The Bloomington Leadership program is about more than building connections. It’s about inspiring people to make a difference. For 2026 graduates Maddie Johnson, pictured in the back row first on the left, Tenzin Gakyi, front row second from right, and Jenny Krueger, back row third from left, that inspiration turned into action along the banks of Nine Mile Creek.
After meeting through the program, the trio combined their passion for the environment with a desire to give back and partnered with Nine Mile Creek Watershed District to organize a community cleanup. Together with family, friends and fellow Leadership Program graduates, they rolled up their sleeves and removed litter at one of Bloomington's most valuable
natural resources.
"I know how important it is to maintain the natural ecosystem," said Johnson. "After meeting incredible community leaders through the Bloomington Leadership Program, I felt motivated to plan an event that had a tangible impact."
Ready to become an Earth Action Hero? Join Nine Mile Creek Watershed District's Grate Drain Race by adopting a storm drain and helping keep trash out of local lakes and creeks through November 30. Learn more and sign up at ninemilecreek.org.
