Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships

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LaCrescent Food Forest Concept Development
(University of Minnesota Extension Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships, 2023-05) Handeen, Daniel; Leberecht, Chris
A community-based design process by and for the City of La Crescent, MN
Safe Drinking Water at the Kitchen Tap
(University of Minnesota’s Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA), Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships (RSDP), and Minnesota Well Owners Organization (MNWOO), 2023-05) Castillo-Castillo, Adriana
Ensuring good quality drinking water for Minnesota households through private wells requires both quantitative and qualitative analysis. Throughout this graduate assistantship (Summer 2022 and Spring 2023), we compiled existing information from Minnesota Well Owners Organization (MNWOO), with existing data sources such as American Community Survey to better understand water quality and access measures throughout the state. With this data, we were able to identify how MNWOO can better incentivize drinking water improvements in Minnesota households and incentivise people to improve their drinking water sources.
Biochar as a Soil Amendment in Minnesota: Findings from Literature and Interviews
(2023-05) Hunt, Samantha
The Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota (SFA) Central Chapter initiated an effort to research biochar production as an alternative to burning wood waste, and to understand the potential benefits of utilizing biochar as a soil amendment to improve soil function and sequester carbon. With support from the University of Minnesota Extension Sustainable Development Partnerships, a graduate student was hired to review the research literature on biochar and interview subject matter experts. In partnership with representatives from the Minnesota Composting Council, Pope/Douglas Solid Waste Management, United States Department of Agriculture, the University of Minnesota Extension Sustainable Development Partnerships, and SFA Central Chapter, U of M graduate student Samantha Hunt produced this report. Biochar, a stable carbon created via pyrolysis (heating without the presence of oxygen), can be produced from the massive amounts of woody debris generated by tree removal and trimming, brush removal, woodlands management, and storm damage. Biomass that is currently burned or left to decompose releases most of the carbon back into the atmosphere. Conversion of woody biomass into biochar could provide an alternative to burning and therefore reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Biochar is also a valuable soil amendment that can improve soil health and productivity. There is a high interest from local produce growers and regenerative farmers in Central Minnesota to utilize biochar as a soil amendment.
CornerStone – Youth Entrepreneurship & Programming Research
(2023-05) Hussein, Dalila
The CornerStone Youth Entrepreneurship research project studied models of youth centers promoting entrepreneurship in the Midwest specifically, and the United States generally to design a youth center model suitable for Frazee's youth and community needs. The research is driven by the community's desire to address the high incidence of depression, hopelessness, and suicidal intentions among Frazee's youth, as well as the lack of secure and supportive spaces outside of school for youth to spend time together. The research project has established several goals and objectives, including conducting a literature review of youth entrepreneurship and programming models, researching successful youth programming models in Minnesota and beyond, and identifying appropriate programming models for CornerStone based on the community's needs assessment. The project recognizes the importance of youth entrepreneurship in empowering young people, improving their self-belief, fostering positive connections with mentors, and promoting positive life outcomes. Through primary and secondary tools, the research investigated the three main components at CornerStone: the youth program, the makerspace, and the retail and gift shop. Preliminary findings suggest that youth programs in Minnesota have diverse focus areas, including arts and culture, entrepreneurship, and capacity development. These programs often involve peer-to-peer mentorship, promotion of youth ownership and involvement, as well as uplifting their work and creativity. Research findings suggest having an art jury to facilitate the decision making around art exhibition at the gallery for both youth and established artists.
Deep Winter Greenhouse Early Tomato Enterprise Analysis
(2023) Pesch, Ryan
Deep Winter Greenhouse tomato production trail overview and recommendations
(2023) Hoidal, Natalie; Schweser, Greg; Pesch, Ryan; Ford, Carol
Expanding the use of deep winter greenhouses for summer tomato production: feasibility and profitability
(2023) Schweser, Greg; Hoidal, Natalie; Pesch, Ryan; Ford, Carol; Knisely, Brooke; Johnson, Shane; Johnson, Louise; Coborn, Dan
Community Heating Feasibility Study
(2022) Ren, Lifeng
One hundred sixty Lower Sioux Indian Community households currently use propane as their primary fuel source to heat their homes. To help the families and households reduce the financial burden of utility bills, Lower Sioux Indian Community discussed two options for the future. The first option is adding a natural gas line to the community to which each house can connect. The second option is to upgrade the homes’ heating and cooling systems by installing cold climate air source heat pumps (ccASHPs). In this study, we hope to analyze the feasibility of each option, especially considering the uniqueness of the Lower Sioux Indian Community.
Empowering Women to Lead Conference Evaluation
(2023-01) Hands, Busisiwe
The Empowering Women to Lead Conference was held on September 16, 2022, at the Northern Lights Casino in Walker, Minnesota. It was hosted by the GFWC Nevis Women’s Club in partnership with various sponsors from north-central Minnesota. The main objectives of the conference were: ● To expose rural women to women leaders, role models and potential mentors ● To provide rural women with the opportunity to form new friendships and networks ● To support women in validating themselves while also being presented with new ideas on how to advance ● To serve as a catalyst for future women’s services and development initiatives in rural Minnesota
Premium Minnesota Garlic: Expanding Beyond Direct Sales
(2022-10) Schweser, Greg
Analysis of 2021 Minnesota Garlic Grower Survey
(2022-10) Schweser, Greg
Rural Grocery Stores and Schools Cooperating to Fix Supply Chains - North Dakota Case Study
(2022-08) Pesch, Ryan; Draeger, Kathryn; Gion, Brian
Creating a Network of Organic Material Processing Sites
(University of Minnesota Extension Central Regional Sustainable Development Partnership (CRSDP) and Dragonfly-e., 2022) Khan, Muhammad F.
With a growing global human population and increasingly large amounts of organic waste being generated each year, there are growing concerns on the environmental impact of said waste. These include the filling up of local landfills and, consequently, the generation of an alarming amount of two leading contributors of climate change: carbon dioxide and methane gas; both of which are greenhouse gases (GHGs). To combat this, the organic waste needs to be diverted towards processing sites that make use of anaerobic digesters instead. Recently, the use of anaerobic digestion to not only handle waste but also generate renewable energy has seen promotion in numerous countries, including the United States. The objective of this project was to justify any investment towards creating a network of anaerobic digesters that can replace existing landfills in central Minnesota. This was done by gathering data on solid-waste sources and consumption habits of the community through surveys and virtual interviews. Additionally, outreach was coordinated to inform community members and potential stakeholders about the project goals and organics recycling process.
Solving the meat processing work force bottleneck: Supporting livestock farmers, processors, and rural communities
(2022) Arnosti, Don; Benedict, Maya; Sobocinski, Paul; Suss, Ted; VanderMey, Courtney
Multilingual Journalism Course Evaluation
(2022-05) Hussein, Dalila
In Willmar, Minnesota, almost one-third of the population comes from the non-native-English-speaking community. The immigrant population is challenged by having an equitable access to information in their native languages. Ridgewater College and Mid-Minnesota Development Commission joined forces to propose the Multilingual Journalism Program to increase the availability of native language communication by equipping leaders with journalistic skills in collecting, producing and disseminating information. A pilot round of the Multilingual Journalism Course was conducted in March and April 2022. A quantitative and qualitative evaluation used data points from course graduates, potential course participants and the program team to identify findings related to recruitment, participant satisfaction and content and delivery.
100 in 100: Summer Convenings
(The Regents of the University of Minnesota, 2021-08) Anderson, Delaine
100 in 100: A Learning Tour of 100 Rural Women
(The Regents of the University of Minnesota, 2021-06) Stower, Kathryn
This is a co-publication of the University of Minnesota’s Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA), Northwest Regional Sustainable Development Partnership, and 100 Rural Women. Project funding was provided by the University of Minnesota’s CURA Compact Fund, and the Mary J. Page Community-University Partnership Fund. The Community Assistantship Program (CAP) is a cross-college, cross-campus University of Minnesota initiative coordinated by the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA) and the Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships (RSDP). The content of this report is the responsibility of the author and is not necessarily endorsed by CAP, CURA, RSDP or the University of Minnesota. The Northwest Regional Sustainable Development Partnership brings together local talent and resources with University of Minnesota knowledge to drive sustainability in agriculture and food systems, tourism and resilient communities, natural resources and clean energy. The Partnerships are part of University of Minnesota Extension. 100 Rural Women serves and supports rural women by identifying, connecting and creating relationships, models of networking, leadership, mentorship and civic engagement.
Access to SOAR: Final Report
(The Regents of the University of Minnesota, 2022-01) Register, Tessa
This is a co-publication of the University of Minnesota’s Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA), the Northwest Regional Sustainable Development Partnership, Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, and the Friends of Tamarac. Project funding was provided by the Mary J. Page Community-University Partnership Fund. The Community Assistantship Program (CAP) is a cross-college, cross-campus University of Minnesota initiative coordinated by the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA) and the Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships (RSDP). The content of this report is the responsibility of the author and is not necessarily endorsed by CAP, CURA, RSDP or the University of Minnesota. Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships bring together local talent and resources with University of Minnesota knowledge to drive sustainability in agriculture and food systems, tourism and resilient communities, natural resources and clean energy. The Partnerships are part of University of Minnesota Extension. Tamarac Refuge lies in the heart of one of the most diverse transition zones in North America. Here Eastern deciduous hardwoods, Northern coniferous forests and Western tall grass prairie converge, creating a rich assemblage of both plants and animals. Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge was established as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife by Executive Order 7902, dated May 31, 1938. The Friends of Tamarac sponsor educational programs and events, build observation platforms and pathways, generate thousands of grant dollars for water quality and habitat projects, host a popular nature photography contest, and so much more. They are an advocate for wildlife refuges and passionate about protecting wild places for generations.
Understanding Minnesota's Wool Economy
(2022-02) Johnson, Lily
Intergenerational Village, Slayton, MN
(2020) Atha, Rajeev; Singh, Virajita
This project, led by the non-profit organization Operation Prairie Venture (OPV) and partners, envisions an intergenerational village in Slayton, Minnesota with independent and assisted living options, community engagement spaces, and other amenities, including a childcare center. Working with other partners in Murray County and beyond, it aims to establish an intergenerational village that offers residences for older adults, assisted living, memory care, and a childcare center.