Speaker Series

Alternative Agriculture: How farming practices can optimize production and maintain clean water


Are you interested in sustainable agriculture?  Do you want to learn how healthy farming practices can protect our natural water sources while maintaining production?

Then come to this exciting winter lecture series jointly sponsored by the Cannon River Watershed Partnership and the St. Olaf College Environmental Studies Department

When: Mondays in February, 2012 from 7:00 - 8:30 PM

Where: Regents Hall of Natural Science and Mathmatics, Room 150, St. Olaf College, Northfield

 

Topics

 February 6, 2012

Gyles Randall, retired professor from the University of Minnesota will speak about the history and changes of agricultural land use    to set the stage for discussing what could be done differently.


February 13, 2012

Ryan Stockwell, National Wildlife Federation will discuss his writings on “Future Friendly Farming: Seven  Agricultural Practices to Sustain People and the Environment” and    engage us in discussion about alternative farming.

February 20, 2012

Linda Meschke, President of Rural Advantage will review the idea of third crops and the concept of     alternative income beyond corn and soybeans.

February 27, 2012

Paula Westmoreland, President of Ecological Garden will discuss her book This Perennial Land: third crops, blue earth, and the road to restorative agriculture as well as her GIS maps about farming the margins.

  

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CRWP Annual Membership Meeting

 

The Board of Directors of the Cannon River Watershed Partnership cordially invites our members and the public to attend our Annual Membership Meeting:

 

Monday March 19, 2012

6:30 – 8:30 PM

St. John’s Lutheran Church

500 3rd St. West

Northfield, MN 55057

 

Program

6:30  Arrival and socializing (light refreshments provided)

7:00  Membership Meeting

  • ·         Welcome - Matt Durand, CRWP Board Chair
  • ·         Approval of 2011 Annual Meeting Minutes
  • ·         Recognition of retiring Board of Directors
  • ·         Election of new Directors
  • ·         Election of Officers
  • ·         Upcoming work and events  - Beth Kallestad

7:30   Keynote Speaker – Commissioner Paul Aasen, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and Cannon River Watershed Partnership have had a strong relationship of working together for cleaner water.  Commissioner Aasen will give a talk on the MPCA’s new Watershed Strategy Approach to assessing and improving watersheds as well as the Clean Water Legacy Funds.  After his speech there will be a short question and answer period.

 

8:30  Conclusion – Beth Kallestad

* The CRWP Board of Directors will meet briefly to elect officers.

 

RSVP requested by contacting Leslie at leslie@crwp.net or (507) 786-3915.

 

Paul Aasen, MPCA Commissioner -  Biography

Paul Aasen was appointed commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) by Governor Mark Dayton in 2011.  Prior to this, he had been with the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, serving as its advocacy director since 2007.

He has also held positions as the Executive Vice President at Global Volunteers, Director of Government Relations and Policy in Gov. Jesse Ventura’s office, Department of Public Safety Assistant Commissioner, Division of Emergency Management Director, Minnesota Emergency Response Commission Executive Director, and was an environmental scientist at the Metropolitan Waste Control Commission.

Paul has a Masters degree in Environmental Health from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health.

 

 

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Earth Day 5K Fun Run/Walk

April 21, 2012

Start:  8:00 AM (registration), 9:00 AM (Run/Walk)

Registration:  $12.00 by April 15, 2012, $15.00 after April 15, 2012

Location:  Sakatah Singing Hills Trail at Shager Park, Faribault, MN

The park is located on the west side of Hwy 60 approximately 2 miles west of the Faribault city limits.  Hwy 60 can be accessed from Interstate 35 in Faribault.

Proceeds:  All proceeds to benefit the Cannon River Watershed Partnership

T-shirts:  Will be available to the first 100 registrants

Times:  A time clock will display times at finish, but no official times will be kept.  Awards will be given to the top male and female finisher.

Refreshments:  Refreshments will be provided to all participants at the end.

Information:  Contact Beth Kallestad at (507) 786-3913 or beth@crwp.net

 

Click here for Registration Form