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 August–September 2019
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- 'Make and Take' Rain Barrel Workshop - Just $25
'Make and Take' Rain Barrel Workshop - Just $25
'Make and Take' Rain Barrel Workshop - Just $25
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August 6, 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.
Join us on August 6, from 6 - 7:30 pm, just off of the Vermillion River at Bachman's Cedar Acres Nursery for this 'make & take' rain barrel building workshop! Thanks to Great Lakes Coca-Cola 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, 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/2019/08/06/make-take-rain-barrel-workshop-just-35Bachman's Cedar Acres NurseryFarmington, MN 55024 -
- Toy Lending Event
Toy Lending Event
Toy Lending Event
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August 14, 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.
Richfield Lutheran Church8 W 60th StRichfield, MN 55419 -
- Restore Farmington's Rambling River Park
Restore Farmington's Rambling River Park
Restore Farmington's Rambling River Park
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August 15, 2019Rambling River Park is a beautiful 76-acre park located in Farmington bordered on the south and east by the Vermillion River. The Vermillion River is a major Mississippi River tributary and provides a portion of the water that feeds drinking water wells in Hastings.
Volunteers will work closely with Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) staff and fellow volunteers to remove and haul buckthorn from this important site on August 15, from 6-8 pm. Buckthorn is extremely hardy and able to thrive in a variety of soil and light conditions. It out-competes native plant species that are vital for increased habitat and biodiversity.
No experience is needed and all are welcome! All tools, gloves and training will be provided. To learn more and register, visit https://fmr.org/events/2019/08/15/restore-farmingtons-rambling-river-parkRambling River ParkFarmington, -
- Lop sumac at Grey Cloud Dunes SNA
Lop sumac at Grey Cloud Dunes SNA
Lop sumac at Grey Cloud Dunes SNA
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August 20, 2019Home to a rare dry prairie, the highly protected Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) provides essential native bee, butterfly and wildlife habitat. On Thursday, August 20, from 6-8 pm, volunteers will work with Friends of the Mississippi River ecologists to help remove sumac, a shrubby tree that would otherwise overtake this vital habitat. Other tending or restoration tasks may also be needed at this very important site.
Due to tool usage, including loppers and saws, this event is not suitable for youth. The designation of this type of park is meant to protect rare, fragile plant and animal habitat, please note Grey Cloud SNA does not feature amenities – trails or restrooms.
To learn more and register, visit https://fmr.org/events/2019/08/20/lop-sumac-grey-cloud-dunes-snaGrey Cloud Dunes SNACottage Grove, MN 55016 -
- Remove sumac at River Oaks Park
Remove sumac at River Oaks Park
Remove sumac at River Oaks Park
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August 27, 2019Just southeast of River Oaks Golf Course lies a riverfront bluff with stunning views of the Mississippi River and a special remnant bedrock bluff prairie. Unfortunately, this city park, River Oaks, is also home to a good deal of sumac, buckthorn and other invasive species. Thanks to Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR)-led restoration efforts this site has been significantly improving over the past few years but there is more work to be done at this site.
Volunteers are needed on Tuesday, August 27th from 6-7:30 pm to remove sumac, a shrubby tree that would otherwise overtake this vital habitat making room for the native prairie plants to thrive. Other tending or restoration tasks may also be needed.
Please note, much of the work will take place on a slope near a steep drop-off. Everyone will be encouraged to work at their own pace and comfort level. However, due to the nature of this site and tools used we don't recommend children attending. To learn more and register, visit https://fmr.org/events/2019/08/27/remove-sumac-river-oaks-park.River Oaks ParkCottage Grove, Minnesota 55016 -
- Toy Lending Event
Toy Lending Event
Toy Lending Event
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August 28, 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.
Richfield Lutheran Church8 W 60th StRichfield, MN 55419 -
- 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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September 5, 2019Located in Farmington, South Creek helps feed the Vermillion River, a cold prairie river flowing through the heart of Dakota County. The Vermillion is an important Mississippi River tributary and is the only trophy brown trout stream in a metro area in the United States.
On September 5, from 6-8 pm, 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 increasing biodiversity along the low-lying floodplain.
All are welcome, however, capacity is limited and registration required. All supplies and training will be provided. To learn more and register, visit https://fmr.org/events/2019/09/05/floodplain-forest-planting-along-vermillion-rivers-south-creekSouth CreekFarmington, MN 55024 -
- Equity and the Environment in the Walz Administration
Equity and the Environment in the Walz Administration
Equity and the Environment in the Walz Administration
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September 6, 2019Join Environmental Initiative for "Equity and the Environment in the Walz Administration." We will be joined by Commissioners from five State departments and staff members from many more. This event will invite panelists and attendees to consider how equity is embedded into environmental policies and regulations, from the ideation stage to implementation. Attendees will have the chance to provide questions to inform the conversation, and will get to speak to one another about their personal goals and commitments.
