Activities & Accomplishments

MAGI connects people and groups with each other so we can tap the power of partnership to make our community a better place! Accomplishments to date include:

  • Partner with Wildwood Lions to provide a $1,000 scholarship to a Mahtomedi High School senior excelling in environmental leadership (ongoing)
  • Partner with Mahtomedi Schools on Safe Routes to School activities  (ongoing)
  • Help maintain the health of tree plantings at Wildwood School (ongoing)
  • Advocate for safe nonmotorized travel in our communities (ongoing)
  • Promote renewable energy, composting, and invasive species removal in our communities
  • Help organize RITE of Spring 2022 (ongoing)
  • Amplify City of Mahtomedi environmental activities (ongoing)
  • Support Lake Links Association initiative to install a nonmotorized trail around White Bear Lake (ongoing)
  • Raised funds for and planted trees at the new Wildwood School (2014–15)
  • Helped introduce area residents to the solar garden concept through a Metro CERT planning grant and community conversations (2015)
  • Supported Race 2 Reduce water conservation efforts in the White Bear Lake area (2014–16)
  • 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 (2013–2016)
  • 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 to install 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.