The University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership announced on Apr. 24 the recipients of the 2026 Minnesota Climate Adaptation Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations for their efforts to promote resilient landscapes and communities.
The awards highlight the importance of climate adaptation in response to increasing weather and climate volatility. “In a world of increasing weather and climate volatility, the work of adaptation is not just a ‘nice to have,’ it is the bedrock of our future,” said Heidi Roop, director of the UMN Climate Adaptation Partnership. “We are no longer just planning for tomorrow. We are protecting the people and places we love today.”
Bolton & Menk received the Organizational Adaptation award for its Low Salt Design initiative, which developed new strategies to improve winter pavement recovery and reduce issues caused by blowing snow in Minnesota’s changing winters. The design guide has been adopted globally and integrated into state guidance documents.
The Farm and Forest Growers Cooperative was recognized in the Collaborative Adaptation category for producing climate-smart tree seedlings aimed at restoring forests affected by disease, pests, droughts, floods, and fires across northern Minnesota. In addition, Janet Brown from Sabathani Community Center received the Transformative Adaptation award for her role in developing a $21 million community resilience hub featuring renewable energy solutions in Minneapolis.
John Vaughn was honored with the Individual Adaptation award for his work supporting affordable housing initiatives and helping communities prepare for extreme weather events while advancing renewable energy adoption through Fresh Energy. The Creative Climate Communications award went to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s team for interactive exhibits that reached over 200,000 visitors at public events.
Paul Huttner received a Lifetime Achievement award as he retires from MPR News after years connecting Minnesotans with climate science through radio programs such as Updraft blog and Climate Cast series.
University of Minnesota Extension contributes to public service by delivering research-driven strategies that help residents address issues statewide according to its official website. It operates within cooperative extension education with support from federal agencies according to its official website, focusing on hands-on learning opportunities according to its official website available throughout every county according to its official website. Extension offers research-backed solutions addressing community challenges according to its official website.