120 W. Kellogg BoulevardSt. Paul, MN 55102612-334-3388 ext. 8107 -
- Chroma Zone
Chroma Zone
Chroma Zone
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September 7, 2019Chroma Zone is St. Paul's and Minnesota's first and largest public mural festival, happening over the course of eight days from September 7-14, 2019. The festival celebrates the artistry and community found in the Creative Enterprise Zone(CEZ). It is an inclusive event intended for all cultures, genders, ages, and abilities, is free to enjoy, and will leave a new and vibrant outdoor gallery in the heart of the Saint Paul Midway.
The Chroma Zone program will include the creation of 12 large outdoor murals by local, national, and international artists. In addition to the creation of the murals, Chroma Zone features an entire week’s worth of events programming throughout the CEZ. Events include a kickoff party, the first-ever Little Mekong Night Market in a location outside the Little Mekong district, open studios, live entertainment, a tap room crawl, guided mural tours, and more. The events and murals are sponsored by community partners in the CEZ. For more info on daily events and specifics, go to www.chromazone.net.
2388 University AveSaint Paul, MN 55114 -
- Toy Lending Event
Toy Lending Event
Toy Lending Event
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September 11, 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.
Richfield Lutheran Church8 W 60th StRichfield, MN 55419 -
- Haul and stack buckthorn at Vermillion Falls Park
Haul and stack buckthorn at Vermillion Falls Park
Haul and stack buckthorn at Vermillion Falls Park
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September 12, 2019Located in downtown Hastings, Vermillion Falls Park is a favorite stop of waterfall viewing. It is also the central park running along the Vermillion River surrounded by Old Mill Park and Vermillion Linear Park. The Vermillion River is an important Mississippi River tributary and is the only trophy brown trout stream in a metro area in the United States.
Volunteers will work closely with FMR staff and fellow volunteers to remove and haul buckthorn from this important site. Buckthorn is extremely hardy and able to thrive in a variety of soil and light conditions. It out-competes native plant species that are vital for increased habitat and biodiversity.
No experience is needed and all are welcome! All tools, gloves and training will be provided. To learn more and register, visit https://fmr.org/events/2019/09/12/haul-and-stack-buckthorn-vermillion-falls-parkVermillion Falls ParkHastings, Minnesota 55033 -
- Reforesting Allemansrätt Park, Woodland planting on Nicollet Island
Reforesting Allemansrätt Park
Reforesting Allemansrätt Park
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September 14, 2019Volunteers will plant trees and work to restore Allemansrätt Wilderness Park, home to high quality oak forest, wetlands, lakeshore, diverse wildlife, unique glacial geology, and several miles of trails.
If you would like to register as a group (Scout Troop, employees of a company, school group, gardening clubs, etc), please email Genna at volunteer@greatrivergreening.org.
Partners & Funders: City of Lindström and Minnesota Environment and Natural Resource Trust Fund.
Open to all ages (Family Friendly), children under 12 must be supervised
Difficulty level of restoration task: Easy to Moderate (Depends on work unit)
Terrain: Mostly flat
Hike to Site: 1/4 – 1/2 a mile walk to site
We supply: Tools and equipment (gloves, shovels, safety glasses, etc.), drinking water, and all training
This event will occur rain or shine
Light breakfast, snacks, and lunch provided31316 N Olinda TrailLindström, MN 550456512723993Woodland planting on Nicollet IslandWoodland planting on Nicollet Island
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September 14, 2019Friends of the Mississippi River (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. The restoration plan includes removal of invasive species, enhancement of degraded forest areas, and the creation of new, diverse habitat, including two acres of native prairie and the re-creation of a pocket of maple forest historically present on the island.
Join us on September 14, from 9-11 am, for a woodland planting. Together with the guidance of FMR staff, volunteers will dig in to plant shrubs and trees to increase diversity to the forest. 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/2019/09/14/woodland-planting-nicollet-islandNicollet IslandMinneapolis, Minnesota -
- Prairie seed collection at the Hastings Sand Coulee SNA
Prairie seed collection at the Hastings Sand Coulee SNA
Prairie seed collection at the Hastings Sand Coulee SNA
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September 19, 2019Join Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) for a seed collection at the Hastings Sand Coulee SNA on Thursday, September 19 from 6-7 pm. After a brief training on the importance of seed collecting and identification, volunteers will help hand collect much-needed native prairie seed while enjoying this rare example of a sand-gravel prairie in full fall bloom. Volunteers will work with FMR Lead Ecologist Karen Schik in the stunning natural area hand-collecting native seeds. Seed will be used for further habitat restoration. This is especially important as the Hastings Sand Coulee provides a home to 13 rare plant and animal species.
