KMSU Every Day Is Earth Day

April 28, 2022 Microplastics are no small problem. Researcher Macy Gustavus talked with KMSU's Karen Wright about the growing problem and provides ideas on how we can all help. Gustavus is participating on a virtual panel on May 1, 3:00 p.m. after the movie screening of "The Story of Plastic".  Register at: https://bennington.zoom.us.meeting/register/tJwtd-6qrDwjHNft5UACL ur s3atqYxzYaQ

April 21, 2022 On Earth Day 2022, Karen Wright takes a look back on a year of Every Day is Earth Day programming which started with her guests on today's show - Leigh Pomeroy and Lou Schwartzkopf.

April 14, 2022 Blue Earth County received $4.3 million in federal funding for energy efficiency projects at all county-owned buildings. Joshua Milow, Blue Earth Co. Deputy County Administrator describes how the money will be used  to modernize the region's energy infrastructure with more clean, efficient, renewable energy projects.

April 7, 2022 Mankato East Biology and Wildlife Ecology teacher, Julia Battern, was selected for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Antarctica to learn about Climate Change and its impact on the world. She has many lessons-learned she is bringing back to her classroom.

March 24, 2022 Minnesota State University, Mankato Geography Professor, Dr. Phillip Larson talks about our current understanding of the birth and evolution of rivers and their valleys. He presented his research at the 48th annual Douglas R. Moore Faculty Research Lecture at MNSU on March 21, 2022.

March 17, 2022 North America's grasslands are one of the most threatened ecosystems in the world. Jake Hanson, S.D. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, brings the topic to the forefront in an Op-Ed piece in the MN Star Tribune. He hopes to bring attention to take action on the proposed North American Grasslands Conservation Act.

March 10, 2022 One young man is striving to get a movement to fight for climate justice, social justice and the Green New Deal in Mankato. Sabri Fair is organizing Sunrise Mankato Movement to bring the youth voice to the forefront. He helped convince the City of Mankato to join the Cities Climate Caucus as one of his first actions and he is looking to others to make more change.

Feb. 24,. 2022 FFA used to stand for Future Farmers of America and was geared toward those going into ag production. The organization has expanded to include so much more to meet the growing demands for leadership in these areas. In 2019, Ethan Dado joined Mankato Area Public Schools as its first agriculture/foods/natural resources teacher. Dado's duties also include leading the Mankato FFA chapte...

Feb. 17, 2022 Author Emily Murphy wrote "Grow Now" which tells us how to go beyond organic, re-wild our land,  sequester carbon, support diversity and save our health, communities and planet - one garden at a time.

Feb. 10, 2022 How can you know if Solar Energy is the right thing for your home? Minnesota Morning host Karen Wright spoke with the Executive Director of the Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association (MnSEIA), Logan O'Grady about the pros and cons of joining a Solar Garden Community or adding solar panels to your home.

Feb. 3, 2022 Electric Vehicles - pros and cons. Local EV owners, Leigh Pomeroy, Vance Stuehrenberg and Mary Styndl discuss their electric vehicles. So far, they are very happy with them and feel they are doing something to help the environment through the use of clean energy.

The Living Earth Center in Mankato is expanding its community gardens with a new partnership with Blue Earth County. Executive Director, Laura Peterson, talks about the opportunity for more residents to garden, as well as the sustainable practices - both soil and social -that the center is promoting.

Jan. 6, 2022 Who knew you could grow vine-ripened tomatoes year-round in Minnesota?!! Bushel Boy President Chuck Tryon talks about how tomatoes and strawberries are being grown sustainably in greenhouses in both Owatonna and Mason City.

Dec. 16, 2021 How does Minnesota rank in terms of Climate Efforts? The American Council for an Engery-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) released a scorecard. Minneapolis ranked 4th out of 100 major cities, and St. Paul was 20th. Chief author of the report, Stefan Samaripus  talks about national trends and how cities can do better.

Dec. 9, 2021 Dr. Heidi Roop, University of Minnesota Extension Specialist: Climate Change, Adaptation, Impacts and Communication. Dr. Roop talks about the cold hard facts about climate change, her research and how we can all take action.

Dec. 2, 2021 What is GreenSeam and what does it bring to Minnesota's #1 industry, Agriculture? What role did Minnesota State Mankato have in getting this organization started? GreenSeam Director, Sam Ziegler talks about the organization's role as well as its upcoming Rural Forum - Weathering the Xtreme. The organization is working to make agriculture more earth-friendly, with a look at renewable e...

Nov. 17, 2021 Interview with Brian Buma, a National Geographic Explorer, Professor of Integrative Biology (Univ. of Colorado -Denver) and author of The Atlas of a Changing Climate: Our Evolving Plant Visualized with more than 100 maps, charts & infographics.  Join Buma on an incredible journey and be inspired to act as an environmental steward in your everyday life.

Our National Forests: Stories from America's Most Important Public Lands by Greg M. Peters. Author Greg Peters talks about his work with the National Forest Foundation and provides a history and offers a practical guide to encourage conscientious environmental stewardship for all to follow.

Nov. 4, 2021 U.N. Climate Summit is in all the latest headlines. What do these world conversations mean for us? Dr. Don Friend, Geography Professor at Minnesota State Mankato, explains.

Oct. 28, 2021 The MFS Organic Compost site near Good Thunder is back in operation and providing compost to farmers and gardeners. MFS Manager Max Milinkovich talks about how food waste and other materials are recycled to provide  compost for southern Minnesota.

October 14, 2021 Yes! You can improve Minnesota's water quality by starting in your own backyard. James Wolfin of Metro Blooms describes how. He also talks about the successful Lawn to Legumes program which provides grants to help you get started in making a  change. Applications for grants is open now through Feb. 2022. https://bwsr.state.mn.us/l2l

Oct. 7, 2021 The Water Resource Center at Minnesota State Mankato. It plays a critical role in collecting data that impact water quality across the state and beyond. WRC  Associate Director, Kimberly Musser talks about the work being done.

Sept. 30. 2021 What is Climate Justice? KMSU's Karen Wright talked with Charissa Verdoorn, Outreach & Policy Manager with Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light about its efforts to get communities of faith to take action to protect the planet and ensure a healthy life for all people.

September 16, 2021 Two Mankato residents make a call to action for helping protect the earth and reduce climate change. Jane Dow and Jim Dimmock talk about ways to influence policy, as well as how you can learn ways to become more sustainable to protect the future of our planet, Sustainability Fair, Sept. 25, 2021 UCC Church, Mankato, MN For more info: 507-469-5537

Sept. 9, 2021 The Soil & Water Conservation District in LeSueur County is working hard to improve the water quality in its watersheds and lakes. District Manager Mike Shultz talks about some of the projects the county is working on and how residents can help with the process.