About the Presentation:  Steve Leonard opened his talk by reminding us that the mission of KRLT is to protect the Kinni and its watershed.  There are many stakeholders in the span of the river, with the current focus being the agricultural community to minimize the impact of agricultural activity as well as development on the Kinni watershed.  KRLT has over 2000 acres of protected land through conservation easements.  There are 40 in total, with about 1 added per year.  Easements can include set-asides for development in the future.  KRLT has 4 nature preserves open to the public: the Community Forest, Headwaters, Kelly Creek, and Drewiske Family Preserves. 

 

Turning the focus to educational programs, Steve started by saying that watershed tours are a way that the KRLT provides the community with detailed education.  KRLT has a part-time coordinator for watershed tour education.  KRLT has also added senior programming, which KRLT runs with help from the Inclusa Foundation.  Steve pointed out that many seniors at Bay Harbor grew up on farms, and they have continuing interest in the natural world including the Kinni.  Click READ MORE for the rest of the summary and to read about Steve.

Board President Tara Albores introduced two student leaders of the Sunshine Fund, Leo Stamets and Elliot Bell, who provided an overview and update on the Sunshine Fund at RFHS.  The group formed in 2016, which means that it’s just about to hit 9 years.  It was founded by 2 students whose mother was going through tough times.  In March 2017 it was established as a 501c3 non-profit organization, and it met its first annual $5000 fundraising goal.  In 2018 they were recognized by Character.org as their non-profit organization of the year, and they served more than 200 families by 2020; from 2020 on, SF has reached over 700 families.

 

The students pointed out that after starting as a response to one family in need within the RFHS community, the Sunshine Fund now has a mission to provide donations to those in the wider River Falls community who are facing hardships.  They emphasized that they provide equitable support. Click READ MORE for the rest of the story and more about the Sunshine Fund.