State Fair's schedule
The State Fair's online schedule includes Eco Experience's daily presentations and demonstrations.
Daily schedule
August 22
| 10:00 a.m. | Minnesota One Health The Minnesota One Health Antibiotic Stewardship Collaborative provides a collaborative environment to promote judicious antibiotic use and stewardship and to reduce the impact of antibiotic-resistant pathogens of human, animal, and environmental health importance. Minnesota leaders in human, animal, and environmental health work together to raise awareness and change behaviors to preserve antibiotics and treat infections effectively. (Amanda Beaudoin and Emma Leof, Antibiotic Stewardship Collaborative) |
| 11:00 a.m. | Renewing the Countryside Cooking Demonstration (Misen Luu, University of Minnesota Food Science) |
| Noon | How to Keep Mason Bees Everyone knows that bees are important to our food supply, but did you know that mason bees pollinate about 100x better than honey bees? Don't get me wrong, we still love our honey bees, but native bees are unsung heroes that are also worthy of some TLC. Best of all, caring for mason bees only takes about 2 hours per year and no special equipment or protective clothes because mason bees are virtually stingless. (Dawn Pape, We All Need Food and Water) |
| 1.00 p.m. | Renewing the Countryside Cooking Demonstration (Misen Luu, University of Minnesota Food Science) |
| 2:00 p.m. | The Great Minnesota Tap Water Taste Test Cities from around Minnesota submit a sample of their drinking water. We use a tournament style for each winning city to advance and ultimately pick a winner. The master of ceremonies leads the competition while also engaging the audience with questions about water in Minnesota and other information. Images of Minnesota water and things related to the treatment and distribution of water will be shown. Audience members get to help with the judging (Stew Thornley, Minnesota American Water Works Association) |
| 3:00 p.m. | Renewing the Countryside Cooking Demonstration (Misen Luu, University of Minnesota Food Science) |
| 3:15 p.m. | Adopt a Storm Drain Demo Join Hamline's Center for Global Environmental Education for a 10 minute storm drain cleaning demo after the daily parade outside the Eco Experience building. (Hamline Center for Global Environmental Education) |
| 4:00 p.m. | Energize Your Home: Consumer Power Now and in the Future Energize Your Home: Consumer Power Now and in the Future (Annie Levenson-Falk, Citizens Utility Board of MN) |
| 5:00 p.m. | Basics of the Climate Change Problem [and its solution] in just 5 minutes Climate change can seem like a daunting and complicated problem - but the science and the solutions are both quite simple! In just five minutes, you'll hear the basics the science and of the biggest factor in the solution: transition to clean, renewable energy ASAP. (Chuck Prentice, MN 350) |
August 23
| 10:00 a.m. | More than Monarchs: a conservation ambassador Learn about the life cycle and conservation of the beloved monarch butterfly. Monarch numbers declined dramatically, threatening one of the most remarkable migrations on earth. Monarch conservation is connected to broader sustainability and environmental issues. Find out how you can help monarchs and the environment. (Cora Lund Preston, Monarch Joint Venture) |
| 11:00 a.m. | Renewing the Countryside Cooking Demonstration (Carrie Riggs, Alma: Café, Hotel and Restaurant) |
| Noon | How to design and build a Tiny House With all the hype on "tiny homes," builder and environmentalist Ramy Selim takes you from the ground up. First the reality of living in one, then how to design and build your Tiny Home (Sunny Day Earth Solutions) |
| 1.00 p.m. | Renewing the Countryside Cooking Demonstration (Carrie Riggs, Alma: Café, Hotel and Restaurant) |
| 2:00 p.m. | Mr. Michael Recycles Bicycles Have Fun and Stay Safe on Your Bicycle (Benita Warns, Mr. Michael Recycles Bicycles) |
| 3:00 p.m. | Renewing the Countryside Cooking Demonstration (Carrie Riggs, Alma: Café, Hotel and Restaurant) |
| 3:15 p.m. | Adopt a Storm Drain Demo Join Hamline's Center for Global Environmental Education for a 10 minute storm drain cleaning demo after the daily parade outside the Eco Experience building. (Hamline Center for Global Environmental Education) |
| 4:00 p.m. | Managing winter critter damage Have you been noticing signs of damage on your landscape trees from animals feeding throughout the winter? This session will walk you through what you can do to prevent critter damage and how to care for you trees and shrubs that have already been affected by feeding over the winter months. (Minnesota Tree Care Advocate Program) |
| 5:00 p.m. | Creating an allergy- & toxin-free home Allergens and toxins lurk in your house creating poor indoor air quality and healthy. Find culprits in your home that hide in plain sight—creating allergies, asthma and other health issues. Easy solutions abound! (Shaylee Oleson, Eco Shaylee) |
August 24
| 10:00 a.m. | |
| 11:00 a.m. | Renewing the Countryside Cooking Demonstration (Lachelle Cunningham, Chelles' Kitchen LLC) |
| Noon | Second Hand Fashion is for Everyone! From new fashions to vintage, everyday brands to designer, you can look great for less and help the environment at the same time. Come see how much fun thrifting can be with a variety of looks! (MPCA Staff and Friends, ) |
| 1.00 p.m. | Renewing the Countryside Cooking Demonstration (Lachelle Cunningham, Chelles' Kitchen LLC) |
| 2:00 p.m. | Second Hand Fashion is for Everyone! From new fashions to vintage, everyday brands to designer, you can look great for less and help the environment at the same time. Come see how much fun thrifting can be with a variety of looks! (MPCA Staff and Friends, ) |
| 3:00 p.m. | Renewing the Countryside Cooking Demonstration (Lachelle Cunningham, Chelles' Kitchen LLC) |
| 3:15 p.m. | Adopt a Storm Drain Demo Join Hamline's Center for Global Environmental Education for a 10 minute storm drain cleaning demo after the daily parade outside the Eco Experience building. (Hamline Center for Global Environmental Education) |
| 5:00 p.m. | DIY Organic Lawn Care Organic lawn care made easy, by Organic Bob! Learn the principles, methods and products as well as step-by-step procedures and schedules to get your own safe chemical free lawn. You will be given the resources and confidence to do your own organic lawn! (Bob Dahm, Organic Bob LLC) |
August 25
| 10:00 a.m. | The Denim Challenge - New Life for Old Jeans Are you ready to accept the Denim Challenge? Can you take every bit of a pair of old jeans and rework them into something new? Old jeans can become new clothing, rugs, jewelry, and more. Learn to create your own upcycled items and keep jeans out of the landfill. (Theresa Hornstein, GreyLady Designs) |
| 11:00 a.m. | Renewing the Countryside Cooking Demonstration (Gilbert Williams, Lonesome Stone Milling) |
| Noon | Address the Clothing Mess highlighting Eco-fashion and Upcycling Using a power point presentation and many interactions with the audience, we provide information about the environmental mess made in producing and disposing of clothing, and how artists and crafters up cycle new items from discarded materials, emphasizing the need to change how we buy and dispose of clothing for the benefit of the environment. (Anita Stech, Cut Loose Creations LLC) |
| 1.00 p.m. | Renewing the Countryside Cooking Demonstration (Gilbert Williams, Lonesome Stone Milling) |
| 2:00 p.m. | Wild Rice & Native Communities In this presentation, Paul Rice highlights the importance of wild rice to native communities and how it impacts the land and livelihood of native people. (Paul Rice, ) |
| 3:00 p.m. | Renewing the Countryside Cooking Demonstration (Gilbert Williams, Lonesome Stone Milling) |
| 3:15 p.m. | Adopt a Storm Drain Demo Join Hamline's Center for Global Environmental Education for a 10 minute storm drain cleaning demo after the daily parade outside the Eco Experience building. (Hamline Center for Global Environmental Education) |
| 4:00 p.m. | Address the Clothing Mess highlighting Eco-fashion and Upcycling Using a power point presentation and many interactions with the audience, we provide information about the environmental mess made in producing and disposing of clothing, and how artists and crafters up cycle new items from discarded materials, emphasizing the need to change how we buy and dispose of clothing for the benefit of the environment. (Anita Stech, Cut Loose Creations LLC) |
| 5:00 p.m. |
The Denim Challenge - New Life for Old Jeans |
August 26
| 10:00 a.m. | Nature stories + STEM = Building ESTEAM with STEM Let's play with nature and STEM together! It all starts with a great story. Together we will connect popular children's stories with hands-on nature play and STEM problem solving activities. Then we'll explore our strengths and earth's natural systems using the acronym ESTEAM: environment, science, technology, engineering, art and math. Ideas on boosting nature play for home or classroom will be shared by Growing Green Hearts. (Heidi Ferris, Growing Green Hearts, LLC) |
