The first gathering is part of the NAAEE Conference on Wednesday, October 11th from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- For the second gathering, participants can choose between November 6 or November 13 from noon to 3:30 p.m.
The workshop is for those who are working to reduce disparities in their communities and/or whose lived experiences reflect the environmental movement’s historical marginalization of varied identities, cultures and communities.
Apply to attend by Friday, September 1.
Composting workshops
 If your organization or school is considering composting or needs tips for your garden compost bin, join a free online webinar or in-person workshop with a composting and recycling specialist from Hennepin County. Learn how to set up your compost pile, what materials you can compost, and more.
There is no charge, but registration is required.
Webinars
- Friday, September 8 from noon to 1 p.m. Virtual. Register here.
- Tuesday, September 12 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Virtual. Register here.
In-person workshop
Wednesday, September 20 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Maple Grove Library, 8001 Main St, Maple Grove
Attendees of the in-person workshop will be entered into a drawing to win a free compost bin from the county. No purchase necessary. You must be present to win. Register here.
The Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board offers nature-based, outdoor, and environmental education experiences throughout parks city-wide. Naturalists will connect people in Minneapolis with nearby nature using curiosity, joy, and community to empower learning. Share these opportunities with your audiences.
 Bike with a naturalist at Minnehaha Falls Park
Monday, August 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Minnehaha Falls Park, 4801 South Minnehaha Drive, Minneapolis
Take a leisurely 10-mile round-trip ride through Minnehaha Falls Park with a water quality educator as your guide. Combine recreation and education while cruising though one of Minneapolis' oldest and most popular parks featuring a majestic 53-foot waterfall, limestone bluffs, and river overlooks. The ride is for beginner to intermediate skilled riders. Cost: $5 for residents, $7 for non-residents.
Sign up to bike with a naturalist.
Walk with a naturalist
Thursday, August 24 from 11 a.m. to noon
Water Works Park Pavilion, 425 West River Parkway, Minneapolis
Get fresh air, exercise, learn something new, and socialize during a stroll with a naturalist. Enjoy an easy-paced walk near the river with stops to learn about different nature and history topics. This event is free.
Sign up to walk with a naturalist.
Paddle with a naturalist
Multiple dates throughout August
Experience the City of Lakes from the water! Learn paddling techniques and safety tips on land from trained canoe instructor staff, then enjoy a leisurely exploration on the water with a naturalist guide. Enjoy the lake at your own pace, look for wildlife, and take in the summer buzz of an afternoon on the lake. Canoes, life vests, and paddles are included. Cost: $5 for residents, $7 for non-residents.
Lake of the Isles
- Tuesday, August 22 from 1 to 3 p.m. (Ages 14+) Sign up.
- Wednesday, August 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. (Ages 8+) Sign up.
Wirth Lake
- Friday, August 25 from 9 to 11 a.m. (Ages 18+) Sign up.
- Thursday, August 31 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. (Ages 14+) Sign up.
Cedar Lake
- Friday, August 25 from 2 to 4 p.m. (Ages 4+) Sign up.
- Tuesday, August 29 from 1 to 3 p.m. (Ages 14+) Sign up.
Green Partners grantee highlight
The following organizations 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.
Minnesota African Women's Association volunteers remove invasive buckthorn
 As part of their Green Partners grant, Minnesota African Women's Association is engaging youth in learning about waste reduction and the environment through their African Girls Environmental Education Project.
Youth from the Minnesota African Women's Association volunteered to pull invasive buckthorn at the Springbrook Nature Center in Fridley in July. Over 20 volunteers learned how to identify two species of buckthorn, common and glossy, then spent an afternoon pulling this invasive plant from the forest surrounding the nature center. Buckthorn is a hardy and fast-growing invasive plant that can harm ecosystems by outcompeting native trees and shrubs. Because it is so pervasive throughout Minnesota, volunteers are critical to the ongoing effort to identify and remove it.
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