Community members work on diverse project teams that research, design and plan local sustainability projects with University students, faculty and staff.
Community members work on diverse project teams that research, design and plan local sustainability projects with University students, faculty and staff.
Outdoor play gives children unique opportunities to explore, problem solve and engage their minds, bodies and imaginations.
A team at Leech Lake Early Childhood Development is drawing on this knowledge and exploring how to connect children in the community to nature with support from the University of Minnesota.
Waase Paulson, Leech Lake Early Childhood’s Ojibwemowin mentor, and Claire Chase, Leech Lake SNAP-ED coordinator, began envisioning how to activate the 3-acre wooded area outside of the Aabinoojii Oshkii Bimadiziiwin Center and Maajiigin building in Cass Lake several years ago. They hoped to nurture cultural traditions and connections to nature among the organization’s children and teachers.
Growing markets for Cooperativa Agua Gorda in Long Prairie
lthough named after a small community in north-central Mexico, Cooperativa Agua Gorda has spent nearly a decade growing deep roots in Minnesota.
Javier Garcia (left) and Molly Zins (right) at the end of the growing season, 2019. Photo credit: Elizabeth Quillo.
Member and owner Javier Garcia manages the certified organic farm in Long Prairie, where he and his team produce fresh melons, tomatillos, tomatoes and peppers each growing season. After finding success distributing Agua Gorda produce to Twin Cities households through the Shared Ground Farmers’ Co-op and restaurants like La Loma Tamales, Garcia has wanted to find markets closer to home.