Land

Report: Conservation practices benefit the environment and local farmer’s bottom line 

A recent return-on-investment study of dairy operations in central Minnesota found that profitability and environmental stewardship are complimentary. The study analyzed 10 farms and found that on average the farms demonstrated improved environmental and financial outcomes compared to benchmarks.

Rethinking campus sustainability: A panel discussion recap

The use of offices and corporate campuses has changed considerably over the past three years. How are sustainability programs adapting? Allison Egan, HealthPartners; Marc Olson, Allianz Life; and Fred Rozumalski, Barr Engineering share their perspective and experiences.

Collaborative policy victory: Lottery reauthorization for Minnesota

The Minnesota Legislature recently passed the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund renewal bill. This important legislation will put a question before voters to reauthorize Minnesota State Lottery funds for conservation. It also creates a new $20 million per year community grants program.

Connecting farmers with nutrients to improve environmental and economic outcomes

MINNEAPOLIS – Protecting Minnesota’s water quality and soil health are priorities for the organizations and farmers in the Headwaters Agricultural Sustainability Partnership (HASP), a group administered by Environmental Initiative. The partnership was recently recognized for its local…

Expanding Lottery funds for the environment, for all

Environmental Initiative is part of a coalition of mainstream environmental organizations advocating for the Minnesota State Legislature to get a question on the ballot in 2024 on whether to continue dedicating state lottery funds to the great outdoors. Our organization is focused on convening conversations for proposed changes that would make the Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund more equitable.

Source water protection and working collaboratively, explained

To protect source water, lasting behavior changes in land and water management practices are needed. Environmental Initiative is convening a statewide network of individuals with experience in source water protection, community outreach, engagement, agriculture, and public health to develop ways to promote land use that protects drinking water.

Jerry Wicklund supports community through conservation

With community support, the Wicklund family have spent the last several years converting their farmland to natural habitat.

Data-driven irrigation management supports farmers and the environment

Chuck Louis uses soil probes and data to improve the precision of water and nutrient application on a field. Precision can increase a farm's profitability by optimizing inputs and increasing yields. 

Reducing costs and increasing yields with data

Christy Bauer uses application tools and products to save farmers money and reduce the environmental impact of their operations.

The joy of meaningful connection

Executive director Mike Harley writes about interdependence and the transformative experiences that await each of us when we say "yes" to new relationships.