Summer work night at Ole Olson Park

Tuesday, August 28, 2018 - 6:00pm to Wednesday, August 29, 2018 - 7:45pm
Just off the bike trail at Ole Olson Park, North Minneapolis
Two volunteers tending the prairie at Ole Olson Park in north 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 as we return to this riverfront park to tend an important 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 summer work night will help further our long-term transformation and commitment at this site and to the river. Although a small urban site, Ole Olson is a surprisingly diverse landscape, 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 and weeds. 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 – and keeping it that way.

As always, all are welcome, however, capacity is limited and registration required. We'll provide any tools and training needed.

Learn more

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. We are excited to continue to grow this program and engage citizens in the restoration process. 

Ready to register?

To sign up and receive directions to the meeting spot, contact FMR Volunteer Coordinator Amy Kilgore via the contact form (please select Amy by name from the staff list under "Category") or at akilgore@fmr.org, 651-222-2193 x31. Please include the name of the event, your name, address and phone number along with the number in your party.

You will receive a confirmation email with details and directions from akilgore@fmr.org within two business days. (If you don't, please check your SPAM folder.)

Can't make it?

Thank you to our partners and funders: 

Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, and funders Andeavor Foundation, Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust, Patagonia, RBC Wealth Management, and Xcel Energy.

Upcoming Events

Wednesday, December 11, 2024 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Friends of the Mississippi River office in St. Paul
This school year
In your classroom or outside

Our River Campaign:
It all starts here

At the heart of this new campaign is the vision of a healthy Mississippi River.