A key function of MAGI is to create connections among individuals and groups so they can tap the power of partnership and make the good things they do even better! Accomplishments to date include:
- Helped raise more than $50,000 toward installation of a natural playground at Wildwood Elementary School (2013)
- Partnered to produce TEDxMahtomedi, a community visioning event (2013) Presented at Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) statewide conference (2009 & 2013)
- Encouraged and provided resources & committee participation for Mahtomedi Public Schools to explore the value of a natural playground for the new Wildwood Elementary School
- Hosted a community chimney swift educational and observation session attended by 100 community members (2012)
- Partnered with White Earth and Fond du Lac tribes in a cooperative renewable energy teacher workshop
- Partnered with the University of Minnesota to place Mahtomedi teachers with university researchers in a summer program to study renewable energy
- Hosted a community celebration for the Zephyr Wind Project attended by 150 (2011)
- Participated in the O.H. Anderson Elementary Nature Committee, including prairie restoration and annual Nature Day that provides 650 students multiple outdoor and environmental lessons
- Hosted a community wind energy gathering and fundraiser attended by 150 (2010)
- Catalyzed establishment of the MAGI Environmental Leadership Award, which provides a $1,000 merit-based scholarship to a local graduating senior who exemplifies commitment, innovation, and leadership in addressing environmental issues
- Raised funds for and installed a 10kW educational wind turbine and data logging equipment at Mahtomedi High School (2006–2011)
- Helped the City of Mahtomedi successfully apply for a GreenCorps member to help implement sustainability initiatives
- Partnered on RITE of Spring annual community Earth Day event (2007–2011)
- Supported Mahtomedi Public Schools efforts to increase recycling and composting
- Supported institution of the City of Mahtomedi Environmental Commission, including recruitment of members and regular communication with MAGI steering committee
- Helped establish and continue to advise Mahtomedi High School Eco Club
- Provided connections, guidance and on-going support for Century College’s establishment of sustainability and renewable energy training programs
- Provided background research and facilitation for Century College and Xcel Energy partnership to implement Xcel’s first solar green pricing community project
- Set up a website and monthly newsletter that serve as community clearinghouses for information on environmental events, activities, and opportunities
- Presented at Alliance for Sustainability conference (2009)
- Partnered with the Mahtomedi Area Educational Foundation to establish Green Initiative Fund (2009)
- Sponsored a climate change talk by Will Steger (2008) Wrote a successful grant proposal to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency that provided funds and staff for City of Mahtomedi carbon footprint analysis
- Mentored Century College and Mahtomedi High School student clubs and individual students on research and presentation projects
- Held a Town Hall Forum with breakout sessions on green gardening, transportation, and renewable energy (2007)
- Presented on sustainability and MAGI at Century College and Minnesota Counties “Metropolitan Energy Policy Coalition” conference
- Helped the Mahtomedi area gain a regional reputation as a leader in community sustainability through coverage in local and metrowide media
- Provided input to City of Mahtomedi and City of Grant regarding wind turbine ordinances
- Collaborated on “Mt. Everest to Mahtomedi” climate change talk at Century College Helped Mahtomedi Community Education write a successful grant proposal to bring a GreenCorps volunteer to our community for 11 months
- Helped connect Mahtomedi Middle School faculty with Century College engineering faculty and engineering club members to work on renewable energy projects
- Helped Mahtomedi Area Educational Foundation connect with Andersen Corp. Foundation for engineering program funding
- Helped sustainability students from the University of Minnesota connect with City of Mahtomedi, resulting in a draft sustainability plan for the city
- Partnered in the development of the Mahtomedi Area Farmers’ Market Brought together residents and school district administrators to discuss environmental considerations related to Mahtomedi Schools’ 2010 bond referendum
- Helped connect Century College solar programs director with Mahtomedi High School for career opportunities presentation.