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Highlights in the PDF

• Utilizing our restoration sites for research
• Minnehaha Creek renewal among new west metro projects
• 800 volunteers cover a lot ground
• Million Milkweed Challenge 2016

Feature

Engaging young new Americans in their local environmentThis fall, students from Wellstone International High School in Minneapolis spent a day by a stream that feeds the Minnesota River. They tested the water quality and then heard from Dr. Lanham, an ornithologist and author of “The Home Place: Memoirs of a Colored Man’s Love Affair with Nature,” (Milkweed Editions).The event was part of Great River Greening’s Field Learning for Teens program, which has inspired more that 1,200 at- risk students through hands-on restoration activities and connections with mentors who work in environmental fields.Dr. Lanham read from his book, which describes his experience as a nature-loving person of color. It is a combination, he said, many people view as an oddity, and he’d like to see that change. And he encouraged the students to think about what problems they want to solve in the world.Wellstone students develop global competency through rigorous coursework and acceleration in English language acquisition. Many are new Americans and speak multiple languages.“This time with you has been the highlight of my trip. I hope you know, this is a special group. We are from all parts of the world and gathered in peace.”- Drew Lanham speaking to the group