Native Plants, Raingardens and Lawn Care for Water Quality

srich — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:25:15 -0600

Whether you're interested in a smaller native planting or want to transform your whole yard into a force for clean water, this free FMR workshop can get you started. Taught by FMR's Stewardship Coordinator Karen Solas, the presentation receives rave reviews from participants, who also appreciate the high-quality and concise take-home materials.

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. This workshop takes a how-to approach, suggesting local resources and quickly covering the most relevant information so you can begin taking steps to protect water quality this gardening season. 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.

This workshop is now free, including written materials!

Ready to register?

Please sign up via REI Roseville's webpage, classes are listed on the lower third of the page. Directions are available on the registration page and you will also receive a reminder email a few days before the event. Please note that early registration is encouraged as capacity is limited. The REI registration page will note when the workshop has filled.

There will be several FMR gardening or landscaping events this year. If you would like to receive notices of these and other FMR events, as well as important river-related news and articles, enter your email in the periwinkle "Mississippi Messages" box at right.

For additional information on watershed-wise practices, see FMR's Landscape for the River page.

Earth Day in the City: Minneapolis Watershed Cleanup

srich — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:31:09 -0600

Helping to clean up the oak savanna and maple basswood restoration sites is a Gorge Stewards Earth Day tradition. Join us!

Photos: Jeremy Aaron

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. Both are at the bluff top, along the parkway (if there are high waters again this year, this will not affect the majority of the cleanup area). 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. (Please note that the start-time is 9:30 a.m.) You’ll sign in, and receive trash bags, beverages and directions. If possible, please bring your own gloves. A limited quantity will be provided, it would help us conserve limited resources (and the gloves we can provide are often ill-fitting).

Both sites also feature ongoing educational presentations, usually involving a National Park Service ranger and other high-quality presenters. Details will be added as soon as they are confirmed. Information will also be available about the Mississippi River Gorge Stewards program and additional upcoming FMR volunteer and educational events at these and other restoration sites.

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. It's quick and easy, and helps ensure that cleanup efforts are better distributed throughout the city. To coordinate an Earth Day site for your group, contact Michelle Kellogg at 612-313-7778 or mkellogg@minneapolisparks.org.

You never know what you'll find at these clean-ups. Above, a barred owl and a young volunteer with an unidentified mammal skull.

Photos: Jeremy Aaron

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.

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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 the following day! Proceeds benefit the Minneapolis park system, and kids run free.

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Can't make it but would like to hear about upcoming events?

For a twice-monthly email with information on all volunteer and educational events as well as important river news and updates — FMR's "Mississippi Messages" — enter your email address in the purple-blue box on the right.

Events & Activities

Native Plants, Raingardens and Lawn Care for Water Quality

Earth Day in the City: Minneapolis Watershed Cleanup