Browsing by Author "Butler, Megan (editor)"

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Climate Change Adaptation: A Resilient Communities Project–GreenStep Cities Guide
    (Resilient Communities Project (RCP), University of Minnesota., 2016) Butler, Megan (editor)
    The impacts of climate change are already being seen throughout Minnesota in the form of warmer average annual temperatures, higher precipitation rates, and stronger storm events. Minnesota has the ability to adapt to the threats posed by climate change and communities throughout the state are already working to address climate change locally by adopting local climate change resilience strategies. One of the first steps in climate change adaptation is addressing the issue of climate change with local residents. This toolkit is designed to help Minnesota communities develop climate change education programs by assessing the current level of resident knowledge, attitudes, and engagement related to climate change issues. The toolkit features a survey that can be used to assess city residents’ knowledge of and attitudes toward climate change, as well as gather information on extreme weather event vulnerability. The toolkit includes additional resources to help guide survey implementation, information on collaborating with local community groups to conduct surveys or climate change education programs, as well as examples of climate change preparedness plans that have been developed by cities in Minnesota. This document has been prepared by the University of Minnesota’s Resilient Communities Project (RCP) for the Minnesota GreenStep Cities Program. This resource was adapted from student work completed in partnership with RCP and the City of Rosemount during the 2014–2015 academic year. Although the original report was developed for a specific community, students’ findings and recommendations have been synthesized and generalized, and additional research has been conducted where necessary, to produce a resource that is relevant to communities throughout Minnesota. The original student report can be found at https://conservancy.umn.edu/handle/11299/180454.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Greening Lawn Irrigation: A Resilient Communities Project–GreenStep Cities Guide
    (Resilient Communities Project (RCP), University of Minnesota., 2016) Butler, Megan (editor)
    Water conservation is becoming an increasingly urgent concern for communities throughout Minnesota. Natural replenishment of aquifers may not keep up with the rate of use seen in Minnesota. The loss of groundwater reserves can result in increased pumping costs, and impact local lakes, streams and wetlands. Local municipalities can help to address this problem by engaging local homeowners in conversations to educate them about water conservation and motivate them to make simple changes in their homes to conserve this precious resource. This resource provides a toolkit for cities seeking to engage homeowners in water conservation through improved lawn care practices. This document has been prepared by the University of Minnesota’s Resilient Communities Project (RCP) for the Minnesota GreenStep Cities Program. This resource was adapted from student work completed in partnership with RCP and the City of Rosemount during the 2014–2015 academic year. Although the original report was developed for a specific community, students’ findings and recommendations have been synthesized and generalized, and additional research has been conducted where necessary, to produce a resource that is relevant to communities throughout Minnesota. The original student reports can be found at https://conservancy.umn.edu/handle/11299/180444 and https://conservancy.umn.edu/handle/11299/180446.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Improving the Educational Role of Municipal Solar Installations: A Resilient Communities Project-GreenStep Cities Guide
    (Resilient Communities Project (RCP), University of Minnesota., 2016) Butler, Megan (editor)
    Investment in solar energy in Minnesota has increased dramatically in the last decade, and the Minnesota Department of Commerce projects that the state’s solar capacity will continue to grow. While solar systems have been lauded for their ability to provide a safe, resilient, zero-emission source of locally produced energy, solar installations also offer a valuable educational opportunity for local residents. This tool is meant to serve as a guide for communities interested in increasing the educational value of municipal solar installations. This document was prepared by the University of Minnesota’s Resilient Communities Project (RCP) for the Minnesota GreenStep Cities Program. The materials contained within this guide have been adapted from student work completed in partnership with RCP and Carver County, Minnesota, during the 2015–2016 academic year. Although the original report was developed for a specific community, students’ findings and recommendations have been synthesized and generalized, and additional research has been conducted where necessary, to produce a resource that is relevant to communities throughout Minnesota. The original student report can be found at https://conservancy.umn.edu/handle/11299/184904.