Woodland planting on Nicollet Island [FULL - register for waitlist!]

Join us for an evening of planting climate-adapted shrubs and trees in the woodlands on Nicollet Island. FMR is leading a multi-year restoration of the natural areas on the north half of Nicollet Island in partnership with the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization and the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board. The restoration plan includes removal of invasive species, enhancement of degraded forest areas, and the creation of new, diverse habitat, including two acres of native prairie and the re-creation of a pocket of maple forest historically present on the island.

Together with the guidance of FMR staff, volunteers will dig in to plant shrubs and trees to increase diversity in the forest. These climate-adapted species will help maintain a healthy, diverse ecosystem as the climate warms and the makeup of Minnesota forests change. 

All are welcome. No experience is needed however, registration is required and capacity is limited. All tools, gloves and training will be provided.

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 Above the Falls Stewards 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've modified our events this year to be smaller, and allow for individuals to work while safely six feet apart. All tools will be sanitized between events, and all gloves provided are unused in 2020. Once registered, volunteers will receive a full list of safety precautions and guidelines. You can read more about our policies here.

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.

We will offer gloves and hand sanitizer at the event. Volunteers are required to bring and wear their own masks.

Read more about the Nicollet Island restoration plans!