• Spring Sustainability E-Newsletter

Sustainability Spotlight: Planting Hope for Minnesota's Pollinators

My name is Bombus affinis. I have over 7 million family members, and each spring we set out across Minnesota in search of bergamot, prairie clover, and apple blossoms. Who am I?

I’m the rusty patched bumblebee, Minnesota’s state bee, and one of the many pollinators that help our gardens, farms, and natural areas thrive.

As spring approaches, let’s take a moment to appreciate this underrated native species. Bee populations are in decline around the world, and Minnesota is no exception. Pesticides, parasites, disease, and most critically, habitat loss are the primary causes of this decline.

As humans, our fate is tied to that of the bees. They pollinate the flowers that become fruits, nuts, squash, and many of the other delicious foods we grow and eat. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 87% of all flowering plants and 35% of global food crops rely on pollinators to reproduce. Apples and oranges, pumpkins and beans, cucumbers and peppers – none of these would exist without bees and other pollinators.

How can you help the bees this spring? Plant some flowers! Native bees love native plants like sunflowers, black-eyed Susans, roses, lilacs, honeysuckle, and clematis. If you’d like something in return, consider planting fruit trees. Apples, pears, plums, and cherries all grow well in Minnesota. Smaller fruiting shrubs such as serviceberry, chokeberry, raspberries, and blueberries are also great choices for both you and the bees.

As we grow and develop more land to support our communities, bees lose their homes and food sources. Every patch of flowers becomes an oasis in a landscape of grass lawns and asphalt. If you have space in your yard to plant flowers, it can make a real difference. If you live in an apartment, try planting flowers in pots on a south-facing balcony, or ask your property manager about adding pollinator-friendly plantings around the building.

Entire ecosystems depend on the special relationship between bees and flowers. Without them, our world would look very different. Please think about the bees this spring and give them a warm welcome in any way you can.

To learn what, how, and where to plant pollinators of all kinds, visit the University of Minnesota Bee Lab. Remember, we all share the same Earth, and it’s up to all of us to care for it together.

• Winter Sustainability E-Newsletter

Sustainability Spotlight: Introducing the Sustainability and Resiliency Plan Annual Report

In 2025, the Sustainability and Resiliency Commission (SRC) worked closely with community partners and City staff to track progress on the Sustainability & Resiliency Community Work Plan (SRCWP), which was formally accepted by City Council in 2024. This plan includes 103 actions to make Rochester more sustainable, resilient, and livable. Updates were collected through surveys, phone calls, and research to make sure every tactic reported a status. Overall, 17 % percent of actions are complete, and an additional 65 % are currently underway or ongoing, showing strong momentum across the City.

The plan focuses on six key areas including Climate Change Resilience, City for Health, Vibrant Neighborhoods, Resilient Economy, Accessible Transportation, and Environmental Health. A standout example from 2025 is the City’s Home Rehabilitation Program which preserved local housing and addressed flood-prone homes and lead hazards, helping 16 households stay safe and healthy.

This first year of reporting sets the stage for continued progress. To learn more about these initiatives and how they impact our community, click here to read more.

Fall Sustainability E-Newsletter

Sustainability Spotlight: Sustainability & Resiliency Commission Leads on Community Ambassador Certification

The Community Energy Ambassador Certification through Clean Energy Resource Teams, equips residents with the knowledge and tools to champion clean energy in Rochester. Several commissioners have already become CERTified Ambassadors, while others are completing outreach projects that include tabling at community events, sharing resources on energy efficiency and renewables, and promoting initiatives like Electrify Everything workshops. By completing the training together, commissioners strengthened their knowledge on key energy topics, built camaraderie, and deepened community engagement. Their efforts model local leadership and trusted, resident-led outreach in support of Rochester’s clean energy goals, while also encouraging other groups to start their own Community Energy Ambassador cohorts. Learn more about their experience here.

Summer Sustainability E-Newsletter 

Sustainability Spotlight: Lose the Lawn -  Creating Native Landscaping, Building Biodiversity, and Increasing Conservation Corridors

What happens when natural spaces are replaced by roads, buildings, and lawns? The conversion of land for agriculture, development, and infrastructure reduces the space available for species to live and reproduce, fragments ecosystems, and puts biodiversity at risk. Habitat destruction and the spread of invasive species are the leading causes of biodiversity loss. As native plants disappear, the wildlife that depends on them also declines. According to the World Health Organization, non-native species are responsible for approximately 60% of global extinction and cause billions of dollars in economic damage each year.

A conservation corridor, also known as a wildlife corridor, are areas of land that connect two or more habitats. These connections help animals move safely, allow plants to spread and support pollinators like bees and butterflies. These ecological corridors can lessen the impact of human development, mitigate the effects of climate change on ecosystems, ensure ecological connectivity, as well as maintain biodiversity--and it can start with you, in *your* very own yard!

