By Linda Lubi, a UMN CURA student working with RTC during the 2025-2026 school year

Over the past two years, the USDA Urban Ag micro grants distributed by Renewing the Countryside have helped gardeners grow their plots in many different ways. Thanks to these grants, community and backyard gardeners have been able to expand their gardens and increase their production through the ability to purchase gardening tools, add raised garden beds, and improve soil health. There have also been improvements that while not as tangible, are still as impactful and important. These grants have given farmers the chance to help educate those around them. Many farmers reported that there has been an increase in community engagement and the ability to teach others how to grow vegetables.

Through the power of educating, farmers have been able to bring people together and help create community within their areas.

Below are three impact stories from gardeners and growers in the Twin Cities Metro whose gardens, lives, families, and communities have flourished from being the recipient of an Urban Agriculture micro grant. 

January 2026

Every year leaves behind a handful of moments that tell the story of what truly mattered. In 2025, those moments were rooted in connection — between farmers and land, kids and local food, and communities working toward a more resilient future.

We’re proud to share 10 highlights that reflect the heart of our work and the impact we created together this year.

November 2025

Photos and story gathered by Phil Kraus.

"Harvey is a part of the soil, and the soil is a part of Harvey." That is what Bonita said about Harvey, her partner. Harvey is a 94-year-old who was born in the same house he lives in today, on 160 acres in the Midwest.

Although he traveled the world and lived abroad for a few decades, every summer he would return home to his roots. Now that he is older, he had to plan for what would happen to his land, and his home. He wanted to simply leave it to Bonita, but Bonita said, "No way, Harvey." and she connected to resources from the Land Stewardship Project and Renewing the Countryside to help with a land transition to non-family members.

September 2025

These last few weeks of summer have been packed full of events here at Renewing the Countryside, and this last weekend of the summer season, before the autumnal equinox on Sept. 23, is no different. 

We will be hosting an exhibit at Farm Aid 40's HOMEGROWN Village before the big concert Saturday evening. Honored only scratches the surface of describing how we feel being a part of this incredible organization and its festivities (yes, Farm Aid is a nonprofit organization and not just a concert!). With Farm Aid's mission focused on building a vibrant, family farm-centered system of agriculture in America, we couldn't feel more aligned in this work; especially given their very recent stand with the University of Minnesota's Teamsters employees, staying true to the reality that "labor and farm movements are intertwined" and not crossing a picket line. 

What a well-deserved moment for local family farms this weekend in Minnesota. Come and visit RTC in the HOMEGROWN Village and read to the bottom of our newsletter to explore more of RTC events coming up!

August 2025 Newsletter 

August is one of our favorite times of the year at Renewing the Countryside! For 20 years, we’ve had the joy of connecting with thousands of Minnesotans at the Minnesota State Fair through our interactive, educational food and farming exhibit in the Eco Experience Building. From hands-on kids activities to daily chef demos and delicious local food samples, our exhibit is packed with opportunities to learn, taste, and connect.

Whether you join us as a volunteer, stop by for a cooking demo, or simply wander through the Eco Experience, we hope you’ll come celebrate with us at the Great Minnesota Get-Together!

Learn more about this year's theme in the spotlight below!

July 2025 Newsletter 

This month, our hearts have been heavy. As a team grounded in community and connection, we know how much our work is shaped by the people who bring it to life—those who plant seeds of change, tend to community with care, and remind us what it means to show up with purpose and love. No one did that better than our dear colleague and friend, Melvin Giles.

Melvin’s work and presence touched so many lives, including our own, and we’re honored to share a few words in remembrance of him below. We feel fortunate that many of us were able to connect with him one last time at our annual fundraiser on June 26, proving yet again that there is so much power in gathering and in community. 

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!