EC Agenda 03-24-2025
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Remote Attendance: Members of the public may attend this meeting via Microsoft Teams by
calling 1-872-256-4160 and entering access code 774 327 980#.
Questions/Comments: Members of the public who have questions about the commission or
any items on the agenda should contact the staff commission liaison – Eric Eckman,
Environmental Resources Supervisor, eeckman@goldenvalleymn.gov, 763-593-8084.
1. Call to Order
2. Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge and honor the Dakota nation, on whose ancestral land the City of Golden Valley
is built, and whose land resources we use. We commit to counteracting the erasure of the cultural
practices and presence of the Dakota people through education an d by amplifying a wide range of
indigenous voices.
3. Approval of Agenda
4. Approval of February 24, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes (5 min)
5. Old Business
A. Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ/Bassett Creek 2025 efforts (10 min)
i. Subcommittee Updates
1. 2025 Creek Clean-up Event Planning
B. Annual Work Plan Evaluation & Prioritization (20 min)
6. New Business
A. GreenStep Cities Update (20 min)
B. Organics Recycling Drop-Off Pilot (10 min)
C. GreenCorps Updates (10 min)
D. Council Updates (5 min)
E. Other Business (5 min)
7. Adjournment
March 24, 2025 – 6:30 pm
City Hall Council Conference Room
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Remote Attendance: Members of the public may attend this meeting via Microsoft Teams by
calling 1-872-256-4160 and entering access code 774 327 980#.
Questions/Comments: Members of the public who have questions about the commission or
any items on the agenda should contact the staff commission liaison – Eric Eckman,
Environmental Resources Supervisor, eeckman@goldenvalleymn.gov, 763-593-8084.
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Chair Yahle at 6:30 pm.
2. Land Acknowledgement
3. Roll Call
Commissioners present: Debra Yahle, Sarah Drawz, Tonia Galonska, Paul Klaas, Amelia
Schultz
Commissioners absent: Wendy Weirich, Kari Cantarero, Ellen Brenna
Council Members present: Sophia Ginis (part of meeting)
Staff present: Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor;
Carrie Nelson, Engineering Assistant.
4. Approval of February 24, 2025 Agenda
MOTION by Commissioner Galonska, seconded by Commissioner Klaas to approve the agenda
for February 24, 2025 as submitted and the motion carried.
5. Approval of January 27, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes
MOTION by Commissioner Galonska, seconded by Commissioner Drawz to approve the
minutes of January 27, 2025 as submitted and the motion carried with the following change:
• Clarify 7A.vi.3 – Change ‘Sponsor 2026 Spring Tree Sale or other community tree
planting event.’ to:
o Sponsor 2026 Spring Tree Sale or other community tree planting event.
Change to just ‘Sponsor 2026 Spring Tree Sale’ and create a new work
plan idea for a community tree planting event.
February 24, 2025 – 6:30 pm
City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting
February 24, 2025 – 6:30 pm
2
6. Old Business
A. Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ/Bassett Creek 2024 Efforts
i. Subcommittee Updates:
1. 2025 Creek Clean-Up Event Planning
1. The Communications Department has Commissioner Galonska’s
summary proposal for review and feedback. The event may or
may not make the April 19th date depending on how long
Communications needs to develop a newsletter article. It could
happen later like May, or in the fall.
ii. Watershed Map & Co-Naming Update
1. The map is complete and printed. We have a stack at the Community
Development counter. This would be ready for a creek clean-up event.
7. New Business
A. City Council 2030 Strategic Directives
i. Staff reviewed the City of Golden Valley 2030 Strategic Directives created by
the Council at their January 28, 2025 visioning session and approved by the
Council at their February 18, 2025 meeting.
ii. Staff highlighted the items that overlap with the Commissions mission and
duties.
B. Annual Work Plan Evaluation & Prioritization
i. Added a column to the work plan matrix to identify which ideas go along with
the Council’s 2030 Strategic Directives.
ii. Look at each item and try to fill in blank cells and then prioritize each as high,
medium, or low priority.
iii. Filling in the Blanks on the Matrix - City 2030 Strategic Directive and/or EC
Priority:
1. Sponsor 2026 Spring Tree Sale:
1. Priority: High
i. We’ve done it before, and it’s been successful.
2. Draft Procedure or Policy for Co-Naming Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ/Bassett
Creek:
1. Priority: High
i. Quick and achievable. Piggyback on what the Watershed
has already put in place.
3. Explore Organized Solid Waste and Yard Waste:
1. Directive: Prioritize quality infrastructure designed to last,
emphasizing environmental sustainability and climate resiliency.
2. Priority: Medium
4. Urban Forest Management:
1. Plant More Trees, Sponsor/Host a Tree Planting Event:
i. Priority: Low
2. Educational Materials for Invasive Species:
City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting
February 24, 2025 – 6:30 pm
3
i. Directive: Leverage City events and projects to reflect
our environmental values.
ii. Priority: Low
5. Assist with Strategic Parks Planning:
1. Priority: Low
i. Complex and would take a lot of time and effort.
ii. More appropriate for the Parks & Rec department. They
can collaborate with the EC, as needed.
6. Assist with Developing Climate Equity Plan:
1. Priority: High
7. Outdoor Lighting Ordinance:
1. Directive: Prioritize quality infrastructure designed to last,
emphasizing environmental sustainability and climate resiliency.
2. Priority: High
i. Commissioner Klaas has expertise and has completed a
lot of the work already.
8. Increase Organics Recycling Participation with New Initiatives:
1. Directive: Leverage City events and projects to reflect our
environmental values.
2. Priority: Medium
9. Certify Brookview as an Audubon International Environmentally
Responsible golf course:
1. Change this to just completing the audit to help determine
whether or not getting certified makes sense.
2. Action or Goal in Existing Plan = Parks & Natural Resources
Chapter of Comp Plan.
3. Add the Open Space & Recreation Commission to the
Departments/Divisions involved.
4. Directive: Strategically use park land to offer diverse amenities
that fulfill community needs while advancing environmental
goals.
5. Priority: High
10. Review and Update the City’s Winter Maintenance Chloride
Management Policy:
1. Directive: Prioritize quality infrastructure designed to last,
emphasizing environmental sustainability and climate resiliency.
2. Priority: Low
11. Promote and Educate about Managed Natural Landscapes and
Plantings for Pollinators:
1. Directive: Leverage City events and projects to reflect our
environmental values.
2. Priority: Medium (edging on high)
12. Apply in 2025 and Host the We Are Water Minnesota’s Traveling Exhibit
in 2026:
City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting
February 24, 2025 – 6:30 pm
4
1. Priority: High
i. The exhibit is already put together. We fill out an
application. If we’re awarded the exhibit, we’ll need a
space to host it for approximately 10 days and possibly
ask volunteers to work at the exhibit.
13. Work Towards Becoming a Blue Zones Project Community:
1. Directive: Retain and actively engage local businesses,
recognizing their role as vital community members.
2. Priority: Medium
i. We don’t know a lot about it. Similar to Partners in
Energy. It will take a lot of time and money.
14. Continue Supporting Hennepin County’s Zero Waste Efforts by:
1. Reducing Styrofoam and Single Use Plastics, Bags, and
Containers:
i. Add Commissioner Drawz’s name as EC Lead.
ii. Directive: Leverage City events and projects to reflect
our environmental values.
iii. Priority: High
2. Investigating Joining the Hennepin Recycling Group Joint Powers
Organization:
i. Directive: Foster partnerships with nearby jurisdictions
to collaboratively tackle infrastructure challenges
affecting Golden Valley.
ii. Priority: Low
1. A lot of staff time.
3. Looking into Market in the Valley Hosting Secondhand Swaps
each month:
i. Priority: Medium
15. Host 2026 Earth Day Fair or Environmental Day Fair:
1. Priority: Low
16. Explore and Understand Potable Water Use in the Community:
1. Directive: Prioritize quality infrastructure designed to last,
emphasizing environmental sustainability and climate resiliency.
2. Priority: Medium
i. High staff time and cost because of the analysis and all
the different staff and departments involved.
ii. Possibly includes an ordinance change.
iv. 7 High, 6 Medium, 6 Low Priority Actions
C. Council Updates
i. There is a lot of work happening on many fronts for our municipal facilities.
ii. Overall City Staff – we have a lot of our key positions filled now.
iii. The cultural work for City staff is continuing. We have some Employee
Resource Groups set up.
City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting
February 24, 2025 – 6:30 pm
5
iv. The last time the Council gathered in 2024 the goal was to keep the City
running and functioning. In 2025 it feels like we are back in a place to rebuild
and regroup.
D. Other Business
i. Eric will not be at the next meeting. Ethan and Gunnar will attend.
8. Adjournment
MOTION by Commissioner Drawz, seconded by Commissioner Schultz to adjourn the meeting
at 8:11 pm and the motion carried.
ATTEST:
__________________________________ __________________________________
Carrie Nelson, Administrative Assistant Debra Yahle, Chair
Date: March 24, 2025
To: Environmental Commission
From: Eric Eckman, Environmental Supervisor
Subject: Annual Work Plan Development
As stated in its bylaws, the Commission is required to develop an annual work plan for review
and approval by City Council. Over the next few months, the Commission will evaluate and
prioritize ideas, discuss resources needed, and transform ideas into specific actions and
strategies for the plan.
Below is a tentative schedule for work plan development:
December Brainstorm ideas (complete)
January Evaluate ideas; discuss resources needed (complete)
January 28 Council visioning session; 2030 Strategic Directives (complete)
February Prioritize ideas and align with strategic directives; refine specific actions and
timelines (complete)
Ongoing Consultant-led operations analysis and internal strategic planning process
(may inform commission work plans)
March-April Finalize draft work plan
Spring Present draft work plan to City Council
The schedule will remain flexible as more information about the strategic planning process, city
priorities, and framework for boards and commissions becomes available.
At the February meeting, Commissioners provided additional information for the matrix tool
and prioritized work plan ideas as high, medium, and low priority. There is a total of 19 actions
with seven (7) high, six (6) medium, and six (6) low. Commissioners agreed to discuss and rank
the high priority actions one through seven at the March meeting. Commissioners should
review the attached updated matrix tool and come to the meeting prepared to discuss and
further prioritize the work plan ideas.
EC Priority
L, M, H
EC Rank
High
Priority
1-7 Work Plan Idea
City 2030
Strategic
Directive?
2025 City
Priority?
Action or Goal in
Existing Plan?Outcome / Success
Action is a
recommendation, code
change, plan, policy,
procedure,
education/information,
event, or sponsorship
Potential EC
project lead Staff project lead
Departments/
Divisions involved
Approximate
staff time
L, M, H
Approximate
Cost/Budget
$, $$, $$$
Project
timeline Notes
Sponsor 2025 Spring Tree Sale (already in
progress)EC work plan
Plant more trees,
improve environment
and human health
event, sponsorship NA Diana, Eric
Public Works,
Environmental,
Communications
M $8 mos
Sponsor 2025 Dakota Plant Walks (already
in progress)EC work plan
Aware and educated
public, and more
naturalized
environments
sponsorship NA Eric Environmental,
Communications L $2 mos
Plan and sponsor 2025 creek/watershed
cleanup event (already in progress)EC work plan
Informed public, less
pollution, improved
water quality
event, sponsorship Sarah, Tonia Eric
Environmental,
Communications,
Public Works,
possibly Park & Rec
M $6 mos
H Sponsor 2026 Spring Tree Sale
Leverage City
events and
projects to reflect
our environmental
values
Natural
Resources
Management
Plan
Plant more trees,
improve environment
and human health
event, sponsorship Diana
Public Works,
Environmental,
Communications
M $$8 mos
H Draft procedure or policy for co-naming
Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ / Bassett Creek
Stay at the
forefront of
advancing equity
and inclusivity by
fostering strong,
welcoming
relationships with
community
EC work plan
More aware and
educated public, honor
Dakota people, increase
and normalize use of
Dakota placenames
procedure or policy Paul Eric
Environmental,
Communications,
Equity, Legal
M $8 mos
M
Research and provide recommendations
on organized solid waste and yard waste
collection (carryover from 2023-24 plan).
