UPDATE: Please confirm with host organizations about the status of listed events. Many in-person events have been cancelled, or there may be virtual options for some events.
See our Upcoming Events page, or check our community calendar below for upcoming green community events in Minnesota, or submit your own event!
Events in June–July 2019
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- Metro Buckthorn Bust
Metro Buckthorn Bust Metro Buckthorn Bust
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June 1, 2019Katherine Abbott Park is beloved for its 76-acre beauty and accessibility. A walk through these woodlands showcases what years of prescribed fire and volunteer effort can do to fight invasive buckthorn. However, some forest pockets are not receptive to fire and help is needed to clear these areas of buckthorn and other woody invasives.
Open to all ages, children must be supervised.
Light breakfast, snacks, and lunch will be provided.Partners & Funders: City of Mahtomedi and Dellwood Foundation.
Some considerations:
• Difficulty level of restoration task: Moderate
• We supply: Tools and equipment (gloves, shovels, safety glasses, etc.), drinking water, and all training
• This event will occur rain or shine -
- Enjoy the view and tend the native prairie at Ole Olson Park
Enjoy the view and tend the native prairie at Ole Olson Park Enjoy the view and tend the native prairie at Ole Olson Park
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June 4, 2019Join Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) on June 4 from 6-8 pm as we return to this riverfront park to tend an important native demonstration prairie garden along the bike trail. These showy flowers and grasses will not only beautify the park but provide much-needed bee, butterfly and bird habitat. And, with deep root systems that act like filters, they'll help reduce the amount of pollution flowing into the Mississippi River.
This event will help further our long-term transformation and commitment at this site and to the river. As always, all are welcome, however, capacity is limited and registration required. We'll provide any tools and training needed. To learn more and register, visit https://fmr.org/events/2019/06/04/enjoy-view-and-tend-native-prairie-ole-olson-parkRegister at https://fmr.org/events/2019/06/04/enjoy-view-and-tend-native-prairie-ole-olson-park
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- Toy Lending Event
Toy Lending Event Toy Lending Event
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June 5, 2019Come to our toy lending event to become a member of the toy library. Access to over 1,000 toys appropriate for children age birth to 5.
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- Tend the demonstration prairie at Crosby Farm Park
Tend the demonstration prairie at Crosby Farm Park Tend the demonstration prairie at Crosby Farm Park
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June 6, 2019Join Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) on June 6 from 6-8 pm to help tend the volunteer-planted demonstration interpretive native prairie at Crosby Farm Regional Park! Crosby Farm Park is a natural oasis in the heart of the city, nestled at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers.
The three-acre demonstration prairie where we will be focusing our work includes upward of 1,000 native prairie plants and a variety of species markers to educate and inform visitors. Volunteers will help weed and otherwise care for the planting and surrounding areas under the guidance of FMR staff.
As always, FMR will provide all training and supplies needed. All are welcome and encouraged to work at their own skill and comfort level. To learn more and register, visit https://fmr.org/events/2019/06/06/tend-demonstration-prairie-crosby-farm-parkRegister at https://fmr.org/events/2019/06/06/tend-demonstration-prairie-crosby-farm-park
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- US SIF 9th Annual Conference
US SIF 9th Annual Conference US SIF 9th Annual Conference
All Day
June 10, 2019The US SIF Member Day and Annual Conference offer a unique opportunity to network with leaders of the sustainable investing community and to learn about new approaches, trends and policy developments. Since 2011, our first conference, attendees have come from the investment, business, civil society, academic, government and non-profit spheres. They represent investment management and advisory firms, foundations and family offices, research firms and rating agencies, financial planners and advisors, universities, broker-dealers and community development institutions, federal and state government and private and public corporations. Our conference content is cutting edge, covering a broad array of topics and issues that are timely and relevant to conference attendees.
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- Demonstration prairie planting at Nicollet Island
Demonstration prairie planting at Nicollet Island Demonstration prairie planting at Nicollet Island
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June 11, 2019Working together on Nicollet Island, on June 11 from 6-8 pm, Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) staff and volunteers will dig in and plant over 600 native prairie plants! These prairie plugs will be planted in two 150-square-foot raised bed gardens along the newly installed pedestrian trail. Following this planting, identification plaques will be added to the garden allowing park visitors the chance to learn more about the stunning array of species coming up throughout the restored prairie.
All are welcome. No experience is needed however, registration is required and capacity is limited. All tools, gloves and training will be provided. To learn more and register, visit https://fmr.org/events/2019/06/11/demonstration-prairie-planting-nicollet-island -
- Improve pollinator habitat at Camel's Hump Park
Improve pollinator habitat at Camel's Hump Park Improve pollinator habitat at Camel's Hump Park
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June 13, 2019Join Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) on June 13 from 6-8 pm for this summer worknight at Camel's Hump Park and Open Space. We will return to this stunning site with expansive blufftop views of the Mississippi River Valley to tend to previously planted pollinator patch gardens. These patches are especially important as they provide much-needed concentrated habitat and resources for local birds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, as well as help beautify this park.