Previous seed collection experience is not required, all are welcome. However, this activity is very detail-oriented, and generally best suited for teenagers and up. To learn more and register, visit https://fmr.org/events/2019/09/19/prairie-seed-collection-hastings-sand-coulee-snaHastings Sand Coulee SNAHastings, MN 55033 -
- Threes for Trees in Crosby Farm Park
Threes for Trees in Crosby Farm Park
Threes for Trees in Crosby Farm Park
All Day
September 21, 2019PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED: https://www.greatrivergreening.org/events/threes-for-trees/
Join us to plant trees in Crosby Farm Park, in partnership with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Lynx, and Timberland, as part of their “Threes for Trees” promise to plant trees for three-point shots made this season. Volunteers will help plant trees on uneven terrain to enhance the floodplain forest and provide natural habitat for wildlife. Crosby Farm Regional Park is the largest natural park in Saint Paul with 736 acres of floodplain forests, wooded slopes in oak forest/savanna, and natural wetlands.
If you’d like to register as a group (Scout Troop, employees of a company, school group, gardening clubs, etc), please contact Genna at volunteer@greatrivergreening.org.
Partners & Funders: The Minnesota Timberwolves, The Minnesota Lynx, Timberland, the City of Saint Paul, and the Outdoor Heritage Fund.
Open to all ages (Family Friendly)
Difficulty level of restoration task: Moderate to Difficult (Accommodation range to people’s ability)
Hike to Site: Varies at event site. Northern section of volunteer site (shorter distance, shaded area, some uneven terrain), western section of volunteer site (main area, longer distance, and uneven terrain)
Light breakfast, snacks and lunch are provided.2595 Crosby Farm RdSaint Paul, MN 55116 -
- Toy Lending Event
Toy Lending Event
Toy Lending Event
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September 25, 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.
Richfield Lutheran Church8 W 60th StRichfield, MN 55419 -
- The Power of Organic Waste: Renewable Natural Gas for Minnesota
The Power of Organic Waste: Renewable Natural Gas for Minnesota
The Power of Organic Waste: Renewable Natural Gas for Minnesota
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September 26, 2019Plan to join environmental non-profit Energy Vision for a FREE one-day workshop hosted by CenterPoint Energy — in collaboration with academic, industry, government and NGO partners — on the production and use of Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) made from Minnesota's organic wastes, with a particular focus on agricultural, municipal and food processing materials that have long been discarded at high economic and environmental cost.
Nationwide, interest in RNG is ramping up as an important waste management strategy and an energy and fuel resource. To date, only a handful of projects are up and running or under development in MN, but the potential for RNG is significant and represents a strategy that can help the state meet its ambitious economic development, environmental, air quality and climate goals.
At this event you will learn about:
- Biogas/RNG case studies: farms, food processors and wastewater
- Economic opportunities for Minnesota and the upper Midwest
- Business models and policy pathways
- Low emissions uses and high-value end markets for RNG
- Closing the loop on emissions and organic waste
- Cleaning up the energy, transportation and industrial sectors with RNGDoors open at 7:30. Event starts at 8:00.
1629 Hennepin Ave.Minneapolis, MN 55403USA -
- Celebrate Public Lands at Lebanon Hills Regional Park, Native prairie planting at Cherokee Park
Celebrate Public Lands at Lebanon Hills Regional Park
Celebrate Public Lands at Lebanon Hills Regional Park
All Day
September 28, 2019PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED: https://app.betterimpact.com/PublicOrganization/ef1a8b16-2478-4212-b3e5-2b2f6fbac497/Activity/7cf5365b-e026-40e2-941f-f18822ffd8fb/1
Join Great River Greening to celebrate National Public Lands Day at Lebanon Hills Regional Park! Lebanon Hills is Dakota County’s largest park, at almost 2,000 acres with many miles of trails and several lakes for public enjoyment! Volunteers will be planting native wildflowers and grasses to enhance this recently established prairie. Stay after to continue the celebration with Dakota County with fun activities, including music, food, and interactive educational opportunities.
If you’d like to register a group (Scout Troop, employees of a company, school group, gardening clubs, etc), please email Garrett Zafke at Dakota County: garrett.zaffke@co.dakota.mn.us.
Some considerations:
Open to all ages (Family Friendly), children under 12 must be supervised
Difficulty level of restoration task: Easy to Moderate (Depends on work unit)
Terrain: Flat
Hike to Site: Moderate, paved and unpaved trails
We supply: Tools and equipment (gloves, shovels, safety glasses, etc.), drinking water, and all training
This event will occur rain or shine
Light breakfast, snacks, and lunch provided
Partners & Funders: This project is made possible with support from Dakota County and the Outdoor Heritage Fund.860 Cliff RdEagan, MN 551236512723993Native prairie planting at Cherokee ParkNative prairie planting at Cherokee Park
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September 28, 2019Join Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) staff and volunteers on September 28 from 9-11 am for our follow up planting event at Cherokee Regional Park – one of St. Paul's most visited parks. Last year we begin work needed to restore this historically oak savanna and maple-basswood forested bluff-top park by planting a mix of native prairie plants and we will add to the planting this year. 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 run-off pollution and secure the soil along the bluff.
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/2019/09/28/native-prairie-planting-cherokee-parkCherokee Regional ParkSt. Paul, Minnesota 55107