| 11:00 a.m. | Renewing the Countryside Cooking Demonstration (Christopher Sarles, Lowertown Bakehouse) |
| Noon | Connecting the Drops Across the Watershed Three churches in the Vadnais Heights area have been working together across the watershed and across religious denominations--- all in care for water! At this session you will hear the stories of people exploring their local watershed, congregations using service learning to strengthen community building, students leading in environmental problem-solving, and kids bringing arts and science together for positive change. (Heidi Ferris, Growing Green Hearts, LLC) |
| 1.00 p.m. | Renewing the Countryside Cooking Demonstration (Christopher Sarles, Lowertown Bakehouse) |
| 2:00 p.m. | Pruning Young Trees and Large, Old Shrubs The key to a strong and healthy mature tree is proper pruning early in its life. We’ll go over fundamentals of pruning, techniques, and how to make proper pruning cuts. We will also help you learn how to prune your older, mature shrubs so they can continue to thrive and live for many years. (Minnesota Tree Care Advocate Program) |
| 3:00 p.m. | Renewing the Countryside Cooking Demonstration (Christopher Sarles, Lowertown Bakehouse) |
| 3:15 p.m. | Adopt a Storm Drain Demo Join Hamline's Center for Global Environmental Education for a 10 minute storm drain cleaning demo after the daily parade outside the Eco Experience building. (Hamline Center for Global Environmental Education) |
| 4:00 p.m. | How to Lower Your Carbon Food Print Do you know how much energy is used in your every day food choices? Learn easy ways to lower your carbon food print by eating low on the food chain, eating local, organic and seasonal, buying food in bulk, and composting your scraps. (Kristine Kvamme, Do It Green MN) |
| 5:00 p.m. | Changing Ideas for a Changing Climate In “The Air We Breathe” report, MPCA reported exhaust from vehicles is the single largest source of greenhouse emissions in MN. As sources of electricity become cleaner and more renewable, how do we clean up our vehicles and fuels? Hear what alternatives are available, successes and challenges, as well as the health risks that climate change poses to Minnesotans. (Lisa Thurstin, American Lung Association in Minnesota) |
August 27
| 10:00 a.m. | Pruning Young Trees and Large, Old Shrubs The key to a strong and healthy mature tree is proper pruning early in its life. We’ll go over fundamentals of pruning, techniques, and how to make proper pruning cuts. We will also help you learn how to prune your older, mature shrubs so they can continue to thrive and live for many years. (Minnesota Tree Care Advocate Program) |
| 11:00 a.m. | Renewing the Countryside Cooking Demonstration (Joe Williams, Pizzeria Lola) |
| Noon | Sustainable Population for a More Sustainable Future The consumption of a huge and growing human population is depleting resources, decimating species, and disrupting climate. More people choosing to have smaller families in the U.S. and around the world can help build a truly sustainable future. (Alan Ware, World Population Balance) |
| 1.00 p.m. | Renewing the Countryside Cooking Demonstration (Joe Williams, Pizzeria Lola) |
| 2:00 p.m. | Trees and Shrubs for 2050 With an increase in awareness of climate change, it is important to understand that our native and historic Minnesota trees may not do well in the future. We will give you options of trees and shrubs to plant today in order to have healthy, mature, and adaptive trees that will provide benefits far into the future. (Minnesota Tree Care Advocate Program) |
| 3:00 p.m. | Renewing the Countryside Cooking Demonstration (Joe Williams, Pizzeria Lola) |
| 3:15 p.m. | Adopt a Storm Drain Demo Join Hamline's Center for Global Environmental Education for a 10 minute storm drain cleaning demo after the daily parade outside the Eco Experience building. (Hamline Center for Global Environmental Education) |
| 4:00 p.m. | DIY Organic Lawn Care Organic lawn care made easy, by Organic Bob! Learn the principles, methods and products as well as step-by-step procedures and schedules to get your own safe chemical free lawn. You will be given the resources and confidence to do your own organic lawn! (Bob Dahm, Organic Bob LLC) |
