Showy Demonstration Prairie Planting [FULL!]

Join us as we break ground on FMR's newest restoration site! Help install a demonstration native prairie at Ole Olson in Above the Falls Regional Park in Minneapolis. 

Ole Olson Park in north Minneapolis is known for its top-notch walking and biking trails and stunning skyline views, but we want it to be recognized for even more. Join FMR Thursday, October 8, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at our first volunteer event at this riverfront park to install a lovely native demonstration prairie garden along the bike trail. These showy flowers and grasses will not only beautify the park but provide much-needed bee, butterfly and bird habitat. And, with deep root systems that act like filters, they'll help reduce the amount of pollution flowing into the Mississippi River. 

This event is the first part of a long-term transformation and commitment. Although a small urban site, Ole Olson is home to a surprising diversity of landscapes, including riverfront shoreline, woodland terrace and grassland slopes. While the city parks department has been working to restore and stabilize the shoreline and slopes, much of the park is home to Russian thistle and other invasive plants that provide neither wildlife habitat nor a pleasant view. Working with the city and relying on local volunteer power, we look forward to transforming the park into an oasis of habitat and respite — returning willows to the shoreline, wildflowers to the slopes and majestic oaks to the terraces.

This inaugural event has been years in the making. For over a decade, FMR has helped engage community members and advocate for a revitalized North and Northeast Minneapolis riverfront with improved access, habitat and community-positive development. This event is part of FMR's Above the Falls stewardship program — providing opportunities for education, access and hands-on restoration along the banks of the Mississippi River north of St. Anthony Falls. It's a young program, and growing! 

Ready to register?

To ensure a high-quality experience, capacity is limited and registration required. Registrants will be emailed directions to the correct meeting spot and other essential details. (The map below is for general reference only.)

Children are welcome to participate with a parent or guardian. Teens are welcome to participate independently, but we'll need a guardian to complete this online minor permission form in advance.

To sign up, contact FMR Event Registrar Amy Kilgore via the contact form (please select "Volunteering" under "Category") or akilgore@fmr.org, 651-222-2193 x31. Please include: the name of the event, your name, address and phone number and the number in your party (up to 3).

You will receive a confirmation email with directions and other essentials from Amy within two business days. If you don't see a message, please check your SPAM folder. 

Can't make it?

If you can't make this event but would like to be notified of future Above the Falls or other restoration and education events, contact FMR Outreach & Volunteer Coordinator sue rich at srich@fmr.org, or sign up for our twice-a-month e-newsletter "Mississippi Messages" above right.

Learn more

• FMR's Above the Falls page
• Ole Olson restoration fact sheet
• Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board Above the Falls Regional Park 
• Articles about the creation of the park, by The Journal, The Northeaster and tcdailyplanet.