CSB & SJU Environmental Studies Department

05/20/2026

Join Minnesota GreenCorps!
Minnesota GreenCorps, an AmeriCorps program coordinated by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, is hiring for up to 58 member positions. We are looking for motivated, service-minded individuals to improve the environment and strengthen communities throughout Minnesota.

MN GreenCorps members serve with local governments, nonprofit organizations, or educational institutions statewide and carry out service projects in areas of energy conservation and green transportation, community readiness and outreach, stormwater and forestry, and waste reduction and recycling.

MN GreenCorps members serve full-time for 11 months, from September 2026 to August 2027. In addition to receiving training, developing job skills, and gaining professional experience, members earn a living allowance of $1,150 (pre-tax) paid every other week, health insurance, student loan forbearance, and an education award of up to $7,395.
Visit https://www.pca.state.mn.us/mngreencorps to learn more about the program and apply by June 16!

05/15/2026

🎓 Wrapping up the Semester! ✨

With commencement happening tomorrow, it's hard to believe how busy our semester has been. From hosting Douglas Wood on campus, premiering a new documentary, a COP30 recap with , a happy hour celebration with alums and students, over 100 hours spent outdoors conducting labs, 30+ student research projects, nearly a dozen unique Environmental Studies classes, and so many laughs. Scroll through to explore some of our favorite moments!

As well, be on the lookout next week.... we have a special surprise coming to your mailbox.... 📧

05/06/2026

Everyday is Earth Day... Kinda!

It's hard to believe that Earth Day, and Earth Week rather, was nearly two weeks ago! This year, the Environmental Studies and Sustainability Office at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University hosted two marquee events: A Earth Week Feature Film AND Keynote!

On Tuesday, April 21, we welcomed Charly Frisk and the Earth Week Film with The Great Northern to showcase their new documentary: Rooted -- Farming Tales from Minnesota's Farming Future. We had a great time reconnecting and hosting a wonderful Q&A!

Then, on Wednesday, April 22, we welcomed Douglas Wood as our Earth Day Keynote Performance! He rocked the mandolin, gave a rare reading of his hit book Old Turtle, and spoke about the environmental movement as a whole. It was incredibly inspiring!

04/28/2026

Calling all students, friends, families, and colleagues!

This week—Thursday, April 30, from 2:00–4:00 PM in Upper Alcuin—join Environmental Studies students and faculty for our semesterly poster session!

Featuring research from over 30 students, including senior thesis capstones and ArcGIS projects, presenters will explore topics ranging from silvopasture and wolf conservation to property taxes and international climate justice.

✨ Free food will be available for all attendees! ✨

We hope to see you there!

04/21/2026

🎬🎶 Film & Music Feature: Earth Week Edition! 🌍💚

Welcome to Earth Week, everyone—the BEST week of the year! To celebrate our planet in style, Environmental Studies and are hosting two special events you won’t want to miss.

🌱 Tonight | 6:00–7:30 PM
We’re thrilled to premiere Rooted: Stories from Minnesota’s Farming Future, a powerful short documentary exploring what lies ahead for farming in our state. The film is led by producer Charly Frisk ’21, and we’re excited to share this meaningful work with you.

📚🎸 Tomorrow | EARTH DAY | 7:00–8:00 PM
Join us for a live performance by , featuring music, reflection, and storytelling—followed by a book signing. There’s no better way to celebrate Earth Day!
📍 Finding Us

To make it easy, we’ve put together a handy (if slightly crude 😄) map to guide you. Drive to the Saint John’s Abbey Church, then head into the Peter Engel Science Center. Look for posted signs—we’ll help point the way!

✨ Both events are FREE, open to all, and created to celebrate our planet, creativity, and community. Come for one—or better yet, come for both—and join us in honoring Earth Week together! 🌎💫

04/15/2026

Please join us at this awesome event. See you at Alcuin 369 @ 4:30!!! 🐘🌲🌎

04/13/2026

🎥 Earth Week Feature Film 🎞

On April 21 from 6:00 - 7:30 PM at Pellegrene Auditorium, the Environmental Studies Department and Sustainability Office will be featuring an Earth Week Feature Film!

Just a day before Earth Day, Charly Frisk and The Great Northern will be premiering their new documentary in central Minnesota: Rooted -- Tales from Minnesota's Farming Future! Showcasing local Minnesotan farmers stories against the changing climate, the documentary captures an impending future that in many ways, is already here.

The event is free for all and will be feature a Q&A with Charly Frisk '21, an Environmental Studies major and producer for the film!

04/01/2026

The ES department was saddened to learn of the passing of Professor Emeritus Larry Davis, a cherished colleague and teacher.

Dr. Davis was a geologist by training—and passion –and taught courses in geology, biology, and environmental studies from 1998 until his retirement in 2014. He was part of the team that developed the first “Integrated Environmental Science” sequence for Environmental Studies, which was in fact the first course to be officially labeled under ENVR in the academic catalog. He taught and mentored many students in his time at CSB+SJU, most notably those who shared his deep interests in geology and paleontology, many of whom pursued that interest in graduate school.

Dr. Davis received both the Teacher of Distinction Award and the Teacher-Scholar Award during his time with us, the two highest awards recognizing teaching excellence on our campuses. We will miss Larry, and offer our condolences to his family, friends, and former students.

Picture: Prof. Larry Davis in his element, teaching students about geology near Duluth, 2003.

03/20/2026

✨COOL OPPORTUNITY ALERT✨

The University of St. Thomas is hosting an exciting panel featuring Johnathan Foley, the Executive Director of Project Drawdown! Join us on Tuesday, March 24 from 7:00–8:30 PM for an inspiring and insightful conversation about climate solutions and the future of our planet.

Environmental Studies will also be having a small cohort attending! If any alumni are planning on attending, we would love to meet up!

If you'd like to register, check the link here:

Discover unique opportunities at! Find and attend events, browse and join organizations, and showcase your involvement.

03/12/2026

📣 Call for Proposals! 📣

This year, the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University are excited to welcome the Upper Midwest Association for Campus Sustainability (UMACS) back to our campuses! Founded right here more than 20 years ago, UMACS has grown into a major regional leader in sustainability education, collaboration, and professional networking across the Midwest.

UMACS is now seeking proposals for its upcoming conference — including student-led workshops, sponsor sessions, featured research presentations, and more.

Whether you’re a sustainability professional, a current or recent student, or an entrepreneur passionate about environmental solutions, your voice and ideas matter. Together, we can make meaningful progress toward a more sustainable future.

Click the link for more information on the proposals:

CONFERENCE HOMEPAGE