What's in a storm drain stenciling kit?
Looking to do some good for the Mississippi River, but need a flexible schedule? FMR offers complete do-it-yourself St. Paul storm drain stenciling kits for groups of two to 20, spring through fall.
Learn more in this video with FMR stenciling coordinator Daurius Mikroberts as he walks you through the kit's ingredients, or learn more on our stenciling kits page.
Tend the demonstration prairie on Nicollet Island [FULL - register for waitlist!]
Last year, FMR volunteers planted over 600 native prairie plants in the demonstration prairie boxes on Nicollet Island. Along with adding pollinator habitat and beauty to the island, these boxes are educational. Identification plaques give park visitors the chance to learn more about the stunning array of species coming up throughout the restored prairies on the island.
Garlic mustard May!
Pull garlic mustard with us! We've got plenty of opportunities to help restore river habitat this May.
'Tis the season for garlic mustard removals. If you've skimmed the FMR events calendar recently, you may have noticed a reoccurring theme: garlic mustard pulls. Prime pulling season typically runs from late-April through May. Learn more about this pesky invader and how you can help. >>
Plant native shrubs and wildflowers at Heritage Village Park [FULL - register for waitlist!]
Check out our video of the first big planting event at this former railyard to see what this site is like!
Pull garlic mustard at the river gorge sand flats [FULL]
This event has reached maximum capacity. Read below for instructions to sign up for the waitlist, and we will contact you if anyone cancels their spot for this event. Or, see our full event calendar to choose a different volunteer opportunity.
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Got a group? Stencil storm drains with us!
Note: We're watching public health guidelines closely. All stenciling programs are canceled or postponed until at least May 1, 2020. We're also working to provide online lessons and alternative independent activities for registrants impacted by coronavirus cancellations.
Sign up here if you'd like us to email you when we reactivate stenciling outings.
Help pull weedy invasive plants at St. Paul Park's Riverside Park
Join us for a volunteer work night at St. Paul Park's Riverside Park. Located near the backwaters of the Mississippi River, consisting of 14-acres of oak forest, Riverside Park is a nature study area. Maintaining this park's natural state provides much-needed habitat and resources for local critters of all kinds, and serves as an oasis along the Mississippi River flyway for migratory birds.
Planting along the banks of the Vermillion
Enjoy a crisp fall morning on the banks of the Vermillion River in Farmington! Volunteers are needed to assist FMR and the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization with a unique planting project, helping to fight against invasive species and create habitat for native pollinators and birds. Additionally, volunteers may be asked to help with other restoration tasks.
H2O + Hops: Habitat restoration, water quality and you
Join us for an evening of H2O and hops at Hastings' newest watering hole, Spiral Brewery! Local experts from Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) and Hastings Environmental Protectors (HEP) will highlight important trends and emerging issues facing the Vermillion Watershed. Learn about local efforts to improve water quality and increase habitat restoration and biodiversity – plus actions you can take in your home and yard to help do your part.
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.