Olmsted Waste-to-Energy Facility Celebrates 35 Years with an Open House: 07-30-2022
The Olmsted Waste-to-Energy Facility (OWEF) is celebrating its 35th anniversary with an open house on Saturday, July 30, 2022. Stop by for a tour between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to see how the facility creates energy from your garbage!
While on the tour, you will learn about Olmsted County's Integrated Solid Waste Management System which includes:
- Recycling Center Plus
- Hazardous Waste Facility
- Yard Waste Compost Site
- Waste-to-Energy Facility
- Kalmar Landfill
The OWEF is located down the street from the Recycling Center Plus at 301 Energy Parkway NE, Rochester, MN 55906.
Olmsted County and Rochester Public Utilities Seeking Nominations for 2022 Environmental Achievement Awards
The Olmsted County Environmental Commission and Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) are seeking nominations for the 2022 Environmental Achievement Awards. The awards honor individuals, organizations, schools, and businesses that have made a significant environmental contribution over the past year in Olmsted County.
Award categories include climate change, conservation, education, energy, renewables, sustainable food production, water, and "other."
Since 1992, the awards have recognized the positive environmental impact of over 100 Olmsted County community members and groups.
Visit our website to download a nomination form. Completed nominations are due by Friday, October 7, 2022, to Anthony Wittmer—anthony.wittmer@olmstedcounty.gov.
 2021 Environmental Achievement Award Winners and Nominators
After a pandemic related postponement, Olmsted County and Rochester Public Utilities were finally able to recognize the recipients of the 2021 Environmental Achievement Awards on Thursday, May 12, 2022!
Paul Thompson - Nominated by Jill Danielsen
For over 10 years, Paul Thompson has faithfully contributed to environmental education and conservation projects at Quarry Hill Nature Center (QHNC). As a regular weekend docent, Paul shares his knowledge and passion for the environment with many annual visitors. With a smile and his special way of engaging visitors, he answers countless questions about the natural world while teaching and encouraging conservation practices. Paul also assists with Quarry Hill programs and events that support environmental education. This includes helping new skiers to be successful in their outdoor adventure, demonstrating invasive species removal, and facilitating learning experiences with QHNC’s dinosaur exhibits, to name a few!
 Jill Danielsen accepting award on behalf of Paul Thompson; photo credit: Marie Ferguson of DM Creative Design and Ken Klotzbach of Image Conscious Photography
Weed Warriors - Nominated by Angela Gupta
Weed Warrior volunteers are dedicated to removing invasive plant species from public lands and restoring native plant communities—vital to supporting a rich and diverse habitat for all living things. Weed Warrior volunteers have been instrumental in helping to manage garlic mustard, wild parsnip, and buckthorn at Quarry Hill Park. These volunteers have been key to several important early detections of new invasive species including poison hemlock, border privet, Japanese barberry, and Oriental bittersweet. Early detection and rapid response are the most effective ways to manage invasive species. Weed Warriors also take on the role of educating the public about the negative impact invasives have and what can be done about them. They are a shining example of what volunteers can do when they work together.
 Weed Warriors with nominator Angela Gupta; photo credit: Marie Ferguson of DM Creative Design and Ken Klotzbach of Image Conscious Photography
Joe Adamson - Nominated by David Razidlo and MaryJo Sibley
Joe Adamson has undertaken many conservation and education projects over the last few years during his effort to save the Mary Knoll Barns from neglect and decay. The most relevant project to date was the return of a large field to its natural flora. This allowed Joe to include onsite beekeeping and falls in line with his overarching goal of preserving this historic site. Through his efforts, Joe has:
• Installed erosion control measures
• Converted land to pollinator-friendly habitat
• Installed apiaries
• Held education events
 Joe Adamson and nominators David Razidlo and MaryJo Sibley; photo credit: Marie Ferguson of DM Creative Design and Ken Klotzbach of Image Conscious Photography
Jim and Kathy Schumann - Nominated by Joseph Marchesani
Rochester and its neighboring communities are surrounded by some of our nation's most productive farmland. That farmland sits atop one of our most important natural resources, clean water. For decades, Jim and Kathy Schumann have introduced conservation practices to protect this essential resource.
For more than 40 years, Jim and Kathy have farmed 300+ acres near Eyota; some of the land has been in the family since the 1850s. They grow corn, beans, hay, and peas, and have adopted best practices on their land. Their efforts include the installation of drainage tiles, establishment and maintenance of waterways, conservation tillage, the introduction of cover crops, and the development of healthy woodland.