All are welcome, but capacity is limited and registration is required. All training and tools are provided. To learn more and register, visit https://fmr.org/events/2019/06/13/improve-pollinator-habitat-camels-hump-parkRegister at https://fmr.org/events/2019/06/13/improve-pollinator-habitat-camels-hump-park
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- THE 29TH ANNUAL ENERGY FAIR
THE 29TH ANNUAL ENERGY FAIR THE 29TH ANNUAL ENERGY FAIR
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June 17, 2019Celebrate the summer solstice at The 29th Annual Energy Fair, June 15-17, 2018! The Energy Fair brings over 13,000 attendees together to learn about clean energy and sustainability, connect with others, and take action towards a sustainable future. Enjoy over 200 workshops, over 200 exhibitors, inspirational keynote speakers, live music, camping, family fun, great food, and more. Organized by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, The Energy Fair is the longest-running event of its kind in the nation. Come to learn and connect with others, then stay for the fun! Tickets and event information at: TheEnergyFair.org.
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- Native bluff prairie tending at Indian Mounds Park
Native bluff prairie tending at Indian Mounds Park Native bluff prairie tending at Indian Mounds Park
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June 18, 2019Indian Mounds Park is home to one of the most photographed river views in the metro area. The iconic overlook is also home to a restoration project providing habitat and biodiversity while protecting the bluff, the views and local water quality. Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) volunteers have been restoring the native bluff prairie on historic Indian Mounds Park's overlook since 2011.
Volunteers are now needed to lend a hand on June 18, 2019, from 6-8 pm. By removing invasive species and assisting with other tending tasks, volunteers will help the plants thrive and make it through the summer. Thanks to their deep roots, the prairie plants help anchor the steep bluff soil and filter pollutants. They will also provide important bee, butterfly and bird habitat.
All are welcome, but capacity is limited and registration is required. As always, all tools and training will be provided and volunteers are encouraged to work at their own pace and comfort level. To learn more and register, visit https://fmr.org/events/2019/06/18/native-bluff-prairie-tending-indian-mounds-park -
- Toy Lending Event
Toy Lending Event Toy Lending Event
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June 19, 2019Come to our toy lending event to become a member of the toy library. Access to over 1,000 toys appropriate for children age birth to 5.
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- THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY ENERGY FAIR
THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY ENERGY FAIR THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY ENERGY FAIR
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June 21, 2019Celebrate the summer solstice at The 30th Anniversary Energy Fair on June 21-23, 2019! Organized by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, The Energy Fair is the nation’s longest-running event of its kind and brings over 10,000 attendees together to learn about sustainability and clean energy, connect with others, and take action toward a sustainable future. Enjoy over 250 workshops and 200 exhibitors, inspirational keynote speakers, live music, camping, family fun, great food, and more. Come to learn and connect with others and then stay for the fun! The 30th Anniversary Energy Fair has new featured workshop tracks, a Tiny Home Alley, Electric Vehicle Ride-N-Drive, live music, and keynote presentations. You can learn more at TheEnergyFair.org.
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- Floodplain forest planting along Vermillion River's South Creek
Floodplain forest planting along Vermillion River's South Creek Floodplain forest planting along Vermillion River's South Creek
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June 22, 2019Located in Farmington, South Creek helps feed the Vermillion River, a cold prairie river flowing through the heart of Dakota County and an important tributary of the Mississippi River. Last summer Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) volunteers removed invading buckthorn making space for native plants to thrive and began planting the cleared areas. On June 22 from 9-11 am, volunteers will work closely with FMR staff to remove invading species and plant native plugs to continue restoration work along this floodplain forest. These plants will further restoration progress by increasing biodiversity along the low-lying floodplain. Additionally, volunteers may be asked to help with other general tending or restoration tasks the site needs.
All are welcome, however, capacity is limited and registration required. All supplies and training will be provided and volunteers will work closely with FMR staff. To learn more and register, visit https://fmr.org/events/2019/06/22/floodplain-forest-planting-along-vermillion-rivers-south-creek -
- THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY ENERGY FAIR
THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY ENERGY FAIR THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY ENERGY FAIR
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June 24, 2019Celebrate the summer solstice at The 30th Anniversary Energy Fair on June 21-23, 2019! Organized by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, The Energy Fair is the nation’s longest-running event of its kind and brings over 10,000 attendees together to learn about sustainability and clean energy, connect with others, and take action toward a sustainable future. Enjoy over 250 workshops and 200 exhibitors, inspirational keynote speakers, live music, camping, family fun, great food, and more. Come to learn and connect with others and then stay for the fun! The 30th Anniversary Energy Fair has new featured workshop tracks, a Tiny Home Alley, Electric Vehicle Ride-N-Drive, live music, and keynote presentations. You can learn more at TheEnergyFair.org.
