Giving back

Solving global ecosystem problems in our own backyard

Laurie Hennen
CBS Director of Development

Global ecosystems are the Earth’s life support system. They provide clean air, water, soil, plants and trees, which are essential for life. Over the past 50 years, these systems have been pushed to their limits by human activities. Over the next 50 years, the Earth’s population is expected to grow from six billion to nine billion, which will further threaten our ecosystems and human life.

Is there a solution to climate change? Where will we get better biofuels? These and other pressing questions are being answered right now at Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve. Cedar Creek has been a leader in the field since 1942, when Raymond Lindeman launched ecosystem science with a landmark discovery showing how energy and nutrients move through ecosystems. University researchers David Tilman and Peter Reich have continued Lindeman’s legacy with groundbreaking research aimed at understanding the impact of human activities on our air, water and land and how to restore our global ecosystems.

—Laurie Hennen

Interested in helping Cedar Creek grow? Making a gift is easy. Simply go to www.giving.umn.edu. Be sure to designate your gift to the Cedar Creek Improvements Fund #7442. To discuss how you might have a more significant impact on Cedar Creek, contact Laurie Hennen at 612-624-9460.