Shrub planting along the banks of South Creek
Enjoy a crisp fall morning on the banks of South Creek, a Vermillion River tributary, in Farmington! Volunteers are needed to assist FMR and the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization with a unique planting project using live stakes, 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]
This event has reached capacity and registrations are no longer being accepted. Please visit the events calendar for more ways to get involved.
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Fall brush removal at Ravine Park + lunch!
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 home to a compelling array of vegetation and habitats. The ravine ends in a small lake where people enjoy fishing, birdwatching and picnics.
Lop buckthorn and honeysuckle at the newly protected River Heights Park [FULL]
This event has reached capacity and registrations are no longer being accepted. Please visit the events calendar for more ways to get involved.
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Prairie seed collection at the Sand Coulee SNA [FULL]
This event has reached capacity and registrations are no longer being accepted. Please visit the events calendar for more ways to get involved.
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Become an FMR SuperVolunteer!
SuperVolunteers Allan and Stacy show off their true colors in front of the river.
If you've been to an FMR event, you've likely encountered a SuperVolunteer proudly clad in their identifying T-shirt. To join their ranks, volunteers need to participate in four or more hands-on restoration events (or contribute 20+ hours) throughout the year.
There are plenty of upcoming events in need of helping hands for you to earn 2018 SuperVolunteer status!
Floodplain forest planting along Vermillion River's South Creek
Pine Bend Bluffs Natural Area brush haul + celebration [FULL]
Oak woodland brush haul + lunch!
Thanks to the support of local volunteers and a long-term partnership with 3M, FMR has had the privilege of helping to preserve and restore the oak woodlands at 3M's Cottage Grove facility near the Mississippi River. Former invasive species thickets are now home to wildflowers and wildlife, helping to connect adjacent natural areas and form part of a green corridor in southern Washington County.