Focus on environmental aspects.
Prioritize quality
infrastructure
designed to last,
emphasizing
environmental
sustainability and
climate resiliency
EC work plan
Sufficient data available
and research conducted
to make an informed
recommendation to
council
recommendation Ethan
Planning &
Sustainability,
Environmental,
Public Works,
Communications,
Finance, Equity,
Legal
H $$
Depends if
larger city
engagement
effort. Min 6
mos, could be
more than 12.
Need Council
direction on ECs
role, work product.
Provide recommendations on urban forest
management, with a focus on a. or b.
below:
L a. Plant more trees, sponsor/host a tree
planting event
Leverage City
events and
projects to reflect
our environmental
values
Natural
Resources
Management
Plan
Plant more trees,
improve environment
and human health
recommendation,
education/information,
sponsorship
Ellen Diana
Public Works,
Environmental,
Communications
M $$8 mos
L
b. Update educational materials on
invasive plant species (i.e. buckthorn
management)
Leverage City
events and
projects to reflect
our environmental
values
Natural
Resources
Management
Plan
Remove invasive
species, increase
biodiversity and
ecosystem health
education/information Diana, Drew
Public Works,
Environmental,
Communications
M $$4 mos
L Assist with strategic parks planning (natural
resources components)
Strategically use park
land to offer diverse
amenities that fulfill
community needs
while advancing
environmental goals
Natural
Resources
Management
Plan
comprehensive
inventory, analysis,
policies, and actions to
protect and improve the
natural environment
plan development Janelle/Greg, Eric
Park & Rec,
Environmental,
Public Works,
Engineering,
Communications,
Equity
H $$$
Depends on role
of EC, min 4
mos
Need direction on
ECs role, tasks.
H Assist with developing climate equity plan
Stay at the
forefront of
advancing equity
and inclusivity by
fostering strong,
welcoming
relationships with
community
Resilience &
Sustainability
Plan
comprehensive
inventory, analysis,
policies, and actions to
improve community
health, resilience, and
sustainability
plan development Ethan
Planning &
Sustainability,
Equity,
Environmental,
Public Works,
Communications
H $$
Depends on role
of EC, min 2
mos
H Update the City’s outdoor lighting
ordinance
Prioritize quality
infrastructure
designed to last,
emphasizing
environmental
sustainability and
climate resiliency
Resilience &
Sustainability
Plan
Update and modernize
ordinance, reduce light
pollution, improve
health of all living beings
code change Paul Ethan
Planning &
Sustainability,
Environmental,
Engineering,
Communications,
Equity, Legal,
Planning
Commission
H $$
Depends if
larger city
engagement
effort, min 6
mos
M
Increase organics recycling participation
with new initiatives (like education along
with puchasing and offering free bags)
Leverage City
events and
projects to reflect
our environmental
values
Resilience &
Sustainability
Plan
Increase organics
tonnage, reduce waste,
improve diversion rate,
informed public
recommendation,
education/information Paul Ethan
Planning &
Sustainability,
Environmental,
Communications
L $$2 mos
H
Perform audit of Brookview using Audubon
International environmentally responsible
golf course criteria
Strategically use park
land to offer diverse
amenities that fulfill
community needs
while advancing
environmental goals
Parks & Natural
Resources
Chapter of Comp
Plan
Brookview GC becomes
more naturalized and
sustainably managed
than current conditions,
imporved water quality
and biodiversity
recommendation, best
practices, more?
