In May 2021, we introduced a new name: Clean River Partners. While the name changed, our mission did not. We remain dedicated to protecting and improving the land and water of the Cannon River watershed and to building a future where everyone plays a role in environmental stewardship.

Learn about the last thirty five years of work at our organization.

We are pleased to announce that we have received $12,000 in grant funding from Northfield Shares to support environmental stewardship and restoration in the watershed.

In the heart of southern Minnesota, where fields meet forests and rivers carve through rolling farmland, the legacy of Don Nelson continues to shape the landscape — and the people — who call this place home.

Road salt is present everywhere during the winter months. In large quantities, it poses a threat to fish, wildlife, and human health. So, what’s the solution?

Clean River Partners offers many ways to engage with the waterways that surround us. But sometimes, a person just needs to be near water. To watch it move, and to listen quietly to its voice.

Healthy watersheds do not happen by accident. They are the result of relationships. In Northfield, two institutions have long shaped the landscape through care, research, and stewardship: St. Olaf College and Carleton College.

As homeowners, it is our responsibility to ensure the water we drink is safe. Testing our well water should be a top priority, not just an afterthought.

Habitat loss is not just an environmental issue; it’s a community issue. Protecting these habitats isn’t just about preserving nature; it’s about ensuring clean water, stable landscapes, and thriving communities.