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Last month was Earth Month, and organizations in and around Bemidji hosted a series of events that celebrated progress and highlighted opportunities toward a cleaner and healthier community.

As Alison wrote last month, there are many actions that we can do as individuals to protect water and habitat, use less energy and reduce waste. Working together with a group or a coalition multiplies the impact. So this month, we’re offering a community round-up to share a few stories about some things that are happening and who’s involved.

Sanford Health’s Go Green Committee hosted an event on Earth Day on April 22. Several local organizations were present for tabling and presentations, including the Bemidji Sustainability Commission, BSU’s Sustainability Office, Otter Tail Power Company, Citizens’ Climate Lobby, Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society, Indivisible Bemidji and Birds, Bees and Butterflies. Dr. William Dicks, Sanford Go Green Committee Chair and Sanford Physician, welcomed the participants and introduced speakers.

Brandon Johnson, Certified Energy Manager for Otter Tail Power and Derek Snyder, a project engineer, presented the story of the solar array installed at Sanford Bemidji Medical Center in partnership with Otter Tail Power. The 38-kilowatt system produces electricity for the local system near Sanford Health.

This site is one of 15 small-scale solar arrays constructed in 2024. Three of which are in the city of Bemidji, demonstrating Otter Tail Power's commitment to the community. Otter Tail's small-scale solar partnership projects showcase the potential for solar energy throughout their Minnesota service area. Learn more at It is expected to produce 57,000 kWh annually.

Jordan Lutz, sustainability project manager at BSU and also chair of the Bemidji Sustainability Commission, highlighted a new opportunity for diverting organic waste from the landfill. Sanford has experience in managing its large organic fraction of waste because it participated in a pilot project earlier. The composting facility in Polk County will turn organic waste into compost, saving space in the landfill and keeping this wet material out of the incinerator.

Patrick Welle, BSU professor emeritus of Economics and Environmental Studies, summarized four policy pillars advocated by Citizens’ Climate Lobby. These include a price on carbon, electrification and efficiency, healthy forests and permitting reform. Learn more about these policies and how to support them at Pat also highlighted the importance of civic engagement for the common good.

Allen Bedford, Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society Vice President, provided a report on the current activities of this organization, including the promotion of pollinator habitat.

On May 1, Beltrami Electric Cooperative hosted the Empower You Home event. OtterTail Power Company, Naylor Electric, Citizens’ Climate Lobby, Bemidji Sustainability Commission and Clean Energy Resource Team and the Headwaters Regional Development Commission were on hand to inform community members about the benefits of improving efficiency in homes and buildings.

They also provided information about tax credits and rebates that are available to make these improvements more affordable. If you missed this event and want to learn more, start with a call to your local electric utility — either Otter Tail Power Company or Beltrami Electric Cooperative.

The Headwaters Regional Development Commission is convening a regional energy stakeholder group. The group represents communities and tribal governments in the region and identifies projects with a positive impact. It is an opportunity to learn about local issues. The next meeting will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 4. HRDC also hosts an emerging farmer network, with the next event on May 19. For more information, contact Sami Trana at the HRCD at strana@hrdc.org.

Linda Kingery is a member of the Citizens' Climate Lobby organization. For more information, visit