Nelson Companies participated in the 2012 Hiawatha Heart Warmer at Lake Hiawatha. The Lake Hiawatha Heart Warmer is a winter carnival that promotes the many independent businesses of the Standish-Ericsson, Longfellow, Corcoran,and Nokomis communities in South Minneapolis. Nelson donated wood for the bonfire and hosted a booth.

Nelson Companies was a sponsor at the 25th Anniversary Celebration for Patrick's Cabaret in South Minneapolis. This day long event included a parade and block party celebrating artists, free speech and community.

Nelson Companies participated in the 2010 Minnesota Solar Tour on Saturday, October 2, 2010. The Nelson Office Building PV System was part of the tour. In addition to information about the PV System installed on the roof there was a solar roof vent and supplemental solar heating system on display.

The self-guided, public tour featured 90 exemplary homes, businesses, and institutions that have incorporated renewable energy into the design and operation of their buildings. From geothermal heat pumps using the earth as a huge thermal buffer to wind turbines elegantly spinning in the breeze and the many incarnations of solar energy between earth and sky, this event offered local residents an opportunity to find out how their neighbors are trimming their energy bills, increasing their energy independence, and taking steps to address global warming. This was an excellent opportunity for those interested in solar and other renewable energies to view installations and talk with building owners, builders, architects, and planners about their experiences. This year’s attendance was estimated at over 1,500 visitors. The tour is held every October. If you didn’t get a chance to join us this year we hope you will in 2011. www.mnrenewables.org/solar-tour

On October 10^th, 2010 (10/10/10) over 7,000 communities came together in 188 countries for an unprecedented day of unity, collaboration and grassroots climate action. Nelson was a part of that by participating in the 350.org Global Work Party by cleaning and stenciling catch basins in our neighborhood. We stenciled cautionary messages on the basins to warn people of the hazards of trash in them that will eventually find its way to water ways in the area and cause pollution. Did you know that just five bags of leaves and organic debris from streets and sidewalks can contain one pound of phosphorus? Over time, this can lead to the growth of up to 1,000 pounds of algae. Phosphorus is the leading and most serious source of pollution for rivers and lakes causing excessive growth of aquatic plants and eutrophication.

We plan to participate again next year and would love to have you join us. If you would like to see more information on what is going on with 350.org please visit their site: www.350.org