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Augsburg Now: Two brothers, two awards from the Minnesota Environmental Initiative
Two brothers, two awards from the Minnesota Environmental Initiative
Augsburg alumni and brothers, Allan '75 and Lyndon Torstenson '78, each received an award in April at the Minnesota Environmental Initiative's sixth annual award ceremonies for projects recognized as statewide environmental models. Out of the five awards presented, the Torstenson brothers received two: Allan in the category of Land Use and Community Development and Lyndon in Environmental Education.
The Phalen Village Redevelopment Project, which resulted from Allan's work as a planner for the City of St. Paul, was selected as a winner because it "demonstrates efficient and well-planned land use, accounting for economic prosperity, environmental stewardship and community well being." The project has transformed an uninviting, automobile-oriented area into an attractive, pedestrian-friendly, ecologically minded urban village.
The initiative also recognized a coalition called the WaterShed Partners, which is convened and facilitated by Lyndon, an education specialist for the National Park Service. In an effort to educate the public about how everyday behaviors on land affect water quality, the coalition has produced exhibits and undertaken media and educational campaigns that together have reached over one million people.
For the Torstenson brothers, the roots of ecological consciousness run deep. "Stewardship is something we learned at home," says Lyndon. "But it also has roots in our Norwegian heritage, our Lutheran heritage and our Augsburg community."
| WaterShed Partners | Pahlen Village Redevelopment Project | Minnesota Environmental Initiative |
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