GreenCorps Member Helping Robbinsdale Meet Sustainability Goals

Minnesota GreenCorps Member Gwen Casey is working much of 2026 with the City of Robbinsdale.

Each year, Minnesota GreenCorps sends out dozens of volunteers–many of them, like Gwen Casey, recent college graduates–to work with local governments and other non-profit organizations.

“It’s a great way to get hands-on experience in the sustainability world,” said Casey, who is in the midst of an 11-month stint working with the City of Robbinsdale. “It’s a great way to learn how local government and other sustainability initiatives happen on the ground.”

During her time in Robbinsdale, Casey will work closely alongside City Forester Stephan Papiz, Water Resources Specialist Jenna Wolf, and Sustainability Coordinator Kayla Kirtz.

“I think having a local government that really has one-person departments–there’s just a lot of power that happens with that: having real decision-making capacity and really getting involved right away,” said Casey.

She also said she feels like local governments are the place someone with her interests can make the most impact in the crucial fight against climate change.

“These next ten years are super-important to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, and I think there’s a lot that needs to happen at the city level to make that happen,” said Casey.

Robbinsdale

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