Item Description:
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Agmt PR00007167 with Bolton & Menk, Inc. for environmental education services, 07/08/25-12/31/27, NTE $90,000
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that Agreement PR00007167 with Bolton & Menk, Inc. for the provision of environmental educations services during the period July 8, 2025, through December 31, 2027 in an amount not to exceed $90,000, be approved; that following the review and approval of the County Attorney’s Office, the Chair of the Board be authorized to sign the agreement of behalf of Hennepin County; and that the Controller be authorized to disburse funds as directed.
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Background:
Hennepin County’s Watershed Connections program provides hands-on environmental education for sixth to 12th grade students at a body of water near their school. Bolton & Menk, Inc. staff assist students with collecting and identifying aquatic macroinvertebrates, such as dragonflies, mayflies and beetles, and help students interpret the quality of the water based on the types of macroinvertebrates found. Students explore what activities impact water quality, gain knowledge about how to protect water, and dive into what impacts climate change has on water in Minnesota, while experiencing a sense-of-place near their school.
All activities in the program are linked to Minnesota State Education Standards, and pre-and post-curriculum is available to enhance the experience. The program is provided at no cost to schools. In the past three years, Watershed Connections has provided hands-on environmental education opportunities to more than 1,800 students at 21 schools and youth groups. Many of these schools and groups serve student populations with higher rates of free and reduced lunch or focus on engaging diverse youth.
Current contracts with Bolton & Menk, Inc. total over $100,000, therefore board approval is required for this agreement. Funding for this environmental education program comes from the Solid Waste Enterprise Fund.
Current Request: This request seeks approval for the County Administrator to execute Agreement PR00007167 with Bolton & Menk, Inc. for environmental education services from July 8, 2025, through December 31, 2027, with a not to exceed cost of $90,000.
Impact: The request will provide approximately 1,800 students with a high-quality environmental education experience. Environmental education for youth, especially hands-on outdoor experiences, have been proven to increase interest in protecting the environment; promote mental, physical, and social well-being; foster lifelong environmental stewardship; and increase interest in careers in environmental protection and sustainability.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval