Brent Olson’s life is deeply connected to the land he calls home. He grew up on a 1,000-acre farm on the edge of the prairie in Big Stone County, where his family has lived for generations. He still lives in the house his great-grandparents built in the 1880s. This deep connection to place shapes not only his work as a farmer, journalist, and county commissioner but also his passions.
An essential part of that connection is his commitment to preserving 240 acres of wetland on the farm, which he credits as a source of inspiration for his writing. He has built a shack on the edge of the wetland that serves as his writing studio.
“I treasure this place,” he said. “I look out my window and see cattails and ducks and muskrats. It is a place of vast peace to me.”
For Olson, this land holds memories of time spent with his family — hunting with his son, canoeing with his daughter, and now sharing that relationship with the land with his grandchildren. These experiences have shaped his belief in conservation, emphasizing the importance of preserving this landscape for future generations.
Learn more in the We Are Water MN exhibit
Olson shared his story as a part of We Are Water MN, a traveling exhibit and community engagement initiative that explores Minnesotans’ relationship with water. Big Stone Arts Council will host the exhibit this spring.
Big Stone Lake, on the border of Minnesota and South Dakota, serves as the headwaters of the Minnesota River and as a critical habitat for hundreds of species. The surrounding Big Stone County is home to abundant wetlands and the Minnesota River valley, which supports diverse wildlife, including migratory birds and fish. Known for its excellent fishing opportunities and recreational activities, Big Stone Lake attracts visitors for boating, hiking, and birdwatching. This ecologically rich area is incredibly important, which is why it needs protective measures now more than ever.
Visit the exhibit to hear local stories and learn more about the Minnesota River valley from March 15 through April 21 at Ortonville High School in Ortonville. Admission is free.
Visit the We Are Water exhibit
The We Are Water Exhibit in Ortonville presents local stories and explores Minnesotans' connection to water. The exhibit runs through April 21 at the Ortonville High School.
About We Are Water MN
We are Water MN is led by the Minnesota Humanities Center in partnership with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; the Minnesota Historical Society; the Board of Water and Soil Resources; the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Department of Health, and Department of Natural Resources; and University of Minnesota Extension.
The program is funded in part with money from the Clean Water, Land & Legacy Fund — which was created with the vote of the people of Minnesota on Nov. 4, 2008 — and by the National Endowment for the Humanities.