Minnesota

Faces of Conservation

Meet Our Experts

The Nature Conservancy in Minnesota works to protect and preserve the Great Lakes State for future generations, and our conservation work is grounded in strong science. Meet some of the experts who help us protect nature and preserve life.

MN FOC Meredith Cornett Ph.D. IconMeredith Cornett, Ph.D. Photo credit: © TNC
Meredith Cornett, Ph.D.

Meredith Cornett oversees conservation planning, research and ecological monitoring activities in Minnesota and South Dakota.

MN FOC Phil Gerla IconConservation Hydrologist Phil Gerla sampling water from the stream at Pigeon Point Preserve, part of the Sheyenne Delta, which is located in Ransom County, North Dakota, near the town of Sheldon. This preserve contains high quality fen and shrub meadow communities and it has one of the best developed, spring-fed streams in the Sheyenne River Valley. Photo credit: © TNC
Philip Gerla

Hydrologist Philip Gerla advances the Conservancy’s mission by developing action plans.

MN FOC Mark White IconMark White Photo credit: © TNC
Mark White

Forest ecologist Mark White’s work focuses on biodiversity conservation in forested landscapes.

MN FOC Kristen Blann Ph.D. IconKristen Blann, Ph.D. Photo credit: © TNC
Kristen Blann

Freshwater ecologist Kristen Blann provides technical leadership for aquatic conservation planning.

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Photo Special Features TabLion in Maasai Mara, Kenya, Africa. © Kenneth K. Coe

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Arden OConnor 215x143Arden O’Connor. © Lajla LeBlanc

Nature Matters

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Places We Protect

The Conservancy owns and manages 57 preserves in Minnesota: more than 72,000 acres. Learn about them

How We Work

Our top priority is to achieve lasting conservation results for the people and nature of Minnesota. Learn how