UMN Climate Adaptation Partnership

In case you were wondering, there's not much chance of a Halloween blizzard this year 🎃

Have you noticed the first freeze seems to be happening later in Minnesota—particularly in northern areas of the state? Curious to know why this is happening and what the future of first freezes in Minnesota is projected to look like?

Learn more in our explainer, featuring data from Midwestern Regional Climate Center and Climate Toolbox.

We’re looking forward to seeing everyone next week in Milwaukee, WI, for the 2025 Midwest Climate Resilience Conference! We are excited for the all of the great conversations, new ideas, and connections that will come out of this year's event.

For schedules, maps, and updates, please visit the conference website https://mcrc.umn.edu/home or check the event app.

Safe travels to all joining us from out of town—see you soon!

Attending the Midwest Climate Resilience Conference next month? Join us for a farm tour at Roden Echo Valley Farm!

Dairy foods play an integral role in today’s interconnected food system. is offering a tour of Roden Echo Valley Farm, where Rick Roden will discuss the sustainable practices he employs. There will be time for questions and discussion throughout the tour.

The tour will take place on Monday, October 20, between 1-4:15pm.

Open to registered MCRC attendees only! Registration capped at 20 attendees.

Learn more and register today at mcrc.umn.edu/program/special-events

Take a listen to this new episode of The Brookings Institution's podcast "Reimagine Rural", featuring our partner Griffin Peck of the Central Initiative and the Climate Adaptation Partnership's Advisory Board Member Troy Goodnough, Directory of Sustainability at the University of Minnesota Morris!

The Morris Model is helping a Minnesota prairie town go green and avoid partisan divides | Brookings Morris, Minnesota, a rural place on the edge of the prairie, is at the forefront of environmental sustainability. In this episode, Tony P**a visits Morris to discover how its residents and local leaders have set aside partisan politics to build powerful, trusted partnerships to invest in clean energ...

Are you attending the 2025 Midwest Climate Resilience Conference in Milwaukee this October and looking for accommodation that's close to the Baird Center, our venue? If so, you have 10 ten days to book a room at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center, where we have secured a room block with discounted rates!

Find more info and book today at https://mcrc.umn.edu/attend

Have you noticed Minnesota falls getting warmer in recent years? Sensed that the summer's heat is bleeding into September and sometimes event October? It's not just a feeling: Minnesota autumns have been getting warmer and that trend is projected to continue.

Learn more in our explainer, featuring data from UMN Climate Adaptation Partnership and Climate Central

The early bird deadline may have passed but there is still plenty of time to register for the 2025 Midwest Climate Resilience Conference, taking place October 20 to 22 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin!

Are you working in climate adaptation and want to connect with other climate professionals in the Midwest? Are you passionate about advancing climate adaptation and resilience for communities and ecosystems? Are you an early career practitioner curious to learn more?

If you thought "YES, that's me!" to any of those questions, then consider registering for the MCRC today at https://mcrc.umn.edu/attend

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth at the State Fair last Thursday! We had an incredible turnout, with hundreds of curious visitors stopping by to explore how climate change is impacting Minnesotans and discover practical ways to adapt. From teachers and retirees to parents, kids, and even out-of-state guests, people of all ages and backgrounds engaged with our experts and took part in our hands-on activity.

We had a great time kicking off our community science and education partnership with Liberty Community Church, PCUSA last week!

Air quality is becoming an increasing challenge as our climate warms — this summer’s smokey skies are just one example. Risks are substantially higher for communities with underlying health concerns and disparities.

That’s why we’re working with students in Liberty’s 21st Century Academy program to build powerful and affordable DIY air filters, monitor neighborhood-level air quality in North Minneapolis, distribute air monitoring equipment and educational resources, and pilot a clean air center at the church.

Stay tuned for more on this project!

Liberty Community Church, PCUSA

Thanks to everyone who came out to our field day on Tuesday at the Rosemount Research and Outreach Center!

We’ve been seeing more extreme precipitation across the state — heavy rains and prolonged drought. These trends are likely to continue as the climate warms.

That’s why we’re sharing strategies to improve crop resilience, including the latest UMN research on reduced tillage, cover crops and irrigation. Plus, along with our partners, we’re sharing opportunities to fund these practices on the farm.

The event was co-hosted by UMN Climate Adaptation Partnership, Dakota County Soil and Water, Minnesota Office for Soil Health, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Minnesota Farmers Union.

We can’t wait to welcome you to the Midwest Climate Resilience Conference in just two months, and we're now excited to announce our plenary speakers!

The Forest County Potawatomi Community will open the Tuesday morning plenary session through drums, song, and prayer. We’ll also hear from Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson about work the city is leading. And our keynote speaker, Joyce Coffee—a resilience pioneer and expert in the field—will share reflections on her experience navigating the evolving landscape of climate work. We’ll close the conference on Wednesday afternoon with an interactive session with artist Ashley Fairbanks celebrating our collective successes in climate adaptation and resilience.

Check out the conference website to view the full conference program and confirmed speakers: https://mcrc.umn.edu/program

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FIELD DAY ALERT!

Increased weather variability is making adaptation more difficult for many farmers across Minnesota. To help address the knowledge gap between what's happening and what can be done about it, we are hosting a field day on cultivating farm resilience TOMORROW, August 19 from 9am to 12pm.

This field day will be all about how smart conservation practices like reduced tillage, cover crops, and better irrigation, can make your farm more resilient to changing weather patterns. Our experts will discuss research updates and strategies that attendees can start using immediately.

If you want to attend, visit https://z.umn.edu/FarmResilience8-19. And, if you know someone who would be a good fit for this event, please pass this onto them!

The event is co-hosted by University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership (MCAP), Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District, Minnesota Office for Soil Health, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Minnesota Farmers Union.

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