Sara Fechtelkotter

Neighborhood
NE Rochester

Board Member Since
April 2013

Personal Information
I grew up in a northwest suburb of the Twin Cities with my parents and the best big brother ever. Despite my wonderful family, I always planned on migrating south since I have never been a fan of winter. When moving off to college, I did not make it very far south though. I decided the University of Minnesota was a required stop along the way. After four years, I resumed my southward journey to SE Minnesota and happily landed in Rochester. I am coming to realize my migration south may be approaching an end as I start nearing the boarder because my roots in Minnesota are just too strong despite the harsh winters. I guess that is the price I must pay for having such wonderful people in my life.

Profession
Minnesota GreenCorps/AmeriCorps member

Education

• B.S. in Environmental Science, Policy, and Management – University of Minnesota, College of Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resource Sciences
• B.A. in Psychology, University of Minnesota, College of Liberal Arts

Favorite Tree
This is such a hard question after working as an urban forester and conducting a tree inventory. The Hackberry tree was initially my favorite because the bark makes identification exceptionally easy, but in the end I think the American Hophornbeam or the Catalpa tree are my favorite. The American Hophornbeam is very adaptable and can grow either sun or shade. The Catalpa has beautiful, large flowers and gigantic leaves.

Where I see RNeighbors 5 years from now
I envision RNeighbors building upon current programs/projects while also formulating new partnerships ultimately leading to an even more livable community.

Community Involvement
I volunteer with Collective Pata de Perro Bike Club, the YMCA, and Rochester schools. I am also a fanatical volleyball player and coach at Southern Minnesota Volleyball.