Community conservation and the creation of these corridors are rooted in stewardship--voluntary participation from landowners/homeowners. This home-grown, grassroots approach encourages residents to ditch the lawn in favor of local animals and plants. See below how to do your part to support community sustainability and resiliency of local ecosystems.

Steps:

1. Let It Be – Reduce or eliminate pesticide use
2. Shrink/ditch the lawn – If you must have a lawn, make it smaller, mow it less frequently, and don’t mow it short. If you have a Homeowners Association, check with them about rules and regulations around lawns.
3. Create the Corridor – plant native species, make a pollinator garden based on your local, indigenous flora; introduce a water feature;
4. Spread the Word – recruit neighbors and friends to do the same!

Resources:

• Find what native plants are for your area. Check out Blue Thumb.
• Check out the City of Rochester Garden Grants.
• Make your yard a Certified Wildlife Habitat.
• Read: Natures Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation that Stars in Your Yard.
• Learn about conservation corridors: Click Here

Spring Sustainability E-Newsletter

Sustainability Spotlight: Youth Leading the Charge for a Greener Future

Rochester is witnessing a powerful wave of change led by its youngest residents. The Rochester Teen eARTh Club, a youth-led collective, is proving that creativity and passion can drive meaningful environmental action right here in our community. Open to artists, activists, and curious teens alike, this club transforms concerns about climate change, pollution and sustainability into vibrant projects that inspire Rochester to think, and act differently.

Mission in Motion

The eARTh Club’s mission statement displays its creative initiative: “Our mission is to provide a safe, inclusive, and fun space with a focus on sustainability, environmentalism and issues that impact us. This year, by partnering with the Sierra Club North Star chapter, we are committing to climate action through art”.

Whether designing eye-catching bike trail benches with sustainability-themed art or brainstorming clean heating solutions for local spaces, these teens blend creativity with real-world problem-solving. Partnering with organizations like the Sierra Club, their projects amplify youth voices while fostering tangible community impact. 

Why Youth Matter

As the next generation of leaders, residents and neighbors, the youth play a pivotal role in protecting our environment. Providing an outlet for environmental awareness through creative and engaging strategies provides the foundation for a prosperous and sustainable future. 

Join the Movement

The Teen eARTh Clubs meets on the 3rd flood or the Rochester Art Center.

Upcoming meeting dates include:
• Saturday, March 22nd from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
• Saturday, April 12th from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
• Saturday, April 19th from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Please contact Program Specialist, LaVanda Mireles, to learn more at lmireles@rochesterartcenter.org. 

Winter Sustainability E-Newsletter 

Sustainability Spotlight: How to Engage at the State Legislature

Engaging with the state legislature can feel overwhelming, but it’s an essential way to participate in shaping your community. This guide offers friendly, practical tips to help you navigate the process effectively.

Understanding the Legislative Process

Policy: Learn about the issues you care about and how they’re addressed through legislation.
Process: Familiarize yourself with how bills are introduced, debated, and passed.
Partisanship: Recognize the role of political dynamics in decision-making.
Personalities: Build relationships with legislators and staff—they’re key to understanding how to work effectively.

Practical Tips for Engaging

1. Stay Informed: Visit www.leg.state.mn.us to find information on legislators, bills, schedules, and more.
2. Be Prepared: Research your issue and understand its implications.
3. Make Appointments: Meet legislators in their district or at the Capitol during session. Their legislative assistants can help schedule time or suggest alternative ways to connect.
4. Communicate Clearly: Keep your message brief and memorable. Use personal stories, simple visuals, or key data to make your point.
5. Be Respectful: Always thank legislators for their time, even if they don’t support your position.

How to Make an Impact

1. Know Your “Ask”: Be clear about what action you’d like your legislator to take—supporting a bill, voting a certain way, or championing an issue.
2. Collaborate: Work with others who share your goals to divide tasks and strengthen your efforts.
3. Start Early: Build relationships with legislators before the session begins. Share your perspective and provide helpful information about your issue.
4. Follow Up: Keep in touch with legislators as your issue progresses. Answer their questions and provide updates.

Helpful Resources at the Capitol

Legislative Offices: House members are in the State Office Building, and Senate members are in the Minnesota Senate Building.
Information Desks: Staff near the House and Senate chambers can help with notes to legislators or direct you to public seating.
Committees: Administrators and staff can provide schedules, draft bills, and assist with questions.

A Note About the Governor

The governor plays a significant role in shaping policy and budgets. Be aware of their priorities and the influences they consider, including advice from staff, commissioners, and key legislators.

Final Thoughts

Legislative engagement is about relationships, persistence, and clear communication. Even small steps, like introducing yourself or attending a hearing, can make a difference.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making your voice heard in the legislative process!

July 2024