Extension is expanding its online education and resources to adapt to COVID-19 restrictions.
Southeast RSDP
Southeast RSDP
The University of Minnesota Extension Southeast Regional Sustainable Development Partnership (Southeast RSDP) has been serving the region since 1997. Our mission is to work with residents of Southeast Minnesota to create and sustain healthy ecosystems, strong local economies and vibrant, self-reliant communities. We create meaningful collaborations between community and University partners.
The originating board of community members named this partnership the "Experiment in Rural Cooperation" to signify that the goal of our work and projects is to promote forward-thinking experiments in sustainable development.
More information
The Southeast RSDP covers a range of Minnesota ecological land classifications. Our service areas includes the Mississippi River Blufflands, the Rochester Plateau, the Oak Savanna, and portions of the Big Woods and Minnesota River Prairie.
The Southeast region generally includes, but is not strictly limited to, the following counties: Blue Earth, Faribault, Dodge, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, LeSueur, Mower, Nicollet, Olmsted, Fillmore, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca and Winona. It also includes the sovereign Native Nation of Prairie Island Indian Community (Dakota).
Salvaging “waste wood” to create new public spaces
Southeast RSDP partnered with Grand Rounds Brewing Company and the City of Rochester to develop Rochester’s first public parklet. The space was built using wood impacted by the emerald ash borer (EAB), which would normally be discarded at a wood waste facility. Instead, it was treated and processed to create a unique public-private outdoor space for the community to use and learn more about ways to repurpose EAB wood. For more about this project, read our article in RSDP Happenings.
Responding to Covid-19 in Southern Minnesota
As many families continue adjusting to virtual learning environments, Southeast RSDP’s Covid-19 Rapid Response funding has helped generate free online educational opportunities by supporting the Mankato-based Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC). These engaging online webinars offer STEM, Social Studies, Literacy and Art/Music programs for Kindergarten through 6th grade students. Check out CILC’s upcoming Community of Learning programs.
New survey reveals challenges and opportunities facing rural grocers
Minnesota rural grocery stores are finding ways to adapt to a challenging year such as strengthening connections to the local food system. Learn key findings from RSDP's latest statewide survey of rural grocers.
New soil health case studies
Jared Luhman, soil health lead for Sustainable Farming Association (SFA) of Minnesota, joined the Southeast RSDP board at their September board meeting to share progress on SFA’s soil health case studies. Luhman interviewed nine farmers experienced in caring for the soil and water in Southeast Minnesota’s unique terrain. The 2020 soil health case studies reflect a variety of farmers' experiences.
- Tyrel Clark, tyrel_clark@hotmail.com, 507-251-6392 - Eyota
- Sheila Craig, scraig@co.fillmore.mn.us, 507-273-1481 - Preston
- Lisa Dierks, dierksl@umn.edu, 507-254-7178 - Wanamingo
- Brian Fries, bjfries@plaidproductions.net, 651-565-0096 - Wabasha
- Alison Leathers, alliebunge@hotmail.com, 507-251-8049 - Preston
- Jane Olive, ejaneolive@gmail.com, 507-635-5108 - Mantorville
- Ray Schmitz, rschmitz22@charter.net, 507-288-3948 - Rochester
- Adam Wilke, awilke@umn.edu, 612-625-0279 - St. Paul
