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 May–June 2019
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- Pledge to pull garlic mustard and knapweed at Pine Bend Bluffs SNA
Pledge to pull garlic mustard and knapweed at Pine Bend Bluffs SNA
Pledge to pull garlic mustard and knapweed at Pine Bend Bluffs SNA
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May 1, 2019Located just 20 minutes south of St. Paul, Pine Bend Scientific and Natural Area is home to some of the best views of the Upper Mississippi River and is a welcome respite from the bustle of the cities.
After a short but steep hike, volunteers will work closely with Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) staff to remove invasive species on May 1, 2019 from 6-8 pm. We'll be focusing our efforts handpulling garlic mustard and spotted knapweed in this award-winning restoration area.
Please note that we encourage all registrants at this particular event to sign a Pledge to Pull, promising to remove garlic mustard and spotted knapweed in the designated area at Pine Bend Bluffs SNA in the weeks following this training and evening pull.
All are welcome, however, capacity is limited and registration is required. To sign up and receive directions to the meeting spot, visit https://fmr.org/events/2019/05/01/pledge-pull-garlic-mustard-and-knapweed-pine-bend-bluffs-snaPine Bend Bluffs Scientific and Natural Area111th St EInver Grove Heights, MN 55077 -
- Green Coffee Talk: Green Spring Cleaning
Green Coffee Talk: Green Spring Cleaning
Green Coffee Talk: Green Spring Cleaning
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May 7, 2019Spring is finally upon us so it's time to purge our homes and deep clean that difficult spot you've been avoiding all winter! Join us to learn about eco-friendly cleaning products, how to part ways with your unused items and where donate your junk. Also we'll walk you through the process of making your own eco-friendly cleaner!
**MAKE A FREE ALL-PURPOSE DISINFECTANT CLEANER**
3262 Minnehaha AveMinneapolis, MN 55406RSVP on Facebook
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- Toy Lending Event
Toy Lending Event
Toy Lending Event
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May 8, 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 -
- Help pull weedy invasive plants at Riverside Park's first volunteer event
Help pull weedy invasive plants at Riverside Park's first volunteer event
Help pull weedy invasive plants at Riverside Park's first volunteer event
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May 9, 2019Join Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) on Thursday, May 9 from 6-8 pm for a volunteer work night at St. Paul Park's Riverside Park. This site 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.
Alongside FMR staff, volunteers will focus on clearing out pesky weedy invasive plants, primarily narrowleaf bittercress and garlic mustard. These plants spread quickly and infest the forest floor, outcompeting native species and decreasing local biodiversity.
We'll provide the tools and training. All are welcome however, capacity is limited and registration is required. To learn more and register, visit https://fmr.org/events/2019/05/09/help-pull-weedy-invasive-plants-riverside-park.Riverside ParkW 11th AveSt. Paul Park, Minnesota 55071 -
- Anoka County Master Gardener Plant Sale
Anoka County Master Gardener Plant Sale
Anoka County Master Gardener Plant Sale
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May 14, 2019U of M Anoka County Extension Plant
Annuals, Perennials, Veggies, Herbs, Native Plants and More!!!
Offering Affordable, healthy plants along with Master Gardener support to answer your gardening questions. Tuesday, May 14th, 3pm-7pm & Wednesday, May 15th, 9am-1pm.Anoka Armory408 East Main StreetAnoka, MNFree, open to the public
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- Help restore the recently protected William H. Houlton Conservation
Help restore the recently protected William H. Houlton Conservation
Help restore the recently protected William H. Houlton Conservation
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May 15, 2019Join Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) staff and volunteers for a lovely spring evening on May 15, from 6-8 pm, furthering restoration work at the recently protected William H. Houlton Conservation Area (a.k.a. Houlton Farm).
FMR staff and ecologists will provide a brief introduction to the site and an overview of how to identify and pull the weedy invasive plants we'll be targeting. By removing these species we will be making way for important native plants that have been crowded out by these aggressive invaders. Depending on the spring weather, some fence removal, trash clean-up, and other restoration tasks may be needed as well.
