Volunteer accomplishments this year are genuinely impressive

Volunteers installed nearly 2,000 native woodland plants this year in the River Corridor, removed countless invasive species, and collected thousands of native seeds to further habitat restoration efforts.

So far this year, over 3,000 people have contributed over 10,000 hours to benefit the health and welfare of the Mighty Mississippi. From planting a demonstration native prairie to helping with mailings back in the downtown Saint Paul office, FMR volunteers do it all.

Over half, roughly 1,600 people, contributed at one or more of this year's 52 hands-on events. Most events centered on habitat restoration, where volunteers helped with one or more of the necessary steps to maintain or restore the vitality and ecological health to the lands of the river corridor.

Individuals, families, and youth and corporate groups helped pick up trash, remove invasive species, gather seed of beneficial native plants, and planted flowers and shrubs. Most events were part of the Gorge Stewards and Vermillion Stewards programs which offered people a chance to learn about an area and make a difference within it in just a few hours.

For those interested in a more significant commitment, there are two highly trained teams of volunteers, members of the Gorge Leadership Team and Stream Health Evaluation Program, who assist with higher-level restoration work and stream health monitoring, contributing roughly 1,600 hours among their 50 teammates.

Nearly 200 people contributed through non-restoration activities, such as assisting with the Mississippi River Challenge and helping to advocate for the successful Vote Yes Campaign.

In 2008, 1,367 people helped to stencil Saint Paul city storm drains with the educational message: "Please! Don't Pollute! Drains to River," and distribute educational doorhangers to local residents and businesses explaining the new spray-painted messages on their streets.

In addition, 83 volunteers contributed their time and talents to keep the organization behind all of these events, not to mention all the advocacy and conservation victories, up and running. Between dedicated board and committee members, event assistants (such as photographers and writers), seven interns and the Tuesday Night Crew — who help with mailings and data entry — over 1,000 hours were contributed this year towards internal FMR support.

Again, thanks to all who contribute their invaluable time and talents. You have not only helped contribute to the well-being of the Mississippi River, but also provided your dedication and humility as an ever-present and contagious reminder of the importance of this work.