MN Stormwater News — April 2019

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April 2019

GreenCorps members working on stormwater

GreenCorps members

Minnesota GreenCorps, an environmentally focused AmeriCorps program coordinated by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), places members in organizations around the state to help address critical environmental issues. This year, six GreenCorps members are working on improving stormwater in Minnesota. 

At the Shell Rock River Watershed District in Albert Lea, Claire Rabine (front left), is working on identifying and locating opportunities for green infrastructure improvement projects. Claire is also creating education materials for schools, citizens, service groups, and organizations on the benefits of stormwater practices.

Yordi Solomone (front right) is working with Minneapolis-based Metro Blooms staff, partners, and volunteers to implement and evaluate stormwater practices, including neighborhood raingardens, boulevard bioswales, stormwater retrofits, and sustainable landcare maintenance. Yordi is also working to create an environmental justice partner training tool that focuses on engaging underserved watershed stakeholders in clean water and climate change adaptation activities.   

At the Carlton Soil and Water Conservation District, Chris Gass (middle left) is working with local city governments and private landowners to inventory existing stormwater BMPs. Chris is also engaging the community by working with schools and landowners on green infrastructure activities, chloride reduction, and urban forestry.

Megan Frisvold (middle right) is working at the Capitol Region Watershed District in St. Paul, where she is developing educational resources and programs to engage diverse audiences. Megan is also working with community organizations serving diverse audiences to plan, design, and implement stormwater BMPs.  

Jes Braun (top middle) is working for the City of Rosemount to educate the public on salt reduction from road salt and water softening. She is promoting smart salting techniques to businesses, commercial properties, school district properties, and city staff. Jes is also working with the city to identify opportunities to expand urban forestry and invasive plant species removal.

At the City of Rogers, Kate Johnson (top right) is working with the Public Works Department to reduce application of road salt. She is also researching stormwater reuse opportunities and stormwater BMPs for the city to implement. Kate is also working to create outreach materials for homeowners on urban forestry, native plantings, and chloride impacts from water softeners.

If a Minnesota GreenCorps member would be helpful in your organization, see the Minnesota GreenCorps web pages and sign up to be notified about future opportunities.