The Watershed

We Are Water MN
The Watershed

The Watershed is a podcast exploring stories about water and people from communities throughout Minnesota. The Watershed is produced by We Are Water MN, which is led by the Minnesota Humanities Center in partnership with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; the Minnesota Historical Society; the Board of Water and Soil Resources; the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources; and University of Minnesota Extension. We are Water MN is funded in part with money from the Clean Water, Land, & Legacy Fund created in 2008 and by the National Endowment for the Humanities.

  1. 08/19/2024

    54 | PFAS in Water (Cass Lake, MN)

    Thanks for listening to The Watershed, a podcast of We Are Water MN. In this episode, we hear from Jeffrey Harper, water resources manager for the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe's division of resource management. Harper shares community concerns surround PFAS, including background on these substances, stories, and his team's efforts to address them. The We Are Water MN exhibit will be hosted by Leech Lake Tribal College at their Bezhigoogahbow Library in Cass Lake from August 15 through October 6, 2024. From there, it will move to the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. You can learn more about We Are Water MN at www.mnhum.org/water. This episode of the Watershed was produced by Angela Hugunin, and by We Are Water MN, which is led by the Minnesota Humanities Center in partnership with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; the Minnesota Historical Society; the Board of Water and Soil Resources; the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources; and University of Minnesota Extension. We are Water MN is funded in part with money from the Clean Water, Land, & Legacy Fund that was created with the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008 and by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Special thanks to Emma Needham, who conducted our interviews for Leech Lake Tribal College. Thank you to Jeffrey Harper, our interviewee for this episode. You can find We Are Water MN on Facebook (⁠https://www.facebook.com/wearewatermn/⁠), Instagram (⁠https://www.instagram.com/wearewatermn/⁠), and Twitter (⁠https://twitter.com/wearewatermn⁠). Follow along for the latest updates! Organizations and resources mentioned in this episode: · Leech Lake Division of Resource Management: https://www.llojibwe.org/drm/ · Minnesota’s PFAS blueprint: https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air-water-land-climate/minnesotas-pfas-blueprint · PFAS information from the Minnesota Department of Health: https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/hazardous/topics/pfcs.html · PFAS and health: https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/hazardous/topics/pfashealth.html · Interactive map with PFAS testing of MN’s drinking water: https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/pfasmap.html · Fish consumption guidance: https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/fish/index.html Music credits: These Times and Slate Tracker by Blue Dot Sessions (⁠www.sessions.blue⁠).

    16 min
  2. 08/19/2024

    53 | Protecting Manoomin & Water for Future Generations (Cass Lake, MN)

    Thanks for listening to The Watershed, a podcast of We Are Water MN. In this episode, we hear from Leanna Goose, a student at Leech Lake Tribal College whose research aims to protect manoomin (wild rice) and water for future generations. The We Are Water MN exhibit will be hosted by Leech Lake Tribal College at their Bezhigoogahbow Library in Cass Lake from August 15 through October 6, 2024. From there, it will move to the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. You can learn more about We Are Water MN at www.mnhum.org/water. This episode of the Watershed was produced by Angela Hugunin, and by We Are Water MN, which is led by the Minnesota Humanities Center in partnership with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; the Minnesota Historical Society; the Board of Water and Soil Resources; the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources; and University of Minnesota Extension. We are Water MN is funded in part with money from the Clean Water, Land, & Legacy Fund that was created with the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008 and by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Special thanks to Emma Needham, who conducted our interviews for Leech Lake Tribal College. Thank you to Leanna Goose, our interviewee for this episode. You can find We Are Water MN on Facebook (⁠https://www.facebook.com/wearewatermn/⁠), Instagram (⁠https://www.instagram.com/wearewatermn/⁠), and Twitter (⁠https://twitter.com/wearewatermn⁠). Follow along for the latest updates! Organizations and resources mentioned in this episode: · Reseeding Manoomin for the Next Seven Generations: https://www.lltc.edu/2024/04/19/protecting-manoomin-for-the-next-seven-generations/ · Leech Lake Division of Resource Management: https://www.llojibwe.org/drm/ Music credits: These Times, Glinting Giant, Uncertain Ground, and A Rush of Clear Water by Blue Dot Sessions (⁠www.sessions.blue⁠).

    15 min
  3. 07/12/2024

    52 | How Can Hosting an Exhibit Spark Lasting Change?

    The Watershed is a podcast of We Are Water MN. In this special episode, we hear from Brittany Lenzmeier and Stephanie Hatzenbihler of Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District. Brittany and Stephanie share about their experiences hosting We Are Water MN. This episode explores: · Interviewee paths to working in water resources · What drew our interviewees to We Are Water MN · Lessons learned while hosting We Are Water MN · Advice for prospective and future host sites · Outcomes from hosting We Are Water MN · Forming lasting partnerships · Beyond hosting We Are Water MN - what did hosting make possible? What hopes remain? Are you interested in bringing We Are Water MN to your community? The deadline for host site applications is July 21, 2024. Learn more and apply at https://www.mnhum.org/get-involved/host-an-exhibit/host-we-are-water-mn/. We Are Water MN is a community engagement initiative and traveling exhibit that builds relationships with and responsibilities to water. This episode of the Watershed was produced by Angela Hugunin, and by We Are Water MN, which is led by the Minnesota Humanities Center in partnership with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; the Minnesota Historical Society; the Board of Water and Soil Resources; the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources; and University of Minnesota Extension. We are Water MN is funded in part with money from the Clean Water, Land, & Legacy Fund that was created with the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008, and by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Special thanks to Brittany Lenzmeier and Stephanie Hatzenbihler of Stearns County SWCD for their time willingness to share. https://www.stearnscountyswcd.net/wawmn   The We Are Water MN exhibit will be hosted in Chisago County from June 20 through August 12, 2024. The main exhibit will be at the North Branch Area Library, with additional indoor exhibits on view at the Chisago County History Center. Lindstrom Memorial Park will have an outdoor display. After Chisago County, the exhibit will move to Cass Lake (Leech Lake Tribal College), and Shakopee (Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community). You can learn more about We Are Water MN at www.mnhum.org/water. Learn more about Chisago County’s hosting of the exhibit, plus related events, at https://www.chisagocountymn.gov/1349/We-Are-Water-MN-Exhibit---June-20-to-Aug. You can find We Are Water MN on Facebook (⁠https://www.facebook.com/wearewatermn/⁠), Instagram (⁠https://www.instagram.com/wearewatermn/⁠), and Twitter (⁠https://twitter.com/wearewatermn⁠). Follow along for the latest updates! Music credits: These Times and Paper Feather by Blue Dot Sessions (⁠www.sessions.blue⁠).

    54 min
  4. 06/20/2024

    50 | What Will You Do for the Water? (Chisago County, MN)

    The Watershed is a podcast of We Are Water MN. In this episode, we hear from Sharon Day, a writer, artist, activist, educator, and leader of water protection efforts including Nibi Walks. She is also an enrolled member of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa. Sharon Day explores some of her water memories, as well as themes around caring for and being in relationship with water. We'll also probe questions about our responsibility to past and future generations. What will you do for the water? The We Are Water MN exhibit will be hosted in Chisago County from June 20 through August 12, 2024. The main exhibit will be at the North Branch Area Library, while additional indoor exhibits will be on view at the Chisago County History Center. Lindstrom Memorial Park will have an outdoor display. After Chisago County, the exhibit will move to Cass Lake (Leech Lake Tribal College), and Shakopee (Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community). You can learn more about We Are Water MN at www.mnhum.org/water. Learn more about Chisago County’s hosting of the exhibit, plus related events, at https://www.chisagocountymn.gov/1349/We-Are-Water-MN-Exhibit---June-20-to-Aug. This episode of The Watershed was produced by Angela Hugunin, and by We Are Water MN, which is led by the Minnesota Humanities Center in partnership with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; the Minnesota Historical Society; the Board of Water and Soil Resources; the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources; and University of Minnesota Extension. We are Water MN is funded in part with money from the Clean Water, Land, & Legacy Fund that was created with the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008 and by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Special thanks to Emma Needham, who conducted this interview, which was initially featured in Hartley Nature Center’s hosting. Thank you to Sharon Day, our interviewee for this episode. You can learn more about Nibi Walks at http://www.nibiwalk.org/. You can find We Are Water MN on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/wearewatermn/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/wearewatermn/), and Twitter (https://twitter.com/wearewatermn). Follow along for the latest updates! Music credits: These Times, Drone Pine, McCarthy, So We Go, and Waterbourne by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue).

    25 min
  5. 06/20/2024

    51 | What We Give, What We Get Back (Chisago County, MN)

    Thanks for listening to The Watershed, a podcast of We Are Water MN. In this episode, we hear from Rick Olseen, an active citizen and leader who has held multiple roles in his community. Across these positions, water has been an important throughline. Rick Olseen shares about the unique character of Chisago County, plus water education stories. He also discusses Let's Go Fishing, a local nonprofit whose aim is to offer fishing and boating excursions for individuals who may not typically have access to being on the water. Learn more about the Let’s Go Fishing chapter mentioned by Rick Olseen at ⁠https://eastcentralmn.lgfws.com/⁠. The We Are Water MN exhibit will be hosted in Chisago County from June 20 through August 12, 2024. The main exhibit will be at the North Branch Area Library, with an additional indoor exhibit on view at the Chisago County History Center. Lindstrom Memorial Park will have an outdoor display. After Chisago County, the exhibit will move to Cass Lake (Leech Lake Tribal College), then Shakopee (Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community). You can learn more about We Are Water MN at www.mnhum.org/water. Learn more about Chisago County’s hosting of the exhibit, plus related events, at https://www.chisagocountymn.gov/1349/We-Are-Water-MN-Exhibit---June-20-to-Aug. This episode of the Watershed was produced by Angela Hugunin, and by We Are Water MN, which is led by the Minnesota Humanities Center in partnership with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; the Minnesota Historical Society; the Board of Water and Soil Resources; the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources; and University of Minnesota Extension. We are Water MN is funded in part with money from the Clean Water, Land, & Legacy Fund that was created with the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008 and by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Special thanks to Emma Needham, who conducted our interviews in Chisago County. Thank you to Rick Olseen, our interviewee for this episode. You can find We Are Water MN on Facebook (⁠https://www.facebook.com/wearewatermn/⁠), Instagram (⁠https://www.instagram.com/wearewatermn/⁠), and Twitter (⁠https://twitter.com/wearewatermn⁠). Follow along for the latest updates! Music credits: These Times, Hardwood Lullaby, and Waiting at the Hem by Blue Dot Sessions (⁠www.sessions.blue⁠).

    17 min
  6. 06/20/2024

    ⁠49 | Making a Difference for Water (Chisago County, MN)⁠

    The Watershed is a podcast of We Are Water MN. In this episode, Jill Behnke shares stories of community members coming together for water protection. Mayor of Center City and member of the Chisago Lake Improvement District board of directors, Jill Behnke's varied experiences illustrate local collaboration for the common good. This episode also delves into rain gardens and their connection to clean water. You can learn more about We Are Water MN at www.mnhum.org/water. The We Are Water MN exhibit will be hosted in Chisago County from June 20 through August 12, 2024. The main exhibit will be at the North Branch Area Library, with additional indoor exhibits on view at the Chisago County History Center. Lindstrom Memorial Park will have an outdoor display. After Chisago County, the exhibit will move to Cass Lake (Leech Lake Tribal College), and Shakopee (Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community). Learn more about Chisago County’s hosting of the exhibit, plus related events, at https://www.chisagocountymn.gov/1349/We-Are-Water-MN-Exhibit---June-20-to-Aug. This episode of the Watershed was produced by Angela Hugunin, and by We Are Water MN, which is led by the Minnesota Humanities Center in partnership with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; the Minnesota Historical Society; the Board of Water and Soil Resources; the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources; and University of Minnesota Extension. We are Water MN is funded in part with money from the Clean Water, Land, & Legacy Fund that was created with the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008 and by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Special thanks to Emma Needham, who conducted our interviews in Chisago County. Thank you to Jill Behnke, our interviewee for this episode. You can find We Are Water MN on Facebook (⁠https://www.facebook.com/wearewatermn/⁠), Instagram (⁠https://www.instagram.com/wearewatermn/⁠), and Twitter (⁠https://twitter.com/wearewatermn⁠). Follow along for the latest updates! Music credits: These Times, Homegrown, and Simple Melody by Blue Dot Sessions (⁠www.sessions.blue⁠).  Other resources mentioned in this episode: Lawns to Legumes info and application: https://bwsr.state.mn.us/l2l University of Minnesota Extension information on rain gardens: https://extension.umn.edu/landscape-design/rain-gardens Blue Thumb rain garden resources: https://bluethumb.org/raingardens/ Adopt A Drain: https://mn.adopt-a-drain.org/

    21 min
  7. 04/25/2024

    45 | How Does Water Help Us Grieve? (Holdingford, MN)

    Thanks for listening to The Watershed, a podcast of We Are Water MN. In this episode, we explore the role of water in the grieving process. Can we shift the way we think about tears? What effect does proximity to water have on the human mind, body, and spirit? Today's guest, AnnElise Bergstrom, is uniquely situated to guide us through these questions. Tune in to hear takeaways from her experiences facilitating grief support groups, as well as her own personal connection with water. We Are Water MN will be hosted by Mississippi River - Sartell Watershed partners including Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District in spring of 2024. You can visit the exhibit at Art in Motion on the Lake Wobegon Trail, in Holdingford, from April 25 through June 17. Learn more at https://www.stearnscountyswcd.net/wawmn. This episode of the Watershed was produced by Angela Hugunin, and by We Are Water MN, which is led by the Minnesota Humanities Center in partnership with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; the Minnesota Historical Society; the Board of Water and Soil Resources; the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources; and University of Minnesota Extension. We are Water MN is funded in part with money from the Clean Water, Land, & Legacy Fund that was created with the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008 and by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Special thanks to Emma Needham, who conducted our interviews in Holdingford. Thank you to AnnElise Bergstrom, our interviewee for this episode. You can find We Are Water MN on Facebook (⁠https://www.facebook.com/wearewatermn/⁠), Instagram (⁠https://www.instagram.com/wearewatermn/⁠), and Twitter (⁠https://twitter.com/wearewatermn⁠). Follow along for the latest updates! Music credits: These Times and Warm Fingers by Blue Dot Sessions (⁠www.sessions.blue⁠).  Other resources mentioned in this episode: AnnElise references a quotation by Clarissa Pinkola Estés on the role of tears. A quote by Isak Dinesen is also mentioned: “The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears, or the sea.” This 2019 article gives an overview of some of the blue space studies cited in this episode: Blue spaces: why time spent near water is the secret of happiness | Health & wellbeing | The Guardian You can learn more about We Are Water MN and upcoming host sites at ⁠mnhum.org/water⁠.

    18 min
  8. 04/25/2024

    46 | Storm Drain Spotlight (Holdingford, MN)

    Thanks for listening to The Watershed, a podcast of We Are Water MN. In this episode, we dive into the world of storm drains. What do storm drains do, and why do they matter? How can we protect them? In this episode, we will deepen our understanding of stormwater and storm drains. We will learn about one organization (Adopt-a-drain) leading storm drain protection efforts in an awesome way in Minnesota and beyond. We’ll hear from three storytellers—Shafay Williams, Demar Ballard, and Sarah Drake—who are mobilizing to protect storm drains through their artwork and community outreach. Tune in for a blend of background information, inspiration, and practical tips you can use to protect storm drains. The video “Clean Water Begins at Your Curb” was shared in this episode. Thank you to Adopt-a-drain.org, Hamline University’s Center for Global Environmental Education, and Twin Cities Public Television for permission to share this audio. You can view the video at https://cgee.hamline.edu/current-initiatives/adopt-a-drain We Are Water MN will be hosted by Mississippi River – Sartell Watershed partners including Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District in spring of 2024. You can visit the exhibit at Art in Motion on the Lake Wobegon Trail, in Holdingford, from April 25 through June 17. Learn more at https://www.stearnscountyswcd.net/wawmn. Resources mentioned in this episode: · In 2024, Adopt-a-drain will celebrate ten years! You can learn more about their organization and adopt a drain near you at https://adopt-a-drain.org/. Social media: @adoptadrainmn · You can learn more about Sarah Drake, as well as her nonprofit, HerARTS in Action, at https://www.herartsinaction.org/. Social media: @herartsinaction · If you’d like to dive deeper into the world of stormwater, you can consult the Minnesota Stormwater Manual: https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=About_the_Minnesota_Stormwater_Manual This episode of the Watershed was produced by Angela Hugunin, and by We Are Water MN, which is led by the Minnesota Humanities Center in partnership with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; the Minnesota Historical Society; the Board of Water and Soil Resources; the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources; and University of Minnesota Extension. We are Water MN is funded in part with money from the Clean Water, Land, & Legacy Fund that was created with the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008 and by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Special thanks to Emma Needham, who conducted our interviews in Holdingford. Thank you to Leah Lemm, who interviewed Sarah Drake. Thank you to Shafay Williams, Demar Ballard, and Sarah Drake, our interviewees for this episode. You can find We Are Water MN on Facebook (⁠https://www.facebook.com/wearewatermn/⁠), Instagram (⁠https://www.instagram.com/wearewatermn/⁠), and Twitter (⁠https://twitter.com/wearewatermn⁠). Follow along for the latest updates! Music credits: These Times, Beignet, and Glass Beads by Blue Dot Sessions (⁠www.sessions.blue⁠).  You can learn more about We Are Water MN and upcoming host sites at ⁠mnhum.org/water⁠.

    20 min

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About

The Watershed is a podcast exploring stories about water and people from communities throughout Minnesota. The Watershed is produced by We Are Water MN, which is led by the Minnesota Humanities Center in partnership with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; the Minnesota Historical Society; the Board of Water and Soil Resources; the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources; and University of Minnesota Extension. We are Water MN is funded in part with money from the Clean Water, Land, & Legacy Fund created in 2008 and by the National Endowment for the Humanities.

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