| 5:00 p.m. | How to convert your bicycle to run on electric assist Want to bicycle more? Can't handle the hills well? Come learn how to convert your existing bicycle to run on electric assist. (Sunny Day Earth Solutions) |
August 28
| 10:00 a.m. | What's wrong with my evergreen? Are you seeing signs or symptoms of disease or stress on your evergreen trees? This presentation will give an overview of common evergreens in Minnesota and the pests, diseases, and abiotic issues that these trees may experience. We’ll talk identification, treatment and care for these issues. (Minnesota Tree Care Advocate Program) |
| 11:00 a.m. | Renewing the Countryside Cooking Demonstration (Beth Dooley, Beth Dooley's Kitchen) |
| Noon | Declutter and do good: Surprising things tou can donate to charity One of the best ways to make the most out of items you no longer need is to donate them to local nonprofits. But how do you find out where you can bring them? And what do the nonprofits do with them? Find out in this interactive presentation. (Jennifer Victor-Larsen, Hero Search) |
| 1.00 p.m. | Renewing the Countryside Cooking Demonstration (Beth Dooley, Beth Dooley's Kitchen) |
| 2:00 p.m. | What's wrong with my shade tree? Are you seeing black spots, leaf feeding, or bright yellow leaves on your shade tree? We’ll talk common Minnesota shade trees and the pests, diseases, and abiotic issues that plague them. This presentation will also cover the management of these issues and what you can do to help your tree thrive. (Minnesota Tree Care Advocate Program) |
| 3:00 p.m. | Renewing the Countryside Cooking Demonstration (Beth Dooley, Beth Dooley's Kitchen) |
| 3:15 p.m. | Adopt a Storm Drain Demo Join Hamline's Center for Global Environmental Education for a 10 minute storm drain cleaning demo after the daily parade outside the Eco Experience building. (Hamline Center for Global Environmental Education) |
| 4:00 p.m. | Declutter and do good: Surprising things tou can donate to charity One of the best ways to make the most out of items you no longer need is to donate them to local nonprofits. But how do you find out where you can bring them? And what do the nonprofits do with them? Find out in this interactive presentation. (Jennifer Victor-Larsen, Hero Search) |
| 5:00 p.m. | Climate Change Reality - our current situation: What actions we can take to help our climate This presentation is divided into two parts: The first part covers our current climate situation and the second part details what we can do to help ameliorate the effects of climate change. (Vern and Lea Iverson) |
August 29
| 10:00 a.m. | Thinking Green and Clean: Sustainable Community Gardening Practices for Improved Health This presentation will identify the current benefits of communities that provide opportunities for residents to engage in and participate in community gardening and fruit tree orchard programs. Students and community members will describe their experiences and green space programs and discuss how they enjoy working with diverse community members. (August John Hoffman, Metropolitan State University) |
| 11:00 a.m. | Renewing the Countryside Cooking Demonstration (Saba Andualem, Urban Roots) |
| Noon | Low Maintenance Edible Landscape Plants Fruit trees, shrubs, and vines are a great way to diversify your landscape and an introduction to local food production. We will share low maintenance species that are great starter options. In other words those that are easy to prune or need little pruning and have fewer disease/insect issues. (Minnesota Tree Care Advocate Program) |
| 1.00 p.m. | Renewing the Countryside Cooking Demonstration (Saba Andualem, Urban Roots) |
| 2:00 p.m. | Thinking Green and Clean: Sustainable Community Gardening Practices for Improved Health This presentation will identify the current benefits of communities that provide opportunities for residents to engage in and participate in community gardening and fruit tree orchard programs. Students and community members will describe their experiences and green space programs and discuss how they enjoy working with diverse community members. (August John Hoffman, Metropolitan State University) |
| 3:00 p.m. | Renewing the Countryside Cooking Demonstration (Saba Andualem, Urban Roots) |
| 3:15 p.m. | Adopt a Storm Drain Demo Join Hamline's Center for Global Environmental Education for a 10 minute storm drain cleaning demo after the daily parade outside the Eco Experience building. (Hamline Center for Global Environmental Education) |
