Like a ruffed grouse exploding from the forest floor in a sudden flurry of wingbeats and aerodynamic exuberance the end of another October has caught me by surprise. I remember the experience clearly but trying to hold on to fleeting October weekends is no easier than bringing a grouse to hand.
On top of my personal enjoyment in being outdoors with family and friends this fall has been full of adventure for the Minnesota Conservation Federation. In the last month MNCF launched our first full cohort of the new MNCF Women in Conservation Leadership program and welcomed our 6th cohort of students into our Conservation Leadership Academy program. Working to bring more folks into the fold of hunters, anglers, and foragers is a big part or our mission at MNCF and I am so excited about the opportunity to expand our programing with the help of our board and conservation volunteers.
We have also been working to organize our upcoming Give to the Max Day event.
This November 20th MNCF will be hosting a “Breakfast (for dinner) for Conservation Banquet at Al’s Breakfast”.
I am personally reaching out to invite you to join us for what will be a fun event in support of MNCF. Register today for the event and plan to drop by Al’s Breakfast in Minneapolis on November 20th between 3:30-7pm.
I hope to see you there!
All the best and make sure you take someone new into the outdoors with you soon.
This fall MNCF welcomed our first cohort of participants to our Women in Conservation Leadership program. Participants took part in a shooting range and firearm safety program before gathering for a weekend event focuses on learning about Conservation, spending time in community with one another, and topping the experience off with a public land pheasant hunt alongside some four legged companions.
We are so excited about this program and the opportunity to engage with more women in conservation!
MNCF Board President Julia Schrenkler and Executive Director Brad Gausman recently sat down with Randolph Briley from the Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Industry Partnership to speak about the program on the Explore Minnesota More podcast. Give it a listen at the link below.
Since 2019 the MNCF Conservation Leadership Academy program has introduced Minnesotas future natural resource conservation leaders to hunting, angling, an conservation advocacy. This past October eight student participants representing Bemidji State University and The University of MN Twin Cities gathered near Fergus Falls Minnesota for an overnight program.
Each CLA program weekend includes time for participants to learn from professional conservation mentors while also taking part in an exciting field activity. This year the group was joined by MN Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Biologist Kelsie LaSharr and MNCF Board member Mercedes Akinseye. They both shared with the group the work they do for conservation in Minnesota and their personal connection to hunting as part of their lifestyle and conservation ethic.
Executive Director Brad presented to the group about the conservation efforts supported and funded by those who hunt waterfowl. The group learned about duck stamps, license dollars, and excise taxes on hunting equipment that all go towards the conservation of waterfowl in the US.
To cap off the event the group joined in on a duck hunt Sunday morning. A pre dawn boat ride provided an exciting way to start the day for the group!
Our next event will take place in January and with a focus on ice fishing!
Parter Program Spotlight: Renewing the Countryside
Like MNCF, Renewing the Countryside is working to uplift opportunities to get more women involved in conservation. They have a strong focus on programing that uplifts women who are involved in the agricultural sector.
According to program lead Burke Murphy Women in Conservation make up the heartbeat of land stewardship in Minnesota, but often without the connection and networking support to grow stronger together. These creative networking events by MNWiC aim to grow our state’s conservation movement by facilitating this inclusive network of educators to collaboratively support each other in our conservation outreach and work.
If you are looking to broaden your strengthen your network of women conservation professionals make sure to check out their upcoming program opportunities.
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