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NEWSLETTER / JULY 2023
37th Avenue NE Green Infrastructure Takes Shape
 Construction has begun on nearly one mile of curbside bioswales and tree trenches that will reshape a major roadway on the border of Columbia Heights and Minneapolis.
The reconstruction of 37th Avenue NE between Central Avenue NE and Stinson Avenue NE will bring about a number of safety improvements as well as green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) that will help reduce flooding and protect the Mississippi River.
The new street design features boulevards planted with native trees, flowers and grasses, along with narrowed lanes and a new pedestrian trail along the north side of the road. The project is expected to be completed this year.
Learn More >
MWMO Grant to Fund Habitat and Shoreline Improvements at Ole Olson Park
 Orvin “Ole” Olson Park in North Minneapolis is the latest riverfront park slated for a series of shoreline and habitat improvements with help from an MWMO grant.
The MWMO awarded $419,960 to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) to remove contaminated soil from the site, regrade the shoreline to a more gradual slope, and expand the existing native prairie habitat at the park.
The MPRB plans to build new bike and pedestrian trail connections underneath the BNSF railway bridge that will close a significant trail gap within the greater Minneapolis parks system. The park plans also include a new riverfront gathering space and trailside overlook.
Read the News Release >
MWMO Awards Six New Planning Grants
 The MWMO recently awarded six new Planning Grants to support community-led efforts to protect water quality and habitat.
Part of the MWMO’s Stewardship Fund Grant program, Planning Grants help organizations plan, design, and prepare for future stormwater and habitat projects.
The new grantees include:
- Dar Al-Qalam Islamic Center
- Gustavus Adolphus Church
- Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association
- Midway Contemporary Art
- Boniface Catholic Church
- Windom Park Citizens In Action / Cardinal Housing Cooperative
Read the News Release >
Your Questions about Rainbarrels, Answered
 A rainbarrel is a great addition to your yard, especially during dry summers like this one. Even a small rainstorm can quickly fill your rainbarrel and help you conserve water while keeping your landscape plants thriving.
Here are the answers to our most commonly received questions about rainbarrels over the years (many of them received via YouTube):
Can You Use the Water on Edible Plants?
We generally advise against it. Roof runoff can pick up harmful chemicals from your shingles on its way to your rainbarrel, so you should avoid using it on your vegetables. However, you can minimize the risk by applying the water directly to the soil and avoiding contact with the plants. (We recommend doing some research on the topic first.)
Can Mosquitos Breed in Rainbarrels?
Not if they’re properly installed. Most rainbarrels come with a screen or other barrier preventing mosquitos and other wildlife from entering. Open containers used as makeshift rainbarrels could certainly breed mosquitos.
What Do You Do with Rainbarrels in Winter?
Drain them and store them in a dry place. Put a reminder on your calendar to completely drain your rainbarrels before the first frost (usually in late September/early October) to avoid having the water freeze and damage your rainbarrel.
How Do You Clean a Rainbarrel?
A bit of soapy water and a scrubbing brush should suffice. In extreme cases, a mild bleach solution could be used to kill mold or other microorganisms causing foul odors.
Learn about Rainbarrels >
Local Stormwater Actions: A Walking Tour
 Eastside Food Co-op
Tuesday, August 1, 2023, 4 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
Join the MWMO and Eastside Food Co-op for a walking tour of green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) along Central Avenue in Northeast Minneapolis. Participants will learn how installing GSI can protect water quality and habitat in the watershed and see examples of how local businesses have incorporated it in tight, urban spaces.
The tour will conclude at Fair State Brewing Cooperative, where visitors will learn about their raingardens, enjoy a beverage, and have informal conversations about resources to incorporate more GSI into our local landscapes.
Register Here >
Upcoming Grant Application Deadlines
Capital Project Grants
Capital Project Grants are designed to support final engineering and construction of large-scale, innovative projects that protect or improve water quality and habitat within the MWMO watershed.
Next Deadline: August 18, 2023
Learn More >
Photo of the Month
 A Mississippi River Green Team member and supervisor catch a dragonfly in a net as part of a water quality education exercise on July 25, 2023.
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