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.

Pope Soil and Water Conservation District each year along with other SWCD’s from across the state of Minnesota recognize landowners for implementing conservation projects or conducting work of an exemplary nature that helps improve and protect our lakes, rivers, streams, and land.

This year we are pleased to select Kevin Lundebrek as the 2025 Pope County Outstanding Conservationist. He operates a 1,700-acre MDA Water Quality Certified farm raising corn and soybeans.  Working closely with Pope SWCD and NRCS he has implemented: cover crops, a shelterbelt, 63 water and sediment control basins, wildlife and pollinator plantings, grid sampling, nutrient management plan, and reduced till and no-till.  He applies below the University of Minnesota recommendations for phosphorus and nitrogen on all acres.  His practices are estimated to reduce 2,535 pounds of phosphorus and 3,911 tons of soil saved annually from gully and sheet and rill erosion. Implementing this work, we are making improvements to nearby high priority lakes and streams.  This is lifetime work, and Kevin has had a far-reaching impact.  Kevin exemplifies the definition of an Outstanding Conservationist and Pope SWCD is proud to recognize him for his efforts. Congratulations Kevin!

We will present Kevin his award and recognition at the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation District’s Annual Conference December 3rd in St. Paul and on December 16th at the Pope County Commissioners Meeting.

Congratulations again to Kevin Lundebrek. We are proud to select him as this year’s recipient for this recognition and his conservation efforts.

Pope SWCD has partnered on this event. Landowners in the Sauk River Watershed in Pope County should have received a postcard in the mail with details about this well water screening event. We encourage you to participate. This event will be held on August 27th from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Stearns County Fairgrounds. All are welcome to participate in this event. Please register by visiting the link below.

https://www.stearnscd.org/privatewell