In the idyllic setting of Keller Regional Park, nestled amid its verdant expanses and tranquil ambiance, lies a cultural treasure waiting to be uncovered: Tuj Lub, the traditional Hmong top-spinning game. Serving as a poignant reminder of Hmong heritage, this pastime embodies a fusion of skill, strategy, and community spirit. 

At the heart of every flourishing ecosystem lies the often-underappreciated foundation—healthy soil. Healthy soil isn’t just a medium for plants to grow in. It is a dynamic and interconnected system that influences water quality, biodiversity, and even climate stability. To help keep water clean, healthy soil acts as a natural filter, preventing pollutants from entering water bodies. Soil is important for biological diversity (or biodiversity) to grow plants, which are the basis of the food chain that sustains animals and humans. Soil plays a multifaceted and crucial role in reducing climate change, too.

In a forward-looking initiative, Ramsey County Soil and Water Conservation Division (RCSWCD) forged a crucial partnership with the University of Minnesota in 2023 to tackle the growing threat of invasive rusty crayfish in Ramsey County lakes. Utilizing cutting-edge DNA detection techniques, the University played a pivotal role in confirming the presence of these invasive crayfish species. RCSWCD then verified the infestation in Lake McCarron through the examination of a live sample.

During the summer of 2023, the RCSWCD (Ramsey County Soil and Water Conservation Division) had the privilege of hosting three Conservation Corps members who made significant contributions to preventing the spread of invasives in the water and on land.

The Ramsey County Board, Tuesday, April 16, unanimously adopted a fully integrated Climate Equity Action Plan. Developed by staff, community, and key partners the plan aims to reduce greenhouse gases and help community survive and thrive in changing climate conditions.

Two families of American kestrels, small falcons, have successfully nested in nest boxes along Rice Creek. The boxes, constructed by the Ramsey County Parks Youth Outdoors Conservation Corp crew, and installed by Ramsey County Parks and Recreation staff, with the assistance of ornithologist Amber Burnette, were sites for this avian habitation.

The 2023 Workforce Solutions annual business report is available.

Learn about the 2024 Youth Workforce Champion Award winners.

Ramsey County named Gloria Reyes as the next deputy county manager of the Safety and Justice Service Team. Reyes was selected by county staff and community through a competitive search process that started in January as the county prepared for the current deputy county manager of Safety and Justice to retire in June. 

Tuberculosis Clinic staff held an event March 22 to raise awareness and show support for the fight against TB.