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- Plant shrubs, wildflowers and sedges along the river gorge
Plant shrubs, wildflowers and sedges along the river gorge Plant shrubs, wildflowers and sedges along the river gorge
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June 25, 2019Join Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) staff and volunteers on June 25, from 6-8 pm for a worknight along the beautiful and rare oak savanna and woodlands located just off the main trail along the Minneapolis side of the river gorge. The savanna 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.
We will spend the evening planting shrubs, wildflowers, sedges and a few trees helping to build a buffer of native plant populations around the prized oak savanna area and will help to re-establish native vegetation where buckthorn has been previously removed.
All are welcome and no experience is needed. All tools, gloves and training will be provided. However, be prepared to work on steep slopes and uneven terrain. To learn more and register, visit https://fmr.org/events/2019/06/25/plant-shrubs-wildflowers-and-sedges-along-river-gorge -
- 'Make & Take' Rain Barrel Workshop - Just $35!
'Make & Take' Rain Barrel Workshop - Just $35! 'Make & Take' Rain Barrel Workshop - Just $35!
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June 26, 2019What's one of the simplest, high-impact ways to save water and help protect our watershed? Using a rain barrel.
For conservation and for pollution prevention, installing a rain barrel to collect and store rainwater for use on your lawn and gardens is a simple but powerful way to make a difference for the Mississippi River.
Thanks to Coca-Cola Refreshments of Eagan, Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) has used syrup containers for participants to turn into rain barrels. During the course of this workshop on June 26 from 6-7:30 pm, participants will be provided with the necessary parts ($35 per kit) and guided through the process of converting these containers into allies for a cleaner Mississippi River.
To claim your barrel + kit, visit https://fmr.org/events/2019/06/26/make-take-rain-barrel-workshop-just-35 -
- Tend the rare prairie at the Hastings Sand Coulee SNA
Tend the rare prairie at the Hastings Sand Coulee SNA Tend the rare prairie at the Hastings Sand Coulee SNA
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June 27, 2019With its tall grass and wildflowers, the Sand Coulee offers a different kind of beauty. With less than 1 percent of Minnesota native prairie remaining, this highly protected preserve is no less than an oasis in a desert of wildlife habitat – 14 rare plant and animal species call the Coulee home. And with its deep prairie root systems, the Coulee also help filter pollutants from runoff water before it can enter the nearby Vermillion and Mississippi Rivers.
On June 27 from 6-8 pm, volunteers will work with Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) Restoration Ecologist Karen Schik to identify and help halt the spread of encroaching plants deemed by the Department of Natural Resources as a threat to the health of this important area. Together, volunteers and staff will remove a patch of the weedy invasive, helping to protect the prairie's threatened native plant species and improving wildlife habitat over the course of just a couple hours.
All are welcome, but capacity is limited and registration is required. As always, all tools and training will be provided and volunteers are encouraged to work at their own pace and comfort level. To learn more and register, visit https://fmr.org/events/2019/06/27/tend-rare-prairie-sand-coulee-sna -
- Toy Lending Event
Toy Lending Event Toy Lending Event
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July 3, 2019Come to our toy lending event to become a member of the toy library. Access to over 1,000 toys appropriate for children age birth to 5.
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- Green Coffee Talk: Zero Waste
Green Coffee Talk: Zero Waste Green Coffee Talk: Zero Waste
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July 9, 2019Zero Waste... What is it? Is it a lifestyle? Is it attainable? Where do you start? Can you still recycle? Is it realistic for a family? What are some easy zero waste alternatives?
There are so many questions about zero waste. Come get some answers and see zero waste products at Minneapolis' own zero waste store: Tare Market!
**Update: Instead of Coffee, we'll be featuring Kombucha to celebrate Tare Market's new Kombucha Keg!!**
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- Toy Lending Event
Toy Lending Event Toy Lending Event
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July 17, 2019Come to our toy lending event to become a member of the toy library. Access to over 1,000 toys appropriate for children age birth to 5.
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- Spotted knapweed pull at Pine Bend Bluffs SNA
Spotted knapweed pull at Pine Bend Bluffs SNA Spotted knapweed pull at Pine Bend Bluffs SNA
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July 18, 2019Join Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) on Thursday, July 18th, 6 to 8 p.m. to help protect Pine Bend Bluffs Scientific & Natural Area (SNA), an award-winning restoration site known for some of the best views of the Upper Mississippi River.
