Join us at the annual River Gorge Earth Day cleanup
Our work takes place on Dakota land. Learn more.
Taking place just off of West River Parkway, this cleanup is an Earth Day tradition in the Minneapolis River Gorge. People come from throughout the local river corridor, neighborhoods and metro area – individuals, families, small church, corporate and student or scout groups – to celebrate Earth Day and contribute to the health and vitality of the Mississippi River. All are welcome! This is a family-friendly event providing an excellent opportunity to get outside and work together to help improve this treasured area. We've returned to this site year after year and have noticed a dramatic improvement to the area thanks to dedicated volunteers like you!
This event is supported by the local neighborhood group, the Longfellow Community Council, and Longfellow area residents are encouraged to register! The event is also part of the Gorge Stewards program, which actively engages citizens throughout the Twin Cities in the stewardship of the national treasure that is the Mississippi River Gorge.
Accessibility
Our two locations for this cleanup are paved parking lots, with easy access to paved and unpaved trails. Volunteers are encouraged to spread out and work wherever they feel comfortable. Paths are shared by walkers and bikers, but volunteers can spend their entire cleanup on flat, paved trails. Volunteers also have the option to stick to sidewalks and city streets.
Sign me up!
Advance registration for this event is not required for individuals or for groups of 10 or fewer.
If you have a group of 10-20 people, please contact FMR's Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator at volunteer@fmr.org or 651.222.2193 x27. We'll work with you to determine which cleanup site is a better fit for your group.
For groups of 20 or more, please contact Kristina Anderson, kanderson@minneapolisparks.org to be assigned a location that will better fit your group size.
To participate, show up at 9:30 a.m. at either location (East 36th Street & West River Parkway or East 44th Street & West River Parkway) to sign in with FMR staff. We'll provide all the supplies, but feel free to wear your own gloves if you have them. Sturdy shoes and dressing in layers for the weather are strongly suggested.
This event is supported by the Longfellow Community Council; Longfellow area residents are encouraged to attend. The event is also part of the Gorge Stewards program, actively engaging community members throughout the Twin Cities in the stewardship of the Mississippi River Gorge.
Can't make it?
To receive the most up-to-date notices of all of our volunteer opportunities and events, sign up for our twice-monthly e-newsletter, Mississippi Messages. To receive notice of upcoming Gorge Stewards events, contact Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator, volunteer@fmr.org or 651.222.2193 x27.
Thanks to our Gorge Stewards Program partners and funders: 3M Foundation, BNSF Foundation, The Cargill Foundation, Hennepin County, Longfellow Community Council, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, RBC Wealth Management and Xcel Energy.