Renewing the Countryside

08/27/2026

Find the full schedule below —>

https://www.renewingthecountryside.org/renewing_the_countryside_at_the_minnesota_state_fair

08/27/2026

The State Fair excitement is officially here! We had a little preview with WCCO & CBS News Minnesota, and now we’re ready to bring the fun to the Fair.

Tomorrow, we’re welcoming chef Patrice Johnson to the Minnesota State Fair for a one-day cooking demo at the Eco Experience. Patrice Johnson will be making Skillet Rye Sami Flatbread with herby sunflower seed pesto, charred corn and burst tomatoes!

From sunflower seeds to crops that provide food and habitat for birds, this recipe connects what’s on our plates to what’s happening on the farm. 🐦

And while you’re here, don’t forget to put a bird on it! Our 20th year at the Eco Experience is all about bird-friendly farming and creating healthier habitat for birds and wildlife.

Want the full schedule of chefs, samplers and more? Visit our blog through the link -->

https://www.renewingthecountryside.org/renewing_the_countryside_at_the_minnesota_state_fair

See you at the Fair!

-RTC

08/27/2026

Hear from Jamie Horton at tomorrow's monthly webinar!

Jamie is the Farm Bill Biologist with Pheasants Forever (PF), working in Aitkin and Carlton counties. She grew up in northeastern Illinois, very close to the Wisconsin border, on a 7-acre hobby farm. After her Bachelor’s program at the U of M – Twin Cities, Jamie spent a few years working on upland bird wildlife research projects all over the Midwest. She then went on to earn a Master’s in biology at Bemidji State University, studying Greater prairie-chickens.

RSVP today to get the link: https://www.mnwic.org/event-details/mnwic-webinar-swcds-and-pheasants-forever-partners-in-conservation

08/26/2026

Get a discount on your FEAST! festival registration - only through 8/31. PLUS, if you're an emerging business, source local, and demonstrate financial need, please consider applying by 8/31 for The Melvin Giles Emerging Food Entrepreneur Scholarship to cover your registration fee.

Register at www.local-feast.org/registration.

Can't wait to see you at the festival Nov. 7!

P.S. Tell your family and friends to grab advance tickets starting Labor Day weekend!

08/24/2026

08/24/2026

In 1926, a study of the Mississippi River found just three living fish in a 42-mile stretch between the Twin Cities and Red Wing Minnesota. Pollution from sewage, industry, and other types of runoff had taken a toll on our river and the communities that depended on it.

Looking at our data for 2026, we now have cleaner water, improved wastewater treatment, stronger environmental protections, and habitat restorations. The Mississippi now thrives with over 100 different species across the metro contributing to a total of 120 river species statewide!

Minnesota still has rivers, lakes, and streams facing challenges from pollution, nutrients, sediment, and habitat loss. The work that started 100 years ago continues today with all of us having a role to play.

Want to help keep Minnesota’s rivers healthy? Consider supporting organizations doing the work!

Friends of the Mississippi — protecting, restoring, and enhancing the Mississippi River and its watershed in the Twin Cities.

https://fmr.org

Freshwater — working to protect Minnesota’s lakes, rivers, streams, and drinking water while helping communities take action for clean water.

https://freshwater.org

Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy — using law, science, and advocacy to protect Minnesota’s water and environment.

https://www.mncenter.org

One Mississippi — bringing organizations and communities together to build a healthier, more resilient Mississippi River.

https://www.mississippiriver.org

100 years of progress. There’s still work to do. Let’s keep the river moving forward. 💙

08/17/2026

You're invited to join our next vendor info call tomorrow 8/18 at 12PM! Featuring Minnesota Grown and Farm Direct Minnesota 🎉 Find the call link at local-feast.org/registration

08/13/2026

We're still looking to fill our last few volunteer shifts at the Minnesota State Fair located in the Eco Experience building!

Sign up to recive:
* A RTC Local Food t-shirt
* One ticket to the State Fair
* Time with RTC staff & other volunteers

Find the signup link below to learn more and sign up to volunteer.

Know someone who might enjoy this opportunity? Tag a friend or co-worker and share it with them.

https://m.signupgenius.com/ #!/showSignUp/10C084CADA822A1FFC70-63654885-farmland?useFullSite=false

08/12/2026

RTC is delighted to have been apart of a day celebrating farmers, local food, and the communities that make our countryside thrive. Gill, Alex, and Matt represented RTC at this year’s Farm Fest, connecting with attendees and sharing more about our work. Thanks to everyone who stopped by, connected with us, and helped make this year’s Farm Fest a great one!