Janelle/Greg, Golf
staff
Park & Rec, Golf,
Environmental,
Communications,
OSRC
L $5 mos
Could simplify by
only requesting
Audubon Society to
perform audit, and
possibly develop
plan.
Actions/improvemen
ts/certification could
come later.
L Review and update the City’s winter
maintenance chloride management policy
Prioritize quality
infrastructure
designed to last,
emphasizing
environmental
sustainability and
climate resiliency
Surface Water
Mgmt Plan
Policy is updated to
reflect current
operations,
demonstrates
leadership, potential for
less pollution and
improved water quality
policy Ellen, Kari Tim/Marshall
Environmental,
Public Works,
Equity, Legal
M $8 mos
M
Promote and educate about managed
natural landscapes and planting for
pollinators
Leverage City
events and
projects to reflect
our environmental
values
Natural
Resources
Management
Plan
Informed public, more
natural landscapes, less
manicured turf
education/information Wendy Eric
Environmental,
Engineering,
Planning &
Sustainability,
Communications
M $3 mos
Could lead to
updating lawn
maintenance
code, would
require more time
H Apply in 2025 and host We Are Water
Minnesota’s traveling exhibit in 2026
Leverage City
events and
projects to reflect
our environmental
values
Surface Water
Mgmt Plan
Informed public, less
pollution, improved
water quality
event, sponsorship Kari Eric Environmental,
Communications L $3 mos
M Work toward becoming a Blue Zones
Project Community
Retain and actively
engage local
businesses,
recognizing their
role as vital
community
members
Achieve Blue Zones
Community certification recommendation, plan Kari Ethan
All Depts,
community
organizations,
community
volunteers
H $$$36-60 mos Similar to Partners
In Energy program
Continue supporting Hennepin County’s
zero waste efforts with a, b, or c below:
H
a. Reduce Styrofoam and single use
plastics, bags, and containers (restaurants,
stores, etc), and explore implementing a
potential city-wide fee on certain products
(carryover from 2023-24 plan)
Leverage City
events and
projects to reflect
our environmental
values
EC work plan,
Resilience &
Sustainability
Plan
Reduce styrofoam and
plastic waste, improve
environment
recommendation, code
change Sarah Ethan
Planning &
Sustainability,
Environmental,
Finance,
Communications,
Equity, Legal
H $$12 mos
L
b. Investigate possibly joining the Hennepin
Recycling Group joint powers organization
consisting of Brooklyn Center, Crystal and
New Hope
Foster
partnerships with
nearby
jurisdictions to
collaboratively
tackle
infrastructure
challenges
affecting Golden
Valley
Sufficient data available
and research conducted
to make an informed
recommendation to
council
recommendation, possible
future agreement Ethan
Planning &
Sustainability,
Environmental,
Communications,
Finance, Equity,
Legal
H $$
Depends if
larger city
engagement
effort, min 6
mos
M
c. Look into Market in the Valley hosting
Second Hand Swaps each month (each
month a different category like Winter Gear,
Art Supplies, Media, etc.)
