Enjoy the view and tend the prairie at Ole Olson Park [FULL]

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Orvin "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 not only beautify the park but provide much-needed bee, butterfly and bird habitat. And, with deep root systems that act like filters, they help reduce the amount of run-off and pollution flowing into the Mississippi River. The garden is part of the larger 2-acre prairie restoration completed in 2018.

Although a small urban site, Ole Olson is home to a surprising diversity of landscapes, including riverfront shoreline, woodland terrace and grassland slopes. This event will help further our long-term restoration and commitment at this site and to the river. 

As always, all are welcome, however, capacity is limited and registration is required. We'll provide any tools and training needed. This event is part of our Above the Falls Stewards program, engaging North and Northeast Minneapolis residents to protect and restore their riverfront parks.

Accessibility

This event takes place directly off of a paved trail. We will be working in the garden on level terrain. We will be using hand tools and shovels to dig up plants, though volunteers can choose what to work on and work at their own pace.

Ready to register?

While this event is full, you can still sign up for the waitlist. Please contact FMR Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator Sophie Downey at volunteer@fmr.org, 651.222.2193 x27, or by selecting Sophie by name under "Category" via the FMR contact form. Please include the name of the event, your name, address and phone number and the number in your party. We will contact you if a spot opens up.

Can't make it?

To receive notices of future volunteer events, contact FMR Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator Sophie Downey at volunteer@fmr.org. Or, visit our Events Calendar for our most up-to-date listing of upcoming events. To receive a twice-a-month e-newsletter including all FMR activities and news, sign up for Mississippi Messages.

What about COVID-19?

We're watching the CDC and Minnesota Department of Health guidelines closely. If plans change based on their recommendations, FMR Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator Sophie Downey will email registrants with event updates. (Be sure to add volunteer@fmr.org to your contacts so updates don't land in spam.) And we'll update this page if anything changes. (You can read more about our policies here.)

We will offer gloves and hand sanitizer at the event. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own masks and wear them when in close proximity to others.