All are welcome, and as always, all training, gloves, and necessary tools will be provided. However, registration is required and capacity is limited. To learn more and register, visit https://fmr.org/events/2019/05/15/get-your-hands-dirty-%E2%80%93-help-restore-recently-protected-william-h-houltonWilliam H. Houlton Conservation AreaElk River, Minnesota 55330To learn more and register, visit https://fmr.org/events/2019/05/15/get-your-hands-dirty-%E2%80%93-help-restore-recently-protected-william-h-houlton
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- Burnsville Native Plant Market, Plant shrubs at Heritage Village Park
Burnsville Native Plant Market
Burnsville Native Plant Market
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May 18, 2019Native wildflowers, ferns and grasses will be for sale from multiple vendors. This is a farmers market style event and each vendor operates their own market stall and is paid separately. Some vendors accept cash or checks only. Open rain or shine. More information available at www.burnsville.org/NativePlants.
Parking lot across the street from Burnsville City Hall100 Civic Center ParkwayBurnsville, MN 55337n/a
Plant shrubs at Heritage Village ParkPlant shrubs at Heritage Village Park
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May 18, 2019Located just 15 minutes south of downtown St. Paul in Inver Grove Heights, Heritage Village Park is a 50-acre site along the banks of Mississippi River. In 2005, Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) wrote a natural resource management plan to help guide restoration of this former rail yard. Today, the park has over 30 acres of restored, native prairie, as well as areas of floodplain forest along the Mississippi River.
Join us for a morning of planting on Saturday, May 18, from 9 to 11 am. Long-term restoration will include removal of invasive shrubs in the floodplain forest, as well as the addition of native bur oak trees to the prairie area. This work will help to return the site to oak savanna, its historic natural community. Oak savanna is one of Minnesota’s most imperiled habitats, occurring one one-tenth of one percent of its historic coverage.
All are welcome, however, space is limited. No experience is needed, all tools, gloves and training will be provided. To learn more and register, visit https://fmr.org/events/2019/05/18/plant-shrubs-heritage-village-parkHeritage Village ParkInver Grove Heights, Minnesota -
- Toy Lending Event
Toy Lending Event
Toy Lending Event
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May 22, 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 -
- Garlic mustard removal at the Vermilion AMA
Garlic mustard removal at the Vermilion AMA
Garlic mustard removal at the Vermilion AMA
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May 23, 2019Join us on Thursday, May 23 from 6-8 pm for an evening garlic mustard pull in the oak woodlands bordering the Vermillion River, a cold prairie stream in the heart of Dakota County and a major tributary of the Mississippi River.
After a brief introduction and training, volunteers will help protect important members of the native plant community by removing the extremely invasive plant garlic mustard. Although a serious threat, garlic mustard is not only easy to identify but quick to pull by hand, resulting in very visible progress over the course of this event. Volunteers may also be asked to assist with other restoration tasks as needed.
All are welcome, however, capacity is limited and registration required. All supplies and training will be provided and volunteers will work closely with Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) staff. This event is part of the Vermillion Stewards program, helping Vermillion River Watershed residents learn about the local watershed while working to protect and enhance its unique natural resources. To learn more and register, visit https://fmr.org/events/2019/05/23/garlic-mustard-removal-vermillion-amaMNDNR Vermillion River Aquatic Management AreaHastings, MN 55033 -
- 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 shine1000 Lincolntown AveMahtomedi, MN 55115 -
- 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-parkOle Olson ParkAbove the Falls Regional ParkMinneapolis, MN 55411Register 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.
Richfield Lutheran Church8 W 60th StRichfield, MN 55419 -
- 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-parkCrosby Farm Regional ParkSt. Paul, Minnesota 55116Register 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.
35 S 7th StMinneapolis , MN 55402 -
- 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-islandNicollet IslandMinneapolis, Minnesota -
- 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-parkCamel's Hump Park and Open SpaceCottage Grove, MNRegister 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.
Midwest Renewable Energy Association7558 Deer RdCuster, WI 54423 -
- 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-parkIndian Mounds ParkSt. Paul, MN -
- 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.
Richfield Lutheran Church8 W 60th StRichfield, MN 55419 -
- 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.
ReNew The Earth Institute7558 Deer RoadCuster, WI 54423 -
- 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-creekSouth CreekFarmington, MN -
- 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.
ReNew The Earth Institute7558 Deer RoadCuster, WI 54423 -
- 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-gorgeMississippi River GorgeMinneapolis, MN 55406 -
- '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-35Wellstone CenterSt. Paul, MN -
- 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-snaHastings Sand Coulee SNAHastings, MN