Events & Activities

Native Plants, Raingardens and Lawn Care for Water Quality

srich — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 13:08:28 -0600

Please note: Pre-registration and a $10 fee is required, see below. This same workshop will also be held Tuesday, April 20, 6:30-8 pm.

Home lawn and garden practices significantly impact the health of the Mississippi River. In this brief but informative FMR workshop, learn how you can become part of the solution, and perhaps even reduce your water bills as you improve the health of our watershed and ecosystem.

This workshop takes a how-to approach, suggests local resources and quickly covers the most relevant information so you can begin taking steps to protect water quality. We will discuss:
• landscaping with native plant species,
• the proper use of lawn fertilizer,
• rain barrels,
• backyard composting,
• soil testing,
• creating a rain garden, and
• more innovative approaches to managing stormwater.

To register
This presentation is being given by Friends of the Mississippi River through St. Paul Public Schools Community Education.
-- There is a $10 registration fee and pre-registration (and pre-payment) is required, and early registration is highly encouraged as capacity is limited.
-- Online registration and payment is easy and begins Dec. 31, 2009 through the community education class listing.
-- Phone registration is also available at 651-293-8874, weekdays 9 am-3 pm. You will need your credit card and the course number: 6720-S10HA.

Please note that registration is not being taken by FMR, and Community Ed does NOT send confirmation or reminder materials.

Questions?
If you have questions about registration, Community Education can be reached after January 9, 9 am-3pm at 651-293-8874.
If you have questions about the workshop itself, instructor and FMR River Stewardship Coordinator Karen Solas can be reached at ksolas[at]fmr.org.

More events
If you are unable to attend this workshop, an identical one is being offered Tuesday, April 20, 6:30-8 pm.
Additional workshops and related tours will be offered throughout the year and will be posted on the FMR events calendar as soon as they are set.
You can also receive email updates by signing up for Mississippi Messages, FMR's e-newsletter. It comes twice a month, the one at the beginning of the month lists upcoming event offerings while the mid-month edition includes river- and FMR-related news as well as event notices and resources.

Putting Down Roots: Raingardens in Residential Settings

srich — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 14:37:38 -0600

Many people don’t realize that some standard lawncare practices can cause serious damage to nearby lakes, streams and rivers. However, homeowners interested in preserving local water quality can start right in their own backyards.

The natural beauty and practical benefit of a raingarden make it an increasingly popular choice for home landscapers who want to do their part to improve water quality, and many residents seek resources on how to add these lovely features to their yards, schools, and businesses.

This program features an engaging presentation by landscape ecologist Shawn Tracy from Metro Conservation Districts. Shawn will describe what a raingarden is, how to build one, and why they can be important for our lakes, rivers and wetlands.

The workshop will take a how-to approach, giving participants information about:
• where a raingarden should be placed,
• soil preparation,
• plant selection, and
• other nuances of raingarden construction.
Printed materials about raingardens will be provided for participants.

Please note that registration is not being taken by FMR, and Community Ed does NOT send confirmation or reminder materials.

Questions?
If you have questions about registration, Community Education can be reached after January 9, 9 am-3pm at 651-293-8874.
If you have questions about the workshop itself, contact FMR River Stewardship Coordinator Karen Solas at ksolas[at]fmr.org.

More events
If you are unable to attend this workshop, an identical one is being offered Tuesday, May 4, 6:30-8:30 pm.
We also recommend enrolling in the "Native Plants, Raingardens and Lawn Care for Water Quality" workshop.
You can also receive email updates by signing up for Mississippi Messages, FMR's e-newsletter. It comes twice a month, the one at the beginning of the month lists upcoming event offerings while the mid-month edition includes river- and FMR-related news as well as event notices and resources.

More on how raingardens relate to the river:

Many people do not realize that rain carries pollutants from our yards, streets, sidewalks and parking lots to the nearest storm drain which leads directly to local lakes, streams and ultimately the Mississippi River. Raingardens are designed with a center depression to help rainwater seep into the soil. This infiltration helps recharge groundwater supply and protects water quality by reducing polluted runoff in the urban landscape. Raingardens can also feature hardy native plant species that thrive without fertilizers and pesticides.

While it is best to attend a workshop to put these materials into context, if you are unable to attend and are interested in creating a raingarden, we recommend:

Capitol Region Watershed District
Incudes an excellent overview and resources, including matching grant information, for both DIYers and those interested in hiring a professional.
The local Bluethumb — Planting For Clean Water Program
Includes installation videos, local nursery lists, and much more. Note: FMR is a Bluethumb partner.

Wisconsin DNR Raingardens Page
Offers extensive information, including a downloadable version of the book featured in the raingarden workshop.

Earth Day in the City: Minneapolis Watershed Cleanup

srich — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:06:22 -0600

This cleanup is an Earth Day tradition in the Minneapolis River Gorge. People come from throughout the local river corridor neighborhoods and metro area — through churches, corporations and classes — to contribute to the health and vitality of the Mississippi River Watershed.

We’ll meet at two sites. Pick whichever meeting spot works better for you:
• East 36th Street and West River Parkway, an oak savanna actively being restored by FMR Gorge Stewards volunteers.
• East 44th Street and West River Parkway, a maple basswood forest also benefiting from Gorge Stewards restoration volunteers.

You'll see a small tent and signage near the bike and walking trails. You’ll sign in, receive gloves (required), trash bags, beverages and directions. Both sites also feature ongoing educational presentations, and you can learn more about the Gorge Stewards program and additional upcoming FMR volunteer and educational events.

