Written by Shelli-Kae Foster, Program Manager I like to fix things. Not like repairing engines or a dishwasher, but when I see something that is broken or someone in need, I like to try and fix it or help someone out. This is why I feel my time spent with YES! is so valuable. Students are identifying problems in their community and fixing things that matter to them – their air, water, &
Taylor’s Story
Written by Taylor Templer, West Central Coordinator When I was a little girl, I was taught to fall in love with as many things as possible and to give those things my fullest attention and deepest connection. My family instilled in me to have compassion for all things. Compassion for family, compassion for others, compassion for the environment. I grew up outside, whether it was catching snakes
Sam’s Story
Written by Sam Horner, Northeast Coordinator When I was in 6th grade, I participated in a field trip to Long Lake Conservation Center. It did not have a reputation of being a fun trip, and most students did not look forward to attending. Mainly because we were not allowed to have any technology or video games and we were away from our families for a few days. Some of us had never done that
Bring YES! Home
Written by Taylor Templer, West Central Coordinator This is a time of uncertainty and great challenge. With schools closed and social distancing rules in place, YES! students and coaches across the state of Minnesota have had to put their environmental projects on hold while they adjust to distance learning. YES! wants to continue to support youth in creating positive environmental change in a
Workshop Empowers Students to Lead the Way on Organics Recycling
Written by Deb Groebner, Southern Coordinator On March 4th, 42 students and teachers from Youth Eco Solutions (YES!) teams at Sleepy Eye High School, St. Mary’s Catholic School, and Springfield High School participated in the Organics Recycling and Waste Reduction Workshop in Mankato. This workshop explored systems for keeping food waste and other compostable materials out of landfills and
Help Our Waters
Written by Taylor Templer, West Central Coordinator On March 11th, Youth Eco Solutions (YES!) held a workshop at Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center in Spicer called Help Our Waters. New London-Spicer Middle School and Minnewaska YES! students attended the workshop to gain knowledge about aquatic invasive species (AIS) and water quality in Kandiyohi County. The purpose of this workshop