 Jim and Kathy Schumann; photo credit: Marie Ferguson of DM Creative Design and Ken Klotzbach of Image Conscious Photography
CedarCrest Wildlife & Retreat Farm - Nominated by Ron and Diane Yanish
CedarCrest Wildlife & Retreat Farm (CCWRF) is a family-owned 450-acre farm dedicated to providing food, cover, and habitat for local wildlife. CCWRF’s owners worked with the Farm Service Agency office to establish Conservation Reserve Program fields and wildflower plantings that provide for the needs of butterflies, birds, and bees. In 2016, a four-acre lake was added to the property and stocked with black crappies, hybrid sunnies, large and smallmouth bass, walleye, and pike.
The farm provides opportunities for local youth to experience what nature has to offer, including fishing opportunities and hunting privileges. In 2009, CCWRF was put into a conservation easement with the Minnesota
 CedarCrest Wildlife and Retreat Farm
We Bike Rochester - Nominated by Matthew Spiten
From January 2019 through February 2020, We Bike Rochester (WBR) led the Cycling for Better Air Quality (C-BAQ) citizen science study. This project focused on mobile data collections to measure fine particulate air pollution in four sections of Rochester. The data collection routes covered most environmental justice census tracks as determined by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Four WBR cyclists performed data collections at each route every month (including winter months). The data suggests higher particulate matter (PM2.5) levels in specific areas of the city. This data will be very helpful for developing statistical models that will be able to identify fine particulate concentrations in real-time at many locations in Rochester/Olmsted County. This data can be used for environmental science studies examining the connection between environmental exposure and health outcomes.
 Matthew Spiten, Paul Claus, Dr. Chung Wi; photo credit: Marie Ferguson of DM Creative Design and Ken Klotzbach of Image Conscious Photography
Loretta Bast Mogan - Nominated by Patty Trnka
For the past five years, Loretta Bast Mogan has worked to remove invasive plants (garlic mustard, buckthorn, and honeysuckle) at Chester Woods Park. This past spring, the Friends of Chester Woods received a grant to improve the woods around a popular park attraction, the Dam Overlook area. This area was overtaken by buckthorn and honeysuckle which degraded the woods for pollinators. Loretta worked many hours to remove buckthorn in the area and then cut and treated resprouts. Along with other MN Master Naturalist Volunteers, she planted native wildflowers and transplanted sedges.
Additionally, Loretta upgraded wildflower identification signs by making 60 signs with the common and Latin names of the plant plus a QR code that links directly to the Minnesota Wildflower website. Loretta’s efforts have helped restore the woods to a more natural state. In turn, native wildflowers and grasses can establish themselves for the benefit of pollinators.
 Gary Hicks accepting award on behalf of Loretta Bast Mogan and Patty Trnka; photo credit: Marie Ferguson of DM Creative Design and Ken Klotzbach of Image Conscious Photography
The Village Agricultural Cooperative - Nominated by Anna Oldenburg
The Village Agricultural Cooperative was founded in 2019 through the creative vision of Kim Sin. Kim envisioned a community garden space dedicated to the immigrant and refugee community where individuals and families could gather to grow food, continue their traditional growing practices, and build community. Through multiple community connections and a can-do spirit, The Village is now a flourishing community garden that hosts 160 families spread over five growing locations in Rochester for a total of six acres of communal growing land. The Village is managed by Amanda Nigon-Crowley and Kim Sin is the board president. Together, Amanda and Kim continue to advocate for the needs of the growers, seek additional land for individuals on the growing waitlist, and never stop dreaming of future possibilities for The Village.
 Chandi Katoch, Kim Sin, Amanda Nigon-Crowley; photo credit: Marie Ferguson of DM Creative Design and Ken Klotzbach of Image Conscious Photography
Jacob Arroyo - Nominated by Lonnie Fynskov
To obtain the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America, Jacob Arroyo worked with Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (GSLC) to convert a grass ditch beside the church’s driveway into a 60’ x 30’ rain garden of perennial flowers and grasses. This project required research, organization of scout troop and GSLC members, and a lot of hard work. Completed in August of 2020, the rain garden supports habitat for rusty patch bumble bee and monarch butterfly populations. The rain garden also reduces runoff from the church’s parking lot. Jacob has used the rain garden to co-lead educational sessions emphasizing the importance of conservation and environmental stewardship to fellow youth.
 Jacob Arroyo and Lonnie Fynskov; photo credit: Marie Ferguson of DM Creative Design and Ken Klotzbach of Image Conscious Photography
Quarry Hill Nature Center Staff- Nominated by Kari Takahashi
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic (2020- present), the Quarry Hill Nature Center’s (QHNC) educational staff delivered specialized, high- quality, virtual environmental programs to a diverse demographic of community members. Participants included thousands of Rochester Public School students in grades K-8, residents within local senior living communities, pediatric patients receiving care within Mayo Clinic’s Children’s Hospital, and the general public.
Over the past 18 months, 39 specialized “Week in the Wild” videos were produced and shared with thousands of learners on topics ranging from monarch butterflies, cave critters, apples to chipmunks, squirrels, and urban plants. Each video is a “natural jewel” and has brought a sparkle of joy to our community members during a time of restrictions and limited social opportunities.
