Plant native shrubs and wildflowers in the Oak Savanna [FULL]

Saturday, May 21, 2016 - 9:00am to Sunday, May 22, 2016 - 10:45am
Near 36th and West River Parkway, along the Mississippi River Gorge in south Minneapolis (Registrants will receive detailed directions.)

Thank you for your interest in this event, however it has reached capacity and registrations are no longer being accepted. Please consider another event scheduled on the FMR calendar

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Just off the main path along the Minneapolis riverfront lies a surprisingly beautiful and rare oak savanna and woodlands. This area includes the highest quality plant communities remaining in the River Gorge, including a mesic prairie and a remnant oak brushland/woodland undergoing restoration to oak savanna. 

For years, it has been carefully tended by River Gorge Stewards volunteers. Coming from both the community and the larger metro area, volunteers have completed much of the habitat restoration work, including removing and managing the invasive species (such as buckthorn) that formerly dominated this site.

At this event, volunteers will work closely with FMR ecologist Alex Roth and local River Gorge Steward ecologist Carolyn Carr to plant native shrubs, trees and wildflowers where there was once invasive buckthorn. The native plants will provide habitat — for birds, bees, butterflies and other wildlife — and help filter pollution from runoff waters before it can enter the Mississippi River. 

Tools and gloves will be provided. Shovels and trowels will be in use, but children are welcome with a parent or guardian. 

 

Thank you to our partners and funders: 

Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, Laura Jane Musser Fund, REI, Xcel Energy, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board

Upcoming Events

August 13 through October 31, 2026
Throughout St. Paul
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 - 8:00pm to 9:30pm
TPT, Twin Cities PBS
Thursday, September 10, 2026 - 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Near the Mississippi River backwaters, St. Paul Park

Take Me to the River 

Celebrate the Mississippi River and choose your own adventure while supporting FMR at our reimagined fall fundraiser on Thursday, Sept. 24.