Leverage City
events and
projects to reflect
our environmental
values
Resilience &
Sustainability
Plan
Reduce waste, increase
reuse
event,
education/information Ethan
Planning &
Sustainability,
Environmental,
Communications
L $3 mos
L Host 2026 Earth Day Fair or Environmental
Day Fair
Leverage City
events and
projects to reflect
our environmental
values
Resilience &
Sustainability
Plan
More aware and
informed public,
improve environment
event, sponsorship,
education/information Ethan
Planning &
Sustainability,
Environmental,
Communications
H $$
Depends on
partner
organizations,
min 8 mos
M
Explore and understand potable water use
in the community; research conservation
measures like a lawn watering ordinance
(carryover from 2023-24 plan)
Prioritize quality
infrastructure
designed to last,
emphasizing
environmental
sustainability and
climate resiliency
EC work plan,
Surface Water
Mgmt Plan
Conserve water, improve
environment
recommendation, code
change Ellen Tim/Joe, Eric,
Caleb
Public Works,
Environmental,
Engineering,
Finance,
Communications,
Equity, Legal
H $$$
Depends on
larger city
engagement
effort, min 8
mos
Date: March 24, 2025
To: Environmental Commission
From: Ethan Kehrberg, Sustainability Specialist
Gunnar Laughlin, MN GreenCorps Member
Subject: GreenStep Cities Update
For the fifth year in a row, Golden Valley has received recognition in Steps Four and Five of the
GreenStep Cities program.
Green Step Cities is a voluntary challenge, assistance, and recognition program to help cities
achieve sustainability and quality-of-life goals. Golden Valley was among 148 cities and Tribal
Nations in Minnesota taking collective action against climate change through community
engagement and cost savings and energy-use reduction initiatives.
GreenStep Cities awards Step Four recognition to cities reporting a minimum number of core
metrics for the previous calendar year. These metrics show the aggregate and quantitative
results of taking multiple GreenStep actions. Step Five cities must show improvement in the
Step Four metrics.
The following list highlights some of the metrics that changed compared to the previous annual
report (Bold=Improvement; Underline=Regression):
1.1 - kBTU per square foot, per year (decrease from 108.72 to 97.41 kBTU/ft2/yr)
1.2 - Dollars spent on energy per square foot, per year (decrease from $2.36 to $2.12/yr)
1.3 - Ratio of actual energy use to predicted energy use (decrease from .94 to .80)
1.A - Electricity consumption for all buildings (decrease from 2,320,740.93 to 2,122,539.84
kWh/yr)
1.B - Natural gas consumption for all buildings (decrease from 123,157 to 108,881 therms/yr)
The milder winter, more efficient boiler in City Hall, and continued efficiency
improvements of buildings contributed to the decrease in consumption.
3.1 - Annual vehicle miles traveled (VMT) for gasoline fleet (increase from 297,477 to 392,539
miles/yr)
3.2 - Average miles per gallon for gasoline fleet (increase from 10.3 to 11.05 MPG)
3.3 - Annual vehicle miles traveled for diesel fleet (decrease from 86,699 to 81,234 VMT/yr)
3.4 - Average miles per gallon for diesel fleet (decrease from 4.72 to 4.57 MPG)
3.D - Gallons of diesel consumed (decrease from 39,573 to 34,014 gallons/yr)
3.E - Gallons of gasoline consumed (increase from 36,525 to 45,945 gallons/yr)
Fuel efficiency generally improves each year as older vehicles are replaced by newer
models with higher MPG. However, the increase in VMT also contributes to the increase
in gasoline consumption.
5.1 - Number of public electric vehicle charging station ports (increase from 34 to 49 ports)
Many car dealerships, businesses, and some multifamily properties are adding chargers
as EVs continue to grow in popularity.
18.5 - Organics recycling participation (decrease from 41% to 39%)
There may be a slight decrease in participation compared to the start of the program as
people gave it a try at first but decided not to continue. Improvements in how the
participation data is collected and measured means this is the most accurate number
yet, while previous years were more of an estimation. 39% is still among the highest
participation rates in the metro, even among programs that are more mature than
Golden Valley’s.
Date: March 24, 2025
To: Environmental Commission
From: Ethan Kehrberg, Sustainability Specialist
Gunnar Laughlin, MN GreenCorps Member
Subject: Organics Recycling Drop-Off Pilot
Earlier this month, the Sustainability Specialist and the MN GreenCorps Member worked with
the Fire Department and Public Works Department to set up a pilot organics recycling drop-off
site at Fire Station #2.
