Earth Day and beyond: Celebrate and steward the river this spring!
Whether you're looking to get outside, join an indoor event or advocate online, FMR offers many opportunities to help the river this Earth Day and beyond!
Spring and Earth Day will be here before we know it! Join our big traditional cleanup or celebrate throughout the season at volunteer habitat restoration, education and advocacy events, in-person or online.
Join the Earth Day cleanup
As part of the larger citywide Minneapolis Earth Day cleanup, FMR's river gorge cleanup has become an annual family-friendly tradition. Hundreds of people from nearby neighborhoods and community groups come together to celebrate Earth Day and contribute to the health and vitality of the Mississippi River. This year's event is on Saturday, April 18.
To join the cleanup and experience the beauty of the river gorge, simply show up between 9:30 a.m. and noon at either location (E 36th St & W River Parkway for individuals and groups under 10 people, or E 44th St & W River Parkway for groups of 10-20). If you plan to come with 10 or more people, please register on the event page so we can send you updates and instructions to share with your group.
The day of the event, FMR staff will sign you in and provide all the supplies you'll need. However, if you have your own work gloves, feel free to bring them, as they may fit better. We strongly suggest wearing sturdy shoes and dressing in layers for the weather. And we suggest bringing your own water bottle and sunscreen.
Schedule your storm drain stenciling outing
From May to October, we stencil storm drains on St. Paul streets with educational messages about protecting water. Storm drain stenciling is a great activity for families, clubs, classes and groups to get outside and help the Mississippi River.
We also offer kits that make it easy for groups of 25 or fewer to volunteer independently.
Beyond Earth Day: Help restore habitat
Earth Day is important, but we often need helping hands at later spring habitat restoration events. We particularly need volunteers in May and June at natural areas around the Twin Cities! Check our events listings or sign up for Mississippi Messages to receive our event calendar and updates each month.
Volunteers are welcome to participate just once or join us throughout the season. No experience is necessary. If you volunteer at four or more events and/or contribute 20+ hours, you become an FMR SuperVolunteer!
Advocate for the river, Earth Day and every day
Earth Day lands in the middle of Minnesota's legislative session. You can take action on FMR's legislative priorities by becoming a River Guardian advocate now. Sign up to receive invitations to advocacy opportunities this Earth Day and beyond, as well as webinars and in-person events, like community meetings and social hours.
Support FMR and other environmental nonprofits through One Day, One Earth, One Minnesota
For Earth Day 2026, a group of environmental nonprofits in Minnesota will again come together — not compete — to raise funds to protect our air, water, land and people. We'll raise funds in April and split them among all of our organizations that work to protect Minnesota's environment. Stay tuned for more info on how to give.
Help the river all year
We hope you'll celebrate the river with us this spring in whatever ways work for you! If you're looking for even more ways to help the river, here are 30 more ideas you can try throughout the year.
Whether it's through volunteering, advocating, donating or taking action at home, we're grateful for all you do. Thanks for caring for our metro Mississippi River!
Become a member
Join us to protect, restore and enhance the Mississippi River.