Green City

Ellie Hammond is a recent grad from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science in geography with a double minor in environmental science and urban/regional development. As an environmental steward in the Energy and Community branch of Green Iowa AmeriCorps, she works on energy efficiency, conservation, and housing for low-income, veteran, and elderly residents.

Ellie also publishes her own environmental blog, Ellie’s Room, in hopes it is a safe space for conversations about climate change. She joins us to discuss the importance of self-care in order to sustain fighting on the frontlines of the climate movement.

Mike Delaney has been actively working in the environmental and conservation realm for decades and we are grateful for all the work he has done and continues to do. As one of eight founders of the Raccoon River Watershed Association, Mike originally came to Iowa to teach sociology at DMACC after serving in the Peace Corps and completing his graduate work. He has been a tireless advocate of preserving and enhancing the Raccoon River and its watershed through education, research, community engagement, and meaningful partnerships.

We will continue our conversation with Merlin Yockstick in discussing his work in reimagining our future here in Iowa and beyond. After spending the bulk of last week’s show hearing his inspiring story, we look forward to learning more about the why and the how of what he is currently doing.

Lynnae Marty Henzten will be joined by Merlin Yockstick, founder of Blue Planet Science Group and co-author of The Water Solution.

For most of this year, we’ve been focusing on various topics via multiple shows within a series. For the rest of this year, we’ve decided to bring back the original format and invite guests who are local eco-heroes within our midst. Some may be familiar to you and some may not be, but all of their stories are worth sharing.

There is a heightened sense of urgency to retaining our life on this planet as of late, so these conversations will be focused on climate change, our human impact on the diminishing natural resources we depend on, and various ideas and sources of inspiration for a path forward to a more sustainable world.

Lynnae Marty Henzten is joined by Christine Curry, currently serving on the board of the Raccoon River Watershed Association, as well as serving on the board of two Izaak Walton League chapters. Christine is a passionate advocate for animals, nature, people, art, and the environment. As a committed project and product developer and a creative problem solver, her contributions include establishing internationally recognized marine and sustainable agriculture programs and organizations. She is currently working with others to build viable networks and coordinate strong partnerships in Iowa and beyond to achieve clean water and healthy soil and food.

As we wrap up this series, we focus on the entrepreneurial and sustainability aspects that vibrant and healthy main street districts provide to their local communities.

Lynnae Marty Hentzen is joined by Dr. Matt Wagner, chief program officer for Main Street America. With an extensive resume of experience in the global corporate realm as well as 30 years in the non-profit management and teaching arena, it is a treat to have Dr. Wagner join our discussion.

This week we continue our discussion by taking a look at a more urban setting and the many experiences that are offered in addition to shopping. Serving as the heart and soul of a community, these locally owned businesses provide unique, personal connections that help to strengthen not only the economic vitality of a city but also the social network that helps it thrive.

Lynnae Marty Hentzen is joined by Meredith Wells, president of the Historic Valley Junction Foundation Board of Directors and co-owner of MoMere, and Steve Frevert, executive director of the Historic Valley Junction Foundation.

Lynnae Marty Hentzen is thrilled to welcome two main street directors who represent smaller communities and can share their experience and insight from a more rural perspective. Joining us are Joe Jennison, director of the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group, and Katie Mason, Main Street Coon Rapids Executive Director & Coon Rapids community coordinator

This week, Lynnae Marty Hentzen is pleased to welcome Lisa Shimkat, state director, and Brianna Hall, marketing manager, of the statewide and national “Shop Small, Shop Sooner” campaigns.

This month, we are focused on Main Street communities and the unique position they hold in driving local economic development. With the holidays right around the corner, we want to explore the seen and unseen community benefits of buying local.

This week, Lynnae Marty Hentzen will kick off the series with Michael Wagler, state coordinator at Main Street Iowa. Michael is an experienced community development and historic preservation professional with a demonstrated history of nonprofit and government sector work. He has a passion for empowering people and places through community engagement, strategic discussions, and a lead-by-example style of leadership.