| 4:00 p.m. | Raising kids sustainably - Having a fun, healthy life and planet while saving money In a world of junk food, greenwashing, poor role models and global threats, is it possible to raise kids to be happy, healthy, caring, and socially and environmentally responsible young people while creating a sustainable future? (Terry Gips, Alliance for Sustainability) |
| 5:00 p.m. | Declutter and Do Good: Surprising Things You Can Donate to Charity One of the best ways to make the most out of items you no longer need is to donate them to local nonprofits. But how do you find out where you can bring them? And what do the nonprofits do with them? Find out in this interactive presentation. (Jennifer Victor-Larsen, Hero Search) |
August 30
| 10:00 a.m. | Trees - Sustainable, or Not? Most urban trees do not thrive and survive for anywhere near their potential life expectancy. Learn why and how you can improve this situation. This is a question of sustainability. Surprisingly, when planting trees, easier may be better. (Jim Nayes, Living Sculpture Trees) |
| 11:00 a.m. | Renewing the Countryside Cooking Demonstration (Mark Augustine, Minneapolis Public Schools | Culinary and Wellness Services) |
| Noon | Planting Legacy and Memorial Trees Legacy and Memorial Trees are intended to remind us of and honor persons or events for a long, long time. Planting a tree correctly is essential to achieving a long-lasting, vibrant, beautiful, and sustainable living memorial. Guidelines for success will be shared. (Jim Nayes, Living Sculpture Trees) |
| 1.00 p.m. | Renewing the Countryside Cooking Demonstration (Mark Augustine, Minneapolis Public Schools | Culinary and Wellness Services) |
| 2:00 p.m. | Make your own paints and finishes With all the toxins in homes today, environmentalist Ramy Selim will show you the history of paints and how to make your own paint at home. (Ramy Selim, Sunny Day Earth Solutions) |
| 3:00 p.m. | Renewing the Countryside Cooking Demonstration (Mark Augustine, Minneapolis Public Schools | Culinary and Wellness Services) |
| 3:15 p.m. | Adopt a Storm Drain Demo Join Hamline's Center for Global Environmental Education for a 10 minute storm drain cleaning demo after the daily parade outside the Eco Experience building. (Hamline Center for Global Environmental Education) |
| 4:00 p.m. | Green or not With all the hype today on being "green," it's hard to decide what is actually green. Ramy Selim, former ECO store owner and environmentalist, will show you many simple daily choices you can do to "Green" up your life. (Ramy Selim, Sunny Day Earth Solutions) |
| 5:00 p.m. | Youth engagement and urban farming Urban Roots staff and youth will reflect on their successes and challenges at building the next generation of diverse leaders in the environmental movement through employing St. Paul teens in exciting habitat restoration projects in their community. (David Woods, Katherine Facklam, Aaron Kamara, Abdul Sesay, and Willie Yang, Urban Roots) |
August 31
| 10:00 a.m. | Tying sustainability and art into a remodel project Follow licensed contractor Ramy Selim through a remodel from the ground up, from selecting lumber and sheet rock to wiring and plumbing. He will also go through some artistic things you can do in your space. (Ramy Selim, Sunny Day Earth Solutions) |
| 11:00 a.m. | Renewing the Countryside Cooking Demonstration (Hai Truong, Ngon Bistro) |
| Noon | The Real Dirt: Conventional farming and organic farming Organic farming and conventional farming share many commonalities. We’ll learn how each farm protects water, preserves soil, and produces the food we eat. (Dave Legvold and Ben Doherty, Legvold Farms) |
| 1.00 p.m. | Renewing the Countryside Cooking Demonstration (Hai Truong, Ngon Bistro) |
| 2:00 p.m. | Electric Vehicles in Minnesota There are over 1 million electric vehicles driving on US roads every day, and the numbers are increasing every month. Bring your own questions for conversation following the presentation. (Jukka Kukkonen, Minnesota Electric Vehicle Owners) |
| 3:00 p.m. | Renewing the Countryside Cooking Demonstration (Hai Truong, Ngon Bistro) |
| 3:15 p.m. | Adopt a Storm Drain Demo Join Hamline's Center for Global Environmental Education for a 10 minute storm drain cleaning demo after the daily parade outside the Eco Experience building. (Hamline Center for Global Environmental Education) |