Working with FMR staff and fellow volunteers we will remove invasive species currently encroaching on the native prairie such as spotted knapweed and hoary allysum. Minnesota's native bees and local wildlife depend on this rare habitat. Plus, with their deeper root systems, the native prairie plants better control erosion and filter pollution that would otherwise run down the bluffs into the Mississippi River below.
As always, all tools and training will be provided and volunteers are encouraged to work at their own pace and comfort level. Volunteers should be aware the Pine Bend Bluffs SNA site contains steep and sometimes difficult to navigate terrain. All are welcome, however, registration is required. To learn more and register, visit https://fmr.org/events/2019/07/18/spotted-knapweed-pull-pine-bend-bluffs-sna -
- Buckthorn Removal in Talahi Park with MPR
Buckthorn Removal in Talahi Park with MPR Buckthorn Removal in Talahi Park with MPR
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July 20, 2019Come volunteer side-by-side with MPR hosts and staff in this event celebrating MPR Water Month. We will be busting buckthorn and other invasive plants from Talahi Woods, near Riverside Park in St. Cloud, MN.
Talahi Woods is a 23-acre oak forest, adjacent to a recreational city park. Invasive buckthorn is a threat to the habitat. It has blocked the bluff view of the Mississippi River, and degraded the soil that filters water before entering the river. Great River Greening is working with the city of St. Cloud to combat the invasive species. Success is dependent on volunteers.
Learn more about MPR WATER MONTH at thewatermain.org
Some considerations:
You get a Water Main T shirt!
Open to all ages (Family Friendly)
Difficulty level of restoration task: Easy to Moderate
Hike to Site: Easy
Equipment and any needed training is supplied, includes gloves, shovels, water, etc
This event will occur, rain or shine
Light breakfast, snacks and lunch provided
Children under 12 must be supervisedPre-register here: https://www.greatrivergreening.org/events/volunteer-with-grg-mpr/
Buy Tickets -
- City of St. Louis Clothing Swap, Stencil downtown St. Paul storm drains + taproom outing at Tin Whiskers Brewing
City of St. Louis Clothing Swap City of St. Louis Clothing Swap
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July 29, 2019Wardrobe in need of an update? Participate in the City of St. Louis Park’s annual clothing swap! The event is FREE and open to all ages and genders! You do not need to be from St. Louis Park to participate.
How the swap works
• You fill a bag (or ten!) with your unwanted items and bring them to the swap. Items may not be dropped off early.
o All styles, sizes and types of clothing, shoes, coats, jewelry, accessories, etc. are welcome. Leave blankets, linens and pillows at home.
o Make sure items are clean.
• We weigh all your items when you arrive.
• You set out the items you brought on tables marked with specific categories.
• You look through items others have brought and take home whatever you like (no limit!).
o We will provide a mirror in the gym. You are also welcome to try items on in the bathrooms.
• We sort items at the end of the swap and recycle items that are torn or excessively stained.
o If you have a large quantity of clothing that is worn/torn and is no longer wearable, please take it directly to Hennepin Environment (https://bit.ly/2D0hxVI), utilize the city’s curbside clothing pickup program (Simple Recycling) or drop it in a USAgain container.Everything left at the end of the swap will be weighed to calculate pounds swapped, donated and recycled. This helps us track the impact of the event! Leftover items will be donated to STEP--St. Louis Park Emergency Program and Old School thrift shop.
We ask that everyone who brings clothing do so with the intent to participate in the swap. If you have items you would just like to donate, take them directly to a thrift shop.
If you have questions, email recycling@stlouispark.org or call Emily Barker at 952.924.2187.
Stencil downtown St. Paul storm drains + taproom outing at Tin Whiskers Brewing Stencil downtown St. Paul storm drains + taproom outing at Tin Whiskers Brewing
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July 29, 2019If you've spent some time roaming the streets of St. Paul, you may have noticed a message painted near the storm drains. Now is your chance to leave your mark in the name of water quality! After a brief introduction and presentation about runoff pollution at the brewery from Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) staff, we'll head out to the nearby downtown streets to stencil storm drains on July 29, from 6-8 pm.
Participants should be prepared to walk approximately one mile while completing their mapped stenciling route.
After the stenciling activity, we'll reconvene back at the taproom to enjoy a pint or a flight to cheers our great work and learn more about Tin Whiskers Brewing Company! To learn more and register, visit https://fmr.org/events/2019/07/29/stencil-downtown-st-paul-storm-drains-taproom-outing-tin-whiskers-brewingRegister at https://fmr.org/events/2019/07/29/stencil-downtown-st-paul-storm-drains-taproom-outing-tin-whiskers-brewing
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- Toy Lending Event
Toy Lending Event Toy Lending Event
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July 31, 2019Come to our toy lending event to become a member of the toy library. Access to over 1,000 toys appropriate for children age birth to 5.
