Calendar

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 July–August 2019

  • - Toy Lending Event
    Toy Lending Event

    Category: General Toy Lending Event


    July 3, 2019

    Come 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 Church
    8 W 60th St
    Richfield, MN 55419
  • - Green Coffee Talk: Zero Waste
    Green Coffee Talk: Zero Waste

    Category: General Green Coffee Talk: Zero Waste


    July 9, 2019

    Zero 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!!**

    Tare Market
    2717 E 38th St
    Minneapolis, MN 55406
  • - Toy Lending Event
    Toy Lending Event

    Category: General Toy Lending Event


    July 17, 2019

    Come 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 Church
    8 W 60th St
    Richfield, MN 55419
  • - Spotted knapweed pull at Pine Bend Bluffs SNA
    Spotted knapweed pull at Pine Bend Bluffs SNA

    Category: General Spotted knapweed pull at Pine Bend Bluffs SNA


    July 18, 2019

    Join 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

    Pine Bend Bluffs SNA
    Inver Grove Heights, MN
  • - Buckthorn Removal in Talahi Park with MPR
    Buckthorn Removal in Talahi Park with MPR

    Category: General Buckthorn Removal in Talahi Park with MPR


    July 20, 2019

    Come 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 supervised

    Talahi Park (South of Riverside Park)
    1800 Kilian Blvd SE
    St Cloud, MN 56301
    6512723993

    Buckthorn Removal in Talahi Park with MPR

    Pre-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

    Category: General City of St. Louis Clothing Swap


    July 29, 2019

    Wardrobe 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.

    Central Community Center
    6300 Walker St
    Saint Louis Park, MN 55416
    Stencil downtown St. Paul storm drains + taproom outing at Tin Whiskers Brewing

    Category: General Stencil downtown St. Paul storm drains + taproom outing at Tin Whiskers Brewing


    July 29, 2019

    If 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-brewing

    Tin Whiskers Brewing
    St. Paul, MN 55101

    Register at https://fmr.org/events/2019/07/29/stencil-downtown-st-paul-storm-drains-taproom-outing-tin-whiskers-brewing

  • - Toy Lending Event
    Toy Lending Event

    Category: General Toy Lending Event


    July 31, 2019

    Come 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 Church
    8 W 60th St
    Richfield, MN 55419
  • - 'Make and Take' Rain Barrel Workshop - Just $25
    'Make and Take' Rain Barrel Workshop - Just $25

    Category: General 'Make and Take' Rain Barrel Workshop - Just $25


    August 6, 2019

    What'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-35

    Bachman's Cedar Acres Nursery
    Farmington, MN 55024
  • - Toy Lending Event
    Toy Lending Event

    Category: General Toy Lending Event


    August 14, 2019

    Come 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 Church
    8 W 60th St
    Richfield, MN 55419
  • - Restore Farmington's Rambling River Park
    Restore Farmington's Rambling River Park

    Category: General Restore Farmington's Rambling River Park


    August 15, 2019

    Rambling 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-park

    Rambling River Park
    Farmington,
  • - Lop sumac at Grey Cloud Dunes SNA
    Lop sumac at Grey Cloud Dunes SNA

    Category: General Lop sumac at Grey Cloud Dunes SNA


    August 20, 2019

    Home 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-sna

    Grey Cloud Dunes SNA
    Cottage Grove, MN 55016
  • - Remove sumac at River Oaks Park
    Remove sumac at River Oaks Park

    Category: General Remove sumac at River Oaks Park


    August 27, 2019

    Just 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 Park
    Cottage Grove, Minnesota 55016
  • - Toy Lending Event
    Toy Lending Event

    Category: General Toy Lending Event


    August 28, 2019

    Come 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 Church
    8 W 60th St
    Richfield, MN 55419

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