We hope to see you there!

Pre-registration is not required for this event. However, if you are with a group of 10 or more, please e-mail srich[at]fmr.org to help ensure adequate supplies and to help make the registration process easier for your group. Groups of 20 or more should also consider setting up a cleanup site just for their members. To coordinate an Earth Day site for your group, contact Arik Rudolph at 612-230-6484 or arudolph@minneapolisparks.org.

Want a cleanup site closer to home?

This event is part of a citywide cleanup, with many different cleanup sites and exhibits, and is sponsored by the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board and the City of Minneapolis.

You can also support the Earth Day Clean Up by participating in the 5K Recycle Run.

-------------------

This cleanup is part of the Gorge Stewards, an educational and volunteer program led by Friends of the Mississippi River that provides opportunities for people who care about the Twin Cities River Gorge to actively engage in its care. Learn more!

*Did you know the River Gorge is part of a N ational Park? In fact, all Gorge Stewards volunteers are considered National Park Service volunteers as well.

Native Plants, Raingardens and Lawn Care for Water Quality

srich — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 14:11:38 -0600

Please note: Pre-registration and a $10 fee is required, see below. This same workshop will also be held Tuesday, April 20, 6:30-8 pm.

Please note that registration is not being taken by FMR, and Community Ed does NOT send confirmation or reminder materials.

More events
If you are unable to attend this workshop, an identical one is being offered Tuesday, March 16, 6:30-8 pm.
Additional workshops and related tours will be offered throughout the year and will be posted on the FMR events calendar as soon as they are set.
You can also receive email updates by signing up for Mississippi Messages, FMR's e-newsletter. It comes twice a month, the one at the beginning of the month lists upcoming event offerings while the mid-month edition includes river- and FMR-related news as well as event notices and resources.

Join the Pledge to Pull at Crosby Park!

srich — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 08:42:42 -0600

Enjoy the beauty of early spring at a riverside park while helping protect native plants from an invasive species.

Nestled at the bottom of the gorge at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers, Crosby Farm Park is a natural oasis in the heart of the city. The area volunteers will be working in is home to a striking array of spring wildflowers native to Minnesota — Dutchman's breeches, trout lily, and Jack-in-the-pulpit to name a few — all in need of volunteer assistance.

After a brief introduction to this hidden gem and quick training, event participants will help protect these spring ephemerals and other important species by removing the extremely invasive plant known as garlic mustard.

Although a serious threat, garlic mustard is not only easy to identify but quick to pull by hand. These characteristics make removal of this invasive species the perfect restoration activity for volunteers who want to work independently -- to continue to improve wildlife habitat and the health of their watershed after the event, at times most convenient for them.

All volunteers will be asked to sign a Pledge to Pull, promising to remove garlic mustard in this area of Crosby Park for a total of eight hours** before June 1. They will also receive a small card certifying their participation in the training and granting permission to independently perform this volunteer service in this area, part of the City of St. Paul park system and the Mississippi National Park.

** This means an additional six hours beyond the event. And, if you bring someone with you, you can count their hours as well. For example, if you participate in the 2-hour training and removal session, then bring your partner and a friend for a 2-hour session that you schedule yourself, that totals 8 hours: 2 for the training, plus 6 hours of work from the follow-up, independent session!

Note: All volunteers who contribute 20 hours or more through any and all FMR volunteer events and opportunities within a calendar year earn a Friends of the Mississippi River SuperVolunteer t-shirt.

Ready to register?

To ensure a high-quality experience, capacity is limited and pre-registration required. To sign up, simply contact Volunteer Coordinator sue rich at srich[insert "at" symbol]fmr.org, or by selecting "Volunteering" in the drop-down "Category" menu near the bottom of our contact form. Please include: the name of the event, your name, address, and phone number and the number in your party.

You will receive a confirmation email and additional details, such as directions and what to wear, from srich[insert "at" symbol]fmr.org within, at most, a week.

Not sure yet? Sign up for a reminder. Enter your email on the Mississippi Messages blue box at right to receive two e-newsletters a month, including a monthly FMR calendar.

More information

Read this volunteer's beautifully written and descriptive blog entry on the 2009 pledge-to-pull training and kickoff at Crosby.

This event is part of the Gorge Stewards program, which actively engages citizens throughout the Twin Cities in the stewardship of the national treasure that is the Mississippi River Gorge.

Putting Down Roots: Raingardens in Residential Settings

srich — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 14:44:22 -0600

Please note that registration is not being taken by FMR, and Community Ed does NOT send confirmation or reminder materials.

Questions?
If you have questions about registration, Community Education can be reached after January 9, 9 am-3pm at 651-293-8874.
If you have questions about the workshop itself, contact FMR River Stewardship Coordinator Karen Solas at ksolas[at]fmr.org.

More on how raingardens relate to the river:

While it is best to attend a workshop to put these materials into context, if you are unable to attend and are interested in creating a raingarden, we recommend:

Capitol Region Watershed District
Incudes an excellent overview and resources, including matching grant information, for both DIYers and those interested in hiring a professional.
The local Bluethumb — Planting For Clean Water Program
Includes installation videos, local nursery lists, and much more. Note: FMR is a Bluethumb partner.

Wisconsin DNR Raingardens Page
Offers extensive information, including a downloadable version of the book featured in the raingarden workshop.