Minnesota's
Greatest Environmental Investment
Did you know: you’ve had a positive impact on our environment?
Since 1991 Minnesotans, through the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF), have provided $1.1 billion to over 1,700 projects in the state. These projects range in geography and fields of study. But they all have one thing in common: preserving, protecting and maintaining Minnesota’s natural resources. These videos feature eight of those projects, highlighting the positive and multi-generational impact your trust fund dollars have in our state.
These videos are a portion of a larger story map which features 100 ENRTF projects from every corner of the state, debuting in 2026.
Funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).
The Trust Fund is a permanent fund constitutionally established by the citizens of Minnesota to assist in the protection, conservation, preservation, and enhancement of the state’s air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources.
Currently 40% of net Minnesota State Lottery proceeds are dedicated to growing the Trust Fund and ensuring future benefits for Minnesota’s environment and natural resources.
Harmful Algal Blooms in Pristine Lakes
Getting to the bottom of a mystery on top of the lakes
Algae is essential to aquatic habitats. But harmful cyanobacteria that act like algae sprout in wilderness lakes. Scientists monitor lake health to understand why this happens in such remote areas.
Voyageurs Wolf Project
Tracking the impact of northern wolves
Wolves are harder to track in Minnesota’s dense northern woodlands. Innovative cameras and GPS collars help researchers understand wolves and their impact on the larger ecosystem.
Environmental Learning Centers
Instilling a commitment to nature
Outdoor schools foster valuable experiences for learners from many backgrounds.
Environmental learning enhances overall wellbeing and broadens educational opportunities.
Toxic Chemicals in Our Ecosystem
Turning science into legislation
Triclosan was a chemical found in everyday products, but it pollutes waters and creates harmful dioxins. Scientific discovery paves the way towards meaningful action against its use.
Superior Hiking Trail
Protecting footpaths on the North Shore
Visitors rely on the Superior Hiking Trail Association to provide vital information and maintenance of the 300-mile Lake Superior trail and its infrastructure.
Water Quality from 55 Lake Beds
Studying mud from the past–for the future
Early funding to study mercury pollution results in an archive of mud cores from lakebeds. Some mud dates back centuries and is used for ongoing projects to understand water quality trends.
Lifelong Learning at the Science Museum of Minnesota
Discovering on your own terms
Informal learning projects at the Science Museum of Minnesota connect visitors to water that affects us all–and the water we all affect.
Freshwater Mussels
Doing the heavy lifting
Minnesota has 51 native freshwater mussels that help filter water and kickstart aquatic food chains. Half of them are imperiled, so the Center for Aquatic Mollusk Programs are restoring mussel populations.
Prairie Restoration
Bringing back native plants for a better ecosystem
Tall grass prairies are among the most endangered ecosystems on the planet. Scientists acquire land and replant native species for scientific research and sustainability.
Collaborative Wild Rice Monitoring
Fostering resilient rice amidst rising waters
Manoomin (wild rice) is culturally and ecologically important. Scientists and State and Tribal Governments collaborate to monitor threats to wild rice.
Salt in Minnesota’s Waters
Getting tough on soft water and road salt
Salt is a useful tool for Minnesota winters and softening water. But too much chloride from salt hurts our pristine waters. Researchers pinpoint sources of chloride to drive public awareness and innovation.
Lawns to Legumes
People planting for pollinators
Pollinators are losing their diverse habitats. Everyday Minnesotans are stepping up to plant native seeds. This grassroots restoration is helping pollinators and our neighbors.
Stopping Starry Stonewort
Tossing the Algae Out with the Boat Water
Starry stonewort is an invasive algae. It can be so dense that it can kill fish. Cleaning out boats can prevent the spread of starry stonewort to other lakes.
Greening Schoolyards
Planting a Seed for Knowledge
Playgrounds improve student and teacher performance. New schoolyards with green space help the environment and the well-being of the whole community.
Wood Waste Burning
Using kilns to create helpful biochar
Burning wood waste can sterilize soil and release carbon dioxide. But specific kilns can prevent these things while creating biochar. Biochar can be helpful for other things in our environment.
Bison Reintroduction
Little calves on the prairie
Bison are important to prairie environments. They are also significant to Dakota culture and other Indigenous people. Bison are finally being reintroduced to Minnesota, with a growing herd.