 Top row from left to right: Brooke Hilger, Becca Jacobson, Natalie Arend, Sammie Peterson, Kari Takahashi. Bottom row from left to right: KyAnne Hilger, Pamela Meyer, Jill Danielsen; photo credit: Marie Ferguson of DM Creative Design and Ken Klotzbach of Image Conscious Photography
Join Us at the Olmsted County Fair
The Olmsted County Free Fair runs July 25 - July 31. As in past years, the Environmental Resources Department will host an educational booth in the Conservation Building throughout the week.
Stop by to learn about the proper place for your waste in Olmsted County. The Conservation Building is located in the northeast corner of the fairgrounds at the intersection of 14th St SW and Fairgrounds Ave SE.
 Environmental Resources Department Fair Booth; photo credit: Anthony Wittmer
Conservation Building Events:
Tuesday 10:00 am to 3:00pm in the Building City of Rochester and MN GreenCorps staff will test your knowledge of local groundwater resources with a water bar tasting.
Tuesday 6:00 pm to 7:30pm in the Building Olmsted County Park staff will bring native MN turtles and snakes for you to get up and personal with.
Tuesday 6:30 pm to 8:00pm in the Building Olmsted County Environmental Resources will be there to answer all your Garbage & Recycling Questions
Wednesday 10:00 am to 3:00pm in the Building City of Rochester and MN GreenCorps staff will test your knowledge of local groundwater resources with a water bar tasting.
Wednesday 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm in the Building Olmsted SWCD will be available to discuss how homeowners can incorporate native grasses and flowers into landscaping. Stop by and get a FREE Native Pollinator Seed Packet.
Thursday 3:00 pm in the Building Whitewater State Park Naturalist Sara Holger will present Snakes of the Blufflands.
Thursday 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm in the Building Free Nitrate Testing for Private Well Owner: To participate, collect a cup of water from your well in a clean plastic bag or glass. Your sample will be analyzed while you wait. Results will be provided to you within 15 minutes.
Thursday 6:00 pm to 7:30pm in the Building Olmsted County Park staff will bring native MN turtles and snakes for you to get up and personal with.
Thursday 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm in the Building Olmsted County Environmental Resources will be there to answer all your Garbage & Recycling Questions
Friday 10:00 am to 1:00pm Free Nitrate Testing for Private Well Owner: To participate, collect a cup of water from your well in a clean plastic bag or glass. Your sample will be analyzed while you wait. Results will be provided to you within 15 minutes.
Friday 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm in the Building Olmsted SWCD will be available to discuss how homeowners can incorporate native grasses and flowers into landscaping. Stop by and get a FREE Native Pollinator Seed Packet.
Saturday 2:00 pm – 7:30 pm in the Building Olmsted SWCD will be available to discuss how homeowners can incorporate native grasses and flowers into landscaping. Stop by and get a FREE Native Pollinator Seed Packet.
Saturday 2:00 pm to 7:30pm in the Building Olmsted County Park staff will bring native MN turtles and snakes for you to get up and personal with.
Olmsted County Registered Junk Haulers
Do you need help disposing of bulky items like appliances, furniture, exercise equipment, and more but you're not sure who to call? Visit our website for an up-to-date list of registered haulers operating in Olmsted County.
By utilizing a registered hauler, you know that you are working with a legitimate business that will dispose of your waste in a manner that meets all federal, state, and local requirements.
If you're looking for regular curbside garbage and recycling service, please see the list of licensed waste haulers operating in Olmsted County.
Landfill Pollinator Project - Update
Last December, the Olmsted County Environmental Resources Department, Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), and Parks Department collaborated to convert approximately 6 acres of cool-season grass in the “open soil borrow area” at the Kalmar Landfill to a mixture of native grasses/forbs.
SWCD staff worked with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to establish a site-appropriate mixture of 28 native grasses/forbs.
The site has benefited from reduced maintenance (less mowing) compared to cool-season grasses. Typically, a native prairie takes 3-5 years to fully establish. As the native planting continues to develop, the native forbs (flowers) will produce nectar, pollen, and seeds that serve as food for native birds, butterflies, bees, and other wildlife. Native grasses/forbs increase infiltration—which reduces runoff from storm events.
MPCA staff believes the Kalmar Landfill is the first open landfill in Minnesota to implement a native planting project.
 Kalmar Landfill; photo credit: Carl Struckmann
Disposal Discussion - Aerosol Cans
Disposal Tip: Aerosol cans should NOT be placed in curbside recycling carts. These cans could potentially injure materials recovery facility employees.
Bring aerosol cans with content and/or pressure to the Olmsted County Hazardous Waste Facility (HWF).
Empty/de-pressurized aerosol cans can also be brought to the HWF for recycling or thrown in the garbage.
 Aerosol cans; photo credit: Anthony Wittmer
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