Join us at the annual river gorge Earth Day cleanup

Saturday, April 18, 2026 - 9:30am to 12:00pm
West River Parkway and 36th Street/44th Street, Minneapolis
Three people with cleanup bags by the river

Join us for this annual tradition to pick up trash in the Mississippi River Gorge and celebrate Earth Day.

Weather update 

As of April 14, the National Weather Service is forecasting a 40 percent chance of rain and snow showers before 1 pm on the day of the cleanup, with temperatures predicted to be around 31 degrees Fahrenheit during the event. Winds will be about 15 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph. The wind chill factor could make temperatures feel closer to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Volunteers should wear warm, waterproof layers and sturdy waterproof footwear and protect hands, face and ears from the cold.

FMR will provide hand and toe warmers to volunteers, as supplies last.


Taking place just off of West River Parkway, this cleanup is an Earth Day tradition in the Minneapolis River Gorge, part of a citywide cleanup effort organized by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. People come from throughout the local river corridor, neighborhoods and metro area — individuals, families, small churches, corporate and student or scout groups — to celebrate Earth Day and contribute to the health and vitality of the Mississippi River. All are welcome! This family-friendly event provides an excellent opportunity to get outside and work together to help improve this beloved area. We've returned to this site year after year and have noticed a dramatic improvement in the area thanks to dedicated volunteers like you.

Longfellow Community Council, the local neighborhood group, supports this event. Longfellow area residents are encouraged to participate! The event is also 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.

Accessibility

Our two locations for this cleanup begin at paved parking lots with easy access to paved and unpaved trails. Volunteers are encouraged to spread out and work wherever they feel comfortable. Paths are shared by walkers and bikers, but volunteers can spend their entire cleanup on flat, paved trails. Volunteers also have the option to stick to sidewalks and city streets.

Registration information

Advance registration for this event is not required for individuals or groups of fewer than 10.

To participate as an individual or with a group of under 10 people, show up at 9:30 a.m. at East 36th Street & West River Parkway.

Registration for groups larger than 10 is now closed for this event.

Can't make it?

Check out our list of five more ways you can celebrate Earth Day with FMR.

To receive the most up-to-date notices of all of our volunteer opportunities and events, sign up for our twice-monthly e-newsletter, Mississippi Messages. To receive notice of upcoming Gorge Stewards events, contact us at volunteer@fmr.org or 651.477.0925.

Thank you to our partners and funders: 

Thanks to our Gorge Stewards Program partners and funders: Hennepin County, BAE Systems, Longfellow Community Council, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, Parkway Pizza, RBC Wealth Management and Xcel Energy

Upcoming Events

Saturday, April 18, 2026 - 9:30am to 12:00pm
West River Parkway and 36th Street/44th Street, Minneapolis
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 - 10:00am to 11:00am
Minnesota Capitol Rotunda, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, St. Paul, MN