Who we are
Hastings Environmental Protectors is a grassroots organization of citizens of Hastings, Minnesota and the surrounding area dedicated to the restoration and conservation of the local environment.
HEP provides opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to get involved and make an impact on the local Hastings environment.
Mission statement
To preserve, protect, restore, and encourage resilience in the Hastings Area natural environments through monitoring, maintenance and enhancement of habitat and water quality, and through education, advocacy and partnership with government and community and environmental organizations.
What we do
Local advocacy and advising
HEP works directly with organizations across the Hastings, Minnesota area, including the Chamber of Commerce and other government organizations, to educate on and advise in the rollout of new programs and projects. Recently, HEP was awarded a grant from the Great Plains Institute to help improve the energy efficiency of homes in the area.
Regular volunteer events
The core of our work is done through volunteer events across the area — from lake and river monitoring to installing, monitoring, and maintaining pollinator gardens. Our grassroots organization relies on the actions and donations of volunteers just like you!
Tecla R. Karpen scholarship
Environmental education is a crucial component of building a greener, more sustainable world. We do what we can to help impact that locally! Started in 2017, the Tecla R. Karpen scholarship is awarded to one Hastings High School senior annually.
History
Hastings Environmental Protectors was founded in 2003 by Tecla R. Karpen.
Raised in Hastings, Tecla had a dream for the local land. She envisioned the entire length of the Mississippi River restored and protected as a natural preserve. Tecla spent her life promoting an understanding and appreciation of the environment, and believed strongly that our personal sense of responsibility to local lands and waters could be instilled from childhood and nurtured throughout life.
Today, our membership roster stands at 173 passionate Hastings individuals with one common goal: To protect, preserve, and restore the native lands around us.
Our board
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Joe Beattie
President
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Dwight Smith
Vice President
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Kathy Siemens
Treasurer
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Ceil Strauss
Secretary