Our Stories

Everyone has a role to play in caring for the watershed, and we invite you to read our stories, get inspired by our champions, and help us connect with others who are passionate about this vital cause.

Felicia Hokenstad Felicia Hokenstad

Restoring Nature and Building Community

The Sakatah WMA: In-Yan Bo-Sda-Ta Wa-Kpa Unit in Minnesota is a 160-acre sanctuary dedicated to preserving wildlife and honoring the Meyers family's legacy. Ongoing restoration efforts enhance its ecosystems, supporting diverse habitats and community engagement.

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Felicia Hokenstad Felicia Hokenstad

Making Waves through Community-Based Work-Study

Ava McQuain, a Carleton College student, found her passion for environmental conservation through a work-study at Clean River Partners. She’s creating a social media campaign on local wildlife, merging her love for art and science to inspire community action.

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Felicia Hokenstad Felicia Hokenstad

A Collaborative Effort in Stormwater Education

Our partnership with River Bend Nature Center fosters stormwater education through programs like Clean River Rangers. Together, we empower youth like Evelyn and Caitlin to advocate for environmental stewardship, ensuring cleaner waterways for future generations.

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Felicia Hokenstad Felicia Hokenstad

Federal Funding and the CRP Budget

We anticipate securing an agreement for $100,000 in grant funding from the Fishers and Farmers Partnership for an exciting project at the Little Cannon River Aquatic Management Area in Goodhue County, Minnesota. This funding is expected to come from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service of the federal government. What will happen if this funding doesn’t come through?

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Clean River Partners Clean River Partners

Behind the Scenes

What truly makes a film festival unforgettable? It’s not just the stunning films and vibrant atmosphere; it’s the dedicated team of individuals working tirelessly behind the scenes to bring it to life.

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Felicia Hokenstad Felicia Hokenstad

Protecting Our Public Lands is a Shared Responsibility

Public lands are essential to our health, wildlife, and community connection. In our latest blog, we explore the incredible significance of public spaces, particularly in the Cannon River Watershed. Discover how these lands enhance outdoor experiences, support biodiversity, and contribute to our economy. Plus, learn actionable ways you can advocate for their preservation!

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Clean River Partners Clean River Partners

Embracing Diversity: Gender, Sex, and Nature

In our diverse world, understanding biological sex, gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation is vital. Nature exemplifies this variety, from fungi with numerous sexual types to animals like wood frogs that can change sex, showcasing the richness of identity.

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Felicia Hokenstad Felicia Hokenstad

The Case for Rain Barrels

Ready to make a difference? Discover the power of rain barrels in our latest article! Learn how capturing rainwater can save you money, support your garden, and help protect our environment. Plus, find out how you can get a rebate right here in Northfield!

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Felicia Hokenstad Felicia Hokenstad

Press Release: Announcing the Cannon River Fish Passage Initiative

Clean River Partners and the Minnesota DNR are launching the Cannon River Fish Passage Initiative to modify the Gorman Lake and Lower Sakatah Lake dams into Rock Arch Rapids. This will enhance fish passage, improve habitats, and increase safety. Join the Open House on February 20, 2025.

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Felicia Hokenstad Felicia Hokenstad

Laundry Day Dilemma

Laundry day contributes to microfiber pollution, primarily from synthetic fabrics. Microplastics can harm aquatic life and human health. To minimize impact, wash full loads, use cold water, reduce detergent, consider front-loading machines, and air dry clothes.

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Margie O'Loughlin Margie O'Loughlin

How the Downstream Environmental Film Festival raises awareness

Wil Crombie is a local farmer and filmmaker who grew up in Cannon City, just outside of Faribault. On a day when he was film making, not farming, I found him at his studio, Man Alone Media, in Cannon City. Inside Wil was coordinating two monitors, balancing sound input and building subtitles for a film he’s been commissioned to make for the Downstream Environmental Film Festival.

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