5 ways you can educate yourself and your community about the river

By learning, sharing and exploring with your friends and family, you can help grow support for Wakpá Taŋka, Haha Wakpa, Misi-ziibi or the mighty Mississippi. Here are a few ways to learn about our local, national "partnership" park.

1. Learn about the Dakota and Indigenous history and presence here

Wakpá Taŋka or Haha Wakpa is the Dakota name for the river that connects all waters and all lives where we live. We live among the traditional homelands of the Dakota people who have called this place home for hundreds of generations and who continue to steward this place in the present. Minnesota has also been home to, nurtured and been nurtured by many other Indigenous nations, including the Ojibwe and the Ho Chunk.

There are so many ways to learn more about the Indigenous connection to this place. Here are just five: connect with local Native-led organizations (find a few here); understand sovereignty, governance and more via Native Governance Center resources; find educational materials from Minnesota Humanities Center; visit the Our Home: Native Minnesota exhibit at the Minnesota History Center; and read books like "Mni Sota Makoce: The Land of the Dakota" by Gwen Westerman & Bruce White (maybe get a copy from Birchbark Books in Minneapolis!).

2. Stencil storm drains with a clean water reminder

You've probably seen a spray-painted warning beside a storm drain: "Keep 'em clean — drains to river!" FMR leads groups and offers DIY storm drain stenciling kits to individuals who want to remind all of us that if it's in our streets, it's in our streams.

We'd love to teach your class or group about our waters and lead a St. Paul cleanup or stenciling outing. Visit our stenciling page for more information.

3. Encourage pride in our national park

Many Minnesotans think our only national park is Voyageurs, some 300 miles north of the Twin Cities. But the entire 72-mile stretch of the river that runs through our metro area makes up the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (MNRRA). This park is special since it's run in partnership with local landowners. In fact, the federal government owns very little of the land within the park boundaries — just 64 acres.

Watch the story of this unique national park's designation in our film "Rebirth." Then head to the National Park Service MNRRA page to plan your next outing.

4. Get involved in community or state decision-making

You have the power to influence projects, plans and rulemaking that shape our river and its communities. Join your neighbors to solve issues close to home through your local city or town council, parks or planning agencies, and state Legislature.

If you're passionate about an environmental or development issue, show up and speak at a public forum. Make comments on park or development plans. Get to know your local and state elected officials and share what's important to you.

5. Visit and explore the river together

One of the best ways to foster care for our river is through experience. Over the years, the Twin Cities has ranked high for park accessibility. Check out our Explore the River Map to find more than 30 of our favorite spots to connect with the river.

Share the special places you find with others. Visit by foot, by boat or simply be still on the shoreline. The river is sure to inspire connection.