MWMO Projects, Partners Featured in The Nature Conservancy’s ‘Trees. Water. Soil.’ Campaign

Some of the best solutions to climate change can be found in nature. That’s the premise of a new campaign from The Nature Conservancy (TNC) that features a pair of MWMO-funded projects.

TNC’s “Trees. Water. Soil.” campaign explores natural solutions to climate change — things like rain gardens, forest restoration, and regenerative agriculture. TNC says these practices can significantly reduce carbon emissions while providing a host of other benefits like cleaner water and air.

When TNC went looking for some good examples of nature-based solutions here in Minnesota, they found two right here in our watershed.

In October, they posted an article and video featuring our own Mississippi River Green Team. For 14 years, the MWMO has partnered with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board on this innovative youth conservation and employment program for Minneapolis teens.

The article explores the work the Green Teamers did at Theodore Wirth Park this summer, and talks about the long-term goals of the Green Team program, which include diversifying the environmental workforce. You can learn more about the Green Team on our website.

In May, TNC posted an article and video highlight the Masjid An-Nur Eco-Mosque project and featuring project lead Kenya McKnight Ahad. TNC tells the story of how the mosque addressed a flooding problem by creating a habitat-rich landscape that captures and treats runoff and also serves as a gathering space for the community. The MWMO supported the project with a pair of Stewardship Fund Grants.

Learn more and check out the other stories on TNC’s website.