June 2025 Newsletter
We’re so excited for our Summer Fundraiser & Gathering happening this Thursday, June26, from 5:30–8:30 p.m. at the beautiful Dodge Nature Center in West St. Paul!
Last year marked RTC’s first large-scale, in-person fundraiser. It was such a joy to connect with our community and raise funds to support our work in fostering just, vibrant, and sustainable communities. We can’t wait to do it all again this week!
Enjoy delicious food from Gardens of Salonica, live music by the Squid City Slingers, and a specialty cocktail featuring tonics from Sweet Haven Tonics and Minnesota artisan gin from Far North Spirits. We’ll also have local beer and wine, and a thoughtfully curated silent auction of local goods and experiences. But the best part? Connecting with all of you.
Haven’t grabbed your tickets yet? We’d love to have you—get yours here!
P.S. Can’t attend in person? No problem! Our online auction is open to everyone. Check it out via this link for a chance to bid on items like Women’s Red Wing Boots, a private dinner with James Beard Award-winning chef Beth Dooley, and other one-of-a-kind local experiences!
Help us celebrate Renewing the Countryside and raise funds for our work fostering just, vibrant, and sustainable communities!
Click here to secure your tickets today!
Don't miss the incredible online auction that is open to ALL, not just attendees of the event. From a pair of women's Red Wing Boots to a private dinner made by James Beard award winning chef Beth Dooley to beautiful pieces of pottery, you don't want to miss out.
Check out all the items here and get your bids in before others! The online auction runs through the in-person event Thursday and ends at 7:45 p.m.
Find more details on the event at renewingthecountryside.org.
Introducing RTC’s Newest Program: Conservation Connections
Renewing the Countryside, with support from the MN Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), is excited to launch Conservation Connections: a new program offering free, personalized support to Minnesota producers, farmers, and landowners, specifically interested in implementing conservation practices. No matter your farm’s size, your experience level, or your background, our trained team is here to help you navigate NRCS cost-share programs like EQIP and CSP, with step-by-step guidance on eligibility, application processes, and direct links to local NRCS staff and resources.
Visit our snazzy, new Conservation Connections webpage to explore the full scope of the program. You’ll find example conservation practices, helpful tools, and an introduction to our dedicated program coordinator—plus easy-to-follow resources to help get you started.
We’re also thrilled to announce our upcoming summer event series: “Unlocking Conservation Resources for Communities & Farms,” happening July 22–August 7 in eight counties across Minnesota.
Each event features a panel of local speakers, real-life insights into how conservation practices are transforming rural communities, an overview of NRCS programs, and a look at the economic benefits of on-farm practices. Enjoy a free lunch, connect with your neighbors, and receive hands-on support to begin your conservation journey. Check out the full schedule of dates and locations, and reserve your spot by registering today.
Can’t make it to an event? Conservation Connections is available year-round with free, ongoing, one-on-one support. Whether you're starting fresh or fine-tuning an existing plan, our Connectors are here to meet you where you are—on your timeline and terms. Let us help you unlock NRCS funding, submit a strong application, and build a more resilient, productive future for your farm or land–contact us today.
Join Minnesota Women in Conservation (MNWiC) for a Welcoming Wednesday Webinar! This month it's all about Forest Farming and Foraging.
The webinar will be led by MNWiC NE Region Coordinator Allison Rian and guest presenter MN Certified Wild Mushroom Harvester Gretchen Polkinghorne, of Calu Homestead. These two collaborate as part of the Mavens Art Collective, selling homestead yarns at Aitkin area markets. Some are dyed with wild-foraged lichens and mushrooms! RSVP for FREE to get the link at MNWiC.org.
Join RTC's Go Farm Connect at Mhonpaj's Garden on July 1 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for a field day in a risk management series. Register and learn more HERE!
During the field day, you'll have the opportunity to tour Mhonpaj's Garden and hear directly from Mhonpaj about how she uses diversified market planning as a key tool for managing risk. Food will be provided for the first 20 registrants and members of the Go Farm Connect team will be on hand to share additional resources and provide follow-up support for attending farmers.
Laura Cullip is a long-time organic vegetable farmer, and recently joined Renewing the Countryside as a Farm Business Management Specialist. She also works with farmers as an RTC Land Access Navigator through our Farmland Access Initiative.
For the past 15 years, Laura has worked as a farm educator and advocate for beginning and emerging farmers. She is passionate about supporting local food farmers and the local food network in our rural/urban communities. Laura is a FSMA food safety trainer and the co-author of “Direct Market Success: A Farmer’s Guide to Farmers’ Market, CSA, Farmstand, and Online Sales." She lives in Hutchinson, MN with her family.
AND, we are so lucky to have her!
Q: Where does Renewing the Countryside host a two week long eco-experience exhibit that includes cooking demonstrations, kid activities and more?!
Hint: It happens every year and is a HUGE MN get together!
May's Trivia Q&A:
Q: What was the book published in 2002 that served as the foundation of RTC and the model for several books to follow?
A: Renewing the Countryside: Minnesota, 2001
Email your answers to mikell@rtcinfo.org and/or look for the chance to answer on Renewing the Countryside's social media. Give us a follow below!
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Renewing the Countryside · 312 Center St E, Hammond, MN 55991, United States
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