Plant shrubs along the shoreline at BF Nelson Park

Join us for an evening planting along the shoreline at BF Nelson Park. This park, across the river from Nicollet Island in Minneapolis, offers scenic walkways and views of the Mississippi River.

Last fall, volunteers began removing buckthorn from the shoreline. Now, there are gaps in the woods at this park that are ready to be filled with native grasses, wildflowers, and shrubs. Planting native species along the shoreline will not only add diversity to this ecosystem, but stabilize the banks and help prevent erosion. By planting a variety of grasses and flowering plants, you'll help beautify this park and protect its future!

As usual, all are welcome and no experience is necessary. All volunteers are encouraged to work at their own pace, and all tools, gloves and training will be provided. This event is part of our Above the Falls Stewards program, engaging North and Northeast Minneapolis residents to protect and restore their riverfront parks.

River Days of Action

This event is part of the Mississippi River Network's second annual River Days of Action, occurring June 7-12th, 2022. Join in as Network member organizations (including FMR) and community partners host online and in-person events along our mighty river.

All events are united by the ‘River Days’ 2022 theme and universal actions. The theme is: The Mississippi River is healthy. The Mississippi River is for all. The Mississippi River has a voice. The universal actions include calling on Congress to establish a federal restoration program for the Mississippi. Learn more and take action here.

Accessibility

A short walk down a hill is required to get to the worksite. Paved trails run throughout the park, but our work will take place off the trails and occasionally on a steep slope. Volunteers can choose where to work in order to avoid working on the slope. We will be using heavier tools like shovels for this planting.

Ready to register?

To sign up and receive directions to the meeting spot, contact FMR Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator Sophie Downey at volunteer@fmr.org, 651-222-2193 x27. Please include the name of the event, your name, address, phone number and the number in your party. We ask that you limit groups to 4 or fewer.

You will receive a confirmation email from volunteer@fmr.org within two business days. (If you don't, please check your Spam or Promotions folder.) 

If you're under 18 and interested in volunteering without the company of your parent or guardian, please take a moment and have them fill out this brief minor permission form.

Can't make it?

To receive notices of future volunteer events, contact FMR Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator Sophie Downey at volunteer@fmr.org. Or, visit our Events Calendar for our most up-to-date listing of upcoming events. To receive a twice-a-month e-newsletter including all FMR activities and news, sign up for Mississippi Messages.

What about COVID-19?

We're watching the CDC and Minnesota Department of Health guidelines closely. If plans change based on their recommendations, FMR Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator Sophie Downey will email registrants with event updates. (Be sure to add volunteer@fmr.org to your contacts so updates don't land in spam.) And we'll update this page if anything changes. (You can read more about our policies here.)

We will offer gloves and hand sanitizer at the event. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own masks and wear them when in close proximity to others.