| 4:00 p.m. | Sewer Man! Sewerman takes you on a journey into the icky world of sanitary and storm sewers. His motto: You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll plug your nose, you’ll hurl! (Dave Legvold, Legvold Farms) |
| 5:00 p.m. | The View from the Tractor Seat A program on the challenges and details of conservation farming and a portrayal of how Minnesota seems to be falling far behind in making strides in conservation. Come hear about the buffer issue and some great research done by St. Olaf and Carleton students. (Dave Legvold, Legvold Farms) |
September 1
| 10:00 a.m. | Sustainable food choices and can they allow us to live longer, healthier and cheaper while protecting the planet In this upbeat, informative and interactive presentation, explore the power of your fork to create a healthy, sustainable world and life with nutrient-dense foods. (Terry Gips, Alliance for Sustainability) |
| 11:00 a.m. | Renewing the Countryside Cooking Demonstration (Mark Schiller, Loon Liquors) |
| Noon | You Are A Hero! The Amazing Power We All Share To Regenerate the Earth Starting In Our Own Yards! You have the power to do amazing feats of ecosystem restoration in your own yard! Landscaping and gardening to protect water, grow health for our families, regenerate soil, and provide safe space for wildlife. The Earth is a planet in distress and you are the hero it needs! (Russ Henry, Minnehaha Falls Landscaping) |
| 1.00 p.m. | Renewing the Countryside Cooking Demonstration (Mark Schiller, Loon Liquors) |
| 2:00 p.m. | Managing Aggressives and Invasives There are many aggressive and invasive tree, shrub, and plant species in Minnesota. This presentation will cover the difference between aggressives and invasives. We will also talk controls for these plants, by means of both chemical controls and cultural, non-chemical controls. (Minnesota Tree Care Advocate Program) |
| 3:00 p.m. | Renewing the Countryside Cooking Demonstration (Mark Schiller, Loon Liquors) |
| 3:15 p.m. | Adopt a Storm Drain Demo Join Hamline's Center for Global Environmental Education for a 10 minute storm drain cleaning demo after the daily parade outside the Eco Experience building. (Hamline Center for Global Environmental Education) |
| 4:00 p.m. | You Are A Hero! The Amazing Power We All Share To Regenerate the Earth Starting In Our Own Yards! You have the power to do amazing feats of ecosystem restoration in your own yard! Landscaping and gardening to protect water, grow health for our families, regenerate soil, and provide safe space for wildlife. The Earth is a planet in distress and you are the hero it needs! (Russ Henry, Minnehaha Falls Landscaping) |
| 5:00 p.m. | Show me the money: Ten simple sustainability steps you can take to save money and the environment This fun, informative and play-filled Top Ten presentation shows how you can save $9,343 a year from one lifestyle change (Terry Gips, Alliance for Sustainability) |
September 2
| 10:00 a.m. | Bear Claws & Cub Paws, Baking with Heritage Grain Learn about food waste and baking with heritage grains. (Jacob Schumack, Gigi's Café) |
| 11:00 a.m. | Renewing the Countryside Cooking Demonstration (Hannah and Brady Barnstable, Seven Sundays) |
| Noon | Bear Claws & Cub Paws, Baking with Heritage Grain Learn about food waste and baking with heritage grains. (Jacob Schumack, Gigi's Café) |
| 1.00 p.m. | Renewing the Countryside Cooking Demonstration (Hannah and Brady Barnstable, Seven Sundays) |
| 2:00 p.m. | Food waste and reducing your carbon footprint Learn how to lower the global impact of your eating behavior and food waste with local cultural flavors. (Bertrand Weber, Mpls Public Schools) |
| 3:00 p.m. | Renewing the Countryside Cooking Demonstration (Minneapolis Public Schools | Culinary and Wellness Services) |
| 3:15 p.m. | Adopt a Storm Drain Demo Join Hamline's Center for Global Environmental Education for a 10 minute storm drain cleaning demo after the daily parade outside the Eco Experience building. (Hamline Center for Global Environmental Education) |
| 4:00 p.m. | Natural foods and decoratives from the woods or backyard Identify natural foods and decoratives that you can harvest in the woods or plant in your backyard! We’ll cover sustainable harvests, uses, permits, plant species, and resources and highlight the Minnesota Harvester Handbook. (Gary Wyatt, University of Minnesota Extension) |