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NEWSLETTER / SPRING 2018

Gear up for spring with native plant sales, workshops, cleanup events and more

Our yards can be a powerful force for preventing pollution, providing pollinator habitat and even fighting climate change. And spring is the perfect time of year to start planning some eco-friendly changes to your yard. Whether you want to install a raingarden, plant some native perennials, build a rainbarrel, or plant a tree, we’re here to help.

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Three graphs that show how melting snow carries chloride into waterbodies

This spring, as the snow melted (and then piled up again and again), our monitoring team tracked the snowmelt as it moved from yards, streets, and sidewalks and into the stormsewer system. Learn what melting snow means for water quality in the Mississippi River and beyond. Read More

Rebuilding Hall’s Island to improve habitat and ecology along the Mississippi River

Urbanization destroyed most of our local wildlife habitat. The Mississippi River corridor is an exception — and we want to protect it. Learn how the reconstruction of Hall's Island represents a milestone in the effort to reclaim the Minneapolis riverfront for people and nature. Read More

New Projects for 2018

The MWMO has a slate of new water quality and habitat projects lined up for 2018. Check out these highlights of upcoming projects and learn more on our website.

East Side Storage and Maintenance Facility

The City of Minneapolis plans to build its new public works facility on a 9-acre site in Northeast Minneapolis. The MWMO will fund a variety of innovative stormwater best management practices (BMPs) for the facility. Read More

Nicollet Island Restoration

A community-led coalition will restore more than 7 acres of natural areas on Nicollet Island. The project will improve habitat and reduce erosion by removing invasive plants and restoring native prairie and forest. Read More

Mill City Commons

Mill City Church is upgrading its shared community meeting space with an innovative, stormwater-friendly landscape. The MWMO funded the design through a Planning Grant and awarded an Action Grant to help pay for the construction. Read More

More New Projects

Cemstone Stormwater Reuse — This concrete supplier will capture and reuse stormwater runoff to manufacture its product at its North Minneapolis production facility.

Hiawatha Collegiate High School — This preparatory school's new campus will feature a stormwater reuse system for irrigating the school's athletic field and landscaping.

Northeast Business Corridor — The MWMO and several community partners are working to install stormwater BMPs at commercial properties in Northeast Minneapolis.

Washburn Center Raingarden — Washburn Center for Children will reconstruct one of its raingardens to better absorb stormwater runoff and maximize habitat.

Water Works — A new riverfront park in the heart of Minneapolis will include a stormwater reuse system and other stormwater BMPs.

Events and Updates

Family Fun Night at Mississippi Library

Anoka County's Mississippi Library is hosting a water-themed family event on April 18, featuring stories, crafts, songs, games and learning activities. Details can be found on the Anoka County Library website.

New Art Exhibit: Upstream

The MWMO is pleased to host Upstream, an art project by Minneapolis ceramicist and public artist Anna Metcalfe. Upstream is an art project that builds connections and circulates stories among people who are linked to teach other through a common watershed. Experiences and memories about water are collected and shared through conversations over tea. (details)

Artist Showcase at MWMO during Art-A-Whirl

Join us at our Stormwater Park and Learning Center during Art-A-Whirl on May 19, when we will be hosting a variety of water-focused artists and performers. Enjoy our facility and grounds while listening to local music ensembles. See Anna Metcalfe’s exhibit, Upstream, participate in a community art project, and experience the art of boatbuilding with our partners from Urban Boatbuilders. (details)

Share the River Nordeast

Our free paddling adventure on the Mississippi River is back! Mark your calendars on June 27 for another evening of family-friendly fun on the riverfront. Take a free, introductory canoe ride and enjoy a free cookie from North Minneapolis' tastiest social enterprise, Cookie Cart. (details)