Environmental Stewardship Institute

2020 Youth Empowerment Program final projects

by Sophie Downey

September 14, 2020

This year, participants in our Youth Empowerment Program tackled issues of environmental justice, microplastics, climate change and more. Enjoy a selection of their final projects. >>

A seagull made of plastic: The threat of plastics in our waters

September 3, 2020

Audrey, a summer Youth Empowerment Program participant, wanted to make the threat of microplastics in freshwater visible through art. She crafted her seagull sculpture using plastic she found during just half an hour at a Lake Superior beach. >>

Mapping for environmental justice in the Twin Cities

September 3, 2020

Curran, a Youth Empowerment Program participant, used data and mapping skills to visualize environmental injustice across Minneapolis and St. Paul. >>

Environmental Stewardship Institute

July 30, 2020

by Fiona Hatch

July 30, 2020

Fiona, a summer Youth Empowerment Program participant, wants you to get involved in legislative action for clean water and the environment. Here's her account of the impact of recent environmental legislation, the possibility for critical change this year and in the future, and how you can influence policy. >>

Tackling the issue of fishing line for wildlife

July 28, 2020

We've written a lot about how anglers can help our waters and wildlife by avoiding lead tackle. But another key action is disposing of fishing line responsibly. Jonathan, a Youth Empowerment Program participant this summer and avid fisher, built and installed a PVC fishing line receptacle at Hidden Falls Park. He's also got some tips for dealing with fishing line. >>