Pictured Pope SWCD Board and Staff, Pope County Commissioners, NRCS Staff with Nathan Lund
Front row: Jeff Hellermann, Holly Kovarik, Nathan Lund, Katie Disrud, Nicole Brede
Back row: Keith Nygaard, Randy Pederson, D. Gary Reents, Randy Mitteness, Paul Gerde, Paul Wildman, Larry Lindor, Gordy Wagner, and Paul Gremmels
The Pope Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is proud to announce that Nathan Lund, 5th and 6th grade teacher at Glacial Hills Elementary School in Starbuck, has been named the 2025 Pope County Teacher of the Year. Nathan was selected for his outstanding commitment to conservation education and his ability to inspire students to become future stewards of our natural resources.
Nathan has worked closely with Pope SWCD to bring conservation and environmental education into the classroom, engaging students in hands‑on projects that enrich their learning while benefiting local natural resources. He has collaborated with professionals from Pope SWCD, the Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, USDA, and local experts to provide real‑world experiences for his students.
Through strong partnerships with Pope SWCD, Nathan ensures his students participate in events such as Water Fest, Conservation Day, and the annual SWCD Poster Contest. He has transformed his school grounds into a living laboratory with prairie restoration, pollinator gardens, tree plantings, and bluebird houses. His leadership also helped secure grant funding for outdoor classrooms, trails, and nature‑based learning spaces that benefit both students and the wider community.
Nathan’s innovative teaching methods bring environmental education to life in countless ways. He has created a hydroponic system for growing fresh produce, implemented a student‑led composting program, utilized on‑site greenhouses, and even built a “hammock hotel” for silent reading in nature. He regularly organizes outdoor experiences that connect students directly to the natural world.
Nathan Lund is not just an educator — he is an inspiration. His passion for connecting kids to the outdoors through conservation and sustainability is inspiring. Pope SWCD has seen first‑hand how he turns complex environmental concepts into tangible, meaningful experiences for his students and the community. We are honored to celebrate Nathan Lund as the 2025 Pope County Teacher of the Year.