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NEWSLETTER / JULY 2024
MWMO Backyard Renovation Project Begins
 Aerial view showing eroded footpaths in the MWMO backyard.
Our backyard on the Mississippi River is getting some much-needed upgrades.
The MWMO's walking path and shoreline will be temporarily closed while we work to repair a number of eroding footpaths that visitors have worn into our landscape over the years (visible in the above photo).
These footpaths are an example of “desire lines” — informal trails created by visitors that represent the shortest distance between two points. Desire lines are useful because they provide a clear indication of the path visitors most want to take.
We'll be replacing these eroded paths over the next two weeks with permanent steps that will allow safe and direct access to the river from our parking lot.
We'll also be adding new seating areas along the paved trail, as well as pruning overgrown trees to allow for improved sightlines between the building, the parking lot, and the river.
Look for the "after" photo in our next newsletter!
More About Our Facility >
New Podcast: Talking Upper Harbor Terminal with Kevin Reich
 Upper Harbor Terminal’s ambitious green infrastructure plans are the subject of the latest MWMO podcast.
In a new episode of River of Ideas, MWMO Executive Director Kevin Reich discusses how the MWMO is working with the Upper Harbor project partners to create a 24-acre system of connected habitat, public spaces, and surface stormwater features at the Upper Harbor site.
Learn why the redevelopment of Upper Harbor Terminal is a once-in-a-generation opportunity, why the MWMO is making its biggest-ever investment in the project, and why its unique ephemeral stream feature will be a first of its kind.
Watch now on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcasting app. Don’t forget to subscribe!
More About Our Podcast >
Opportunity Crossing to Showcase Rainwater Harvesting, GSI
 On June 27, state and local leaders joined with project partners in a ceremonial groundbreaking for Opportunity Crossing, a multi-use affordable housing development in south Minneapolis set to replace a former Wells Fargo branch destroyed during 2020’s civil unrest.
An MWMO grant will fund a variety of green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) features at the site, including:
- a rainwater harvesting system that will use roof runoff for toilet flushing and irrigation in the building;
- an underground infiltration tank;
- a rain garden;
- pollinator-friendly native plantings;
- low-mow fescue grass; and
- a permeable paver patio area.
The rainwater harvesting system is sized to provide enough water for 70 percent of the building’s needs, saving an estimated 330,000 gallons of potable water per year and reducing annual operating costs by $3,833.
More About this Project >
Mississippi River Green Team: Learning on the Job
 The Mississippi River Green Team is officially back in action.
The two-year employment and conservation program provides Minneapolis youth with mentored job experiences and the chance to explore environmental careers. The MWMO and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) co-created the program, which is now in its 17th year.
Green Teamers help maintain green infrastructure like raingardens by removing invasive plants, planting trees and native perennials, and assisting with research projects.
Fortunately, it’s not all hard work for the Green Team. The program also includes ample hands-on learning opportunities. Some highlights from this summer include:
- bird banding at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge and exploring career opportunities with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service;
- learning how goats are used for controlling buckthorn (and petting some goats!);
- visiting the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center;
- learning how to fish with Urban Roots;
- macroinvertebrate sampling and canoeing with MPRB staff; and
- touring MWMO green infrastructure project sites.
More About the Green Team >
Meet the Interns: John Johnson
 This summer, the MWMO welcomed Macalester College student John Johnson as our summer water quality monitoring intern!
John is studying geology and hopes to become a hydrologist or work in water quality or environmental resources. He spends much of his time at the MWMO doing fieldwork with our monitoring team, which he said has given him insight into watershed management.
While working with the MWMO, John investigated nutrient impairment at Sullivan Lake and worked to compile relevant data on how we can remediate water quality problems within the watershed.
In his free time, John enjoys biking and the outdoors. He plans to graduate from Macalester next year.
In his words: “I am grateful that my work with the MWMO has given me greater consideration into how we can protect our natural resources and environment.”
John's Staff Bio Page >
Upcoming Events
2024 Salt Symposium
📅 August 6–7, 2024 📍 Online Only
The MWMO is proud to co-sponsor this year's Salt Symposium! This event celebrates the optimization of salt use to improve community sustainability and protect vital freshwater systems and infrastructure.
The Salt Symposium brings together leaders from diverse economic sectors to learn about the impacts of chloride and reduction methods. Professionals from across the world will share their expertise on current research initiatives, including water softening, wastewater, fertilizer, snow and ice management, and more.
Register >
Photo of the Month
 MWMO Environmental Specialist Eva Hanson collects a bacteria sample from the Mississippi River near Upper St. Anthony Falls on July 11, 2024. The MWMO’s water quality monitoring team conducts regular, year-round sampling of both river water itself and water from the storm sewers that discharge into the river.
More About Monitoring >
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