About EarthFest

Our Mission

Founded in 2015 by Ivan and Mary Idso, EarthFest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our mission is to develop a more environmentally sustainable community by:

  • Raising awareness
  • Providing education and resources
  • Inspiring sustainability actions

We achieve our mission through an EarthFest celebration every April. EarthFest promotes partner events in the Rochester area that are offered by local environmental organizations. EarthFest hosts a one-day expo that gathers local and regional environmental organizations and businesses in one place and attracts more than 500 attendees annually.

Save the date! The 2024 EarthFest Expo will be held on Saturday, May 4!

Board Members

Stephanie Hatzenbihler

Stephanie Hatzenbihler

City of Rochester, Chair

Mary Idso

Mary Idso

Founder & Rochester Resident, Treasurer

Amanda Holloway

Amanda Holloway

Mayo Clinic, Board Member

Aaron Gamm

Olmsted County Soil and Water Conservation District, Board Member

Your Name Here!

We're seeking more board members, steering committee members, and volunteers.

Steering Committee

  • Anthony Wittmer, Olmsted County Environmental Resources
  • Micah Johnson, Solar Connection
  • Cory Rubin, Rochester Community and Technical College
  • Deb Las, Rochester Public Schools
  • Donna Brunskill, Rochester Public Schools
  • Rick Morris, Sierra Club
  • Sadie Neuman, MN GreenCorps Member
  • Jay Haapala, AARP
  • Jeremy Emmi, City of Rochester
  • Chris Lukenbill, Electric Vehicles Rochester
  • Kevin Bright, DMC and City of Rochester
  • Lauren Jensen, City of Rochester
  • Deah Kinion, SEMN Threshold
  • Ivan Idso, Founder & Rochester Resident
  • All Board Members

Interested in joining our steering committee or becoming a board member? Please contact us at earthfestrochester@gmail.com