Currently, Hennepin County does not require multifamily properties to offer organics recycling
to their tenants. The City’s organics recycling contract with Republic Services covers 1-4 unit
households, so many multifamily residents do not have access to organics recycling service.
With this new drop-off site, residents at nearby apartments and condo buildings can collect
food scraps and other compostable materials and dispose of them in carts with orange lids, as
shown in the photo above. This will reduce landfilling of food waste and fill a gap in service for
residents of the community that are not covered by the city’s curbside organics recycling
contract.
The GreenCorps member and Sustainability Specialist will periodically check the site for
contamination and other issues and documenting findings. The Fire Department will also be
notifying sustainability staff if they experience any concerns with the program or notice any
issues with the site so it can be safe and successful for everyone involved.
Date: March 24, 2025
To: Environmental Commission
From: Gunnar Laughlin, MN GreenCorps Member
Subject: GreenCorps Updates
Internal bi-weekly sustainability updates
Earlier in March, the GreenCorps member and the Sustainability Specialist started
including sustainability updates in the emails sent out to city staff on Fridays by the City
Manager. So far, they have highlighted the existing solar panels on city buildings and the
addition of the organics drop-off pilot.
GreenStep Cities reporting
Over the past couple months, many of the GreenCorps member’s service hours have
been spent on Golden Valley’s GreenStep metrics. This has included reviewing and
extracting these metrics from datasets, and working with other city staff to update the
city’s numbers from previous years. There are only a handful of categories left to fully
report by the 4/1 deadline.
Organics drop-off pilot
Earlier this month, the Sustainability Specialist and the MN GreenCorps Member worked
with the Fire Department and Public Works Department to set up a pilot organics
recycling drop-off site at Fire Station #2. They will continue to monitor the site for
contamination.
Future events
With the warmer weather coming up, the Sustainability Specialist and the GreenCorps
member are planning to hold sustainability-focused events throughout the rest of the
member’s term. They are actively planning the city staff’s annual cleanup on Earth Day
with the help of HR, the Water Resources Specialist, and the Environmental Resources
Supervisor. More volunteer events and community engagement opportunities will be
added through the spring and summer.
Climate action planning
The Sustainability Specialist and GreenCorps member have been connecting with other
cities, counties, and experts in Minnesota to discuss climate action plans. During this
research phase, they are learning more about what details to include in RFPs, how
different consultants approach the process, how to effectively and inclusively involve
the community, and where to find helpful resources and data to aid Golden Valley’s
planning efforts.
Seed collection from fall – will process and use for seeding in public parks
This past fall, the GreenCorps member collected the seeds of native plants from buffer
zones and parks around the city. In coming months, they will be processed, and
available to be reseeded throughout the city in the fall.
Application to be GreenCorps Host Site for 2025-2026 service year
The City of Golden Valley submitted an application to the MPCA to be a 2025-2026
GreenCorps host site earlier this month. Golden Valley staff hope to interview in April
and will hear whether they are selected as a host site by May.
Minnesota Master Naturalist Course
Minnesota Master Naturalist is a program run by the University of Minnesota Extension.
They promote awareness, understanding, and stewardship of Minnesota’s natural
environment by developing a corps of well-informed citizens dedicated to conservation
education and service within their communities. For this course, the GreenCorps
member spent a week at Long Lake Conservation Center learning about outdoor
education, ecosystems in the Northwoods biome, and conservation practices. They plan
to use what they learned from the course both in their service term and beyond (in
future employment and volunteer hours required by the Master Naturalist program).
Plastic Free Challenge
The Sustainability Specialist and GreenCorps member led a Golden Valley Community Team in
the Plastic Free Challenge. The Golden Valley team had 15 members with minimal engagement,
so there is room for improvement with future challenges. However, the cumulative impact from
all teams and counties involved in the challenge was remarkable. The graphic below shows the
total results from all challenge participants: