Northwest Blog

The White Earth Land Recovery Project (WELRP) was awarded a $20,000 grant by the Northwest Minnesota Foundation (NMF) to study the market and potential building needs for a fish-based fertilizer product. The fertilizer would use fish waste produced at the Red Lake Fisheries facility in Redby. Each year about 200,000 to 300,000 pounds of organic waste is created from the fisheries. Nitrogen and other nutrients from the decaying fish are, in fact, traditional fertilizers used by native peoples. The grant will help determine how this fish waste can be processed, assess the nutrient makeup of the product, what type of facility is needed and what type of market exists for the product. “The hope is to get a plant fertilizer product ready for market in the next year or so,” said Winona LaDuke, project coordinator. “We have been hauling fish waste from Red Lake for our own use as we plant different varieties of heritage corn. With this funding, we can now test this

The Girl Scouts are partnering with Bemidji State University to hold a 3 day “college sampler” for area girls in grades 4 through 12.   It is open to all girls from northern and central Minnesota. Along with valuable information and exciting activities, it will be a great opportunity for girls to simply get a feel for what it is like to be part of a campus community.   We are including girls at a relatively young age, because we feel it is important for them to be able to imagine themselves at a college or university. The College  Sampler runs July 30th to August 1st at Bemidji State University’s  beautiful campus on the lake. College Challenge: International student cultural exchange, robotics  workshop and service learning project. College Fun: Campfire with s’mores, movie night, recycled art project,  scavenger hunt, get to know college students and go swimming. Adult supervision is provided to girls attending without an adult. Girls sleep in dorms at BSU’s Tam

The city of Warren is actively seeking change in their community. Members of city council are hoping to update a comprehensive plan which includes zoning ordinances and growth planning. The Northwest Minnesota Foundation (NMF) is eager to see the outcome from the grant dollars awarded. “This funding will help Warren develop their top priorities for the future,” said Nate Dorr, program officer for grants. “Warren has wonderful potential now to define its destiny, and build off the great work they are already doing. We are excited to be a part of their future. Projects like this keep our small towns vibrant.” The grant is part of NMF’s Growth Management Program. Community forums will be held to involve residents in the planning process. The hope is to revitalize the downtown area and residential spaces. The city parks will also be included in the planning process. The city of Warren will engage the public for input. The Northwest Minnesota Foundation is a public, charitabl