A record year for river volunteers!
As the outdoor volunteer season comes to a close, we stand in awe of our river stewards' accomplishments. In 2015, some 3,637 people — individuals, families, church, school and neighborhood groups — came together from throughout the metro area to help the Mississippi River at 135 FMR volunteer events. Together they stenciled over 3,000 storm drains with educational messages helping residents connect their yards and streets to our local waters, removed over a thousand bags of invasive species from local parks and natural areas, removed litter from over 20 riverfront sites and installed native prairies and raingardens at six riverfront parks. At the end of our busiest restoration season on record, our community's ability to act on behalf of our local waters and wildlife continues to amaze us.
Join us for a fall hayride, hike or haul! (Heads up: Capacity is limited.)
Join us for a crisp autumn morning in the bluffs above the river Saturday, Oct. 17 in Cottage Grove or Saturday, Oct. 24 in Pine Bend Bluffs near Rosemount. Sign up for the hayride and hike, join the buckthorn hauls — or both!
After exploring and restoring river-lands not normally open to the public, we’ll celebrate our volunteer and community partners’ impact on our local wildlife and waters. Thanks to Cottage Grove partner 3M and Pine Bend partner Flint Hills Resources, there’ll be great food, raffles and other special activities.
Join us above the falls! Showy N Minneapolis trailside planting Oct. 8
Long an industrial zone with little community access, the north and northeast Minneapolis riverfront is undergoing a much-needed transformation. After years of local advocacy and planning work, FMR is proud to host two hands-on fall events within a new portion of the Above the Falls Regional Park. Join us September 10 to help tend the Sheridan Memorial raingarden (pictured above) or October 8 to plant a showy trail-side prairie at Ole Olsen. Capacity is limited so sign up soon!
Three cheers to Twin Cities youth for painting the town!
Thanks to those who have stenciled with FMR so far this year! New photos have been posted on our Flickr page.
Wanted: June prairie & woodland volunteers
Last year, FMR volunteers installed over 5,000 native prairie and woodland plants. These ecological powerhouses filter pollution, reduce erosion and provide much-needed pollinator, bird and wildlife habitat. Join us at one of several June tending events to help these young plants make it through the summer!
Invasive species removal at Cottage Grove Ravine Park
With 515 acres of hills and heavily wooded ravines, a small lake and a smattering of small prairies, Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park features a beautifully diverse landscape. A glacial tunnel valley bisects the park, featuring 80- to 100-foot slopes which are home to a compelling array of vegetation and habitats. The ravine ends in a small lake where people enjoy fishing, birdwatching and picnics.