Agricultural and Wastewater Pollution 05282026

Why We Need to Save Minnesota's Declining Prairies 07-09-2026

July 9, 2026 - Minnesota's Prairies are in severe decline, with less than 1% of their original 18 million acres remaining today. EDED host Karen Wright talked with Eric Steinmetz and Genevieve Miles, both with "Save the Kasota" Prairie about on-going efforts to preserve this important resource. The group is hosting its annual meeting on Tues. July 14, 6 pm at the Caledonia Curling Club in Mankato and would like to invite the public to learn more about how we all can make a difference.

New Center Established to Conserve Pollinators 07-02-2026

July 2, 2026 - The U.S Fish and Wildlife Service is rallying for pollinator conservation by building relationships through its new Center for Pollinator Conservation. The new (and first) director of the center, Nicole Alt, talked with EDED host Karen Wright about the organization's effort  to address the declining pollinator populations in the nation, as well as discusses practical tips the average person can take to make a difference. https://www.fws.gov/program/center-pollinator-conservation

New Climate-Friendly Ag Practices Program for Water Quality 06-18-2026

June 18, 2026 - The application period has just opened for a new MN Dept. of Agriculture program designed to encourage producers to implement sustainable agricultural practices with known, quantifiable greenhouse gas emission reductions. EDED host Karen Wright spoke with Megan Moland, Conservation Programs Administrator for the MN Water Quality Certification Program, about the Climate-friendly Agricultural Practices (CFAP) incentive payments of up to $10,000 to improve and protect water.

Local Food Rescue 6-11-2026

June 11, 2026 - The USA wastes nearly 40% of its food supply, amounting to around 60 million tons per year, or 325 pounds per person. EDED host Karen Wright talked with Tom Polich, Regional Food Rescue Coordinator at Reg. 9, about the unique program for rescuing tons of food in southern Minnesota.

Agricultural and Wastewater Pollution 05282026

May 28, 2026 -  Nutrient pollution from agriculture and other sources persists in many U.S. waterways, affecting both drinking water and the natural environment. Every Day is Earth Day host, Karen Wright, talked with a panel of experts on the issue: Dr. Gurpal Toor, University of Maryland, Dr. Vera Trainer, University of Washington, and Dr. Sandra McLellan, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.