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NEWSLETTER / MAY 2025
 It’s official: June 2 is now National Mississippi River Day — a new annual opportunity to recognize the River that connects, nourishes, and sustains us all. The Minneapolis City Council will be commemorating this first annual day of recognition at their Council meeting on June 5. National Mississippi River Day also kicks off River Days of Action June 1-15, a great time to engage with the river. Here are just a few ideas for you:
Hop on a bike. A network of bike lanes and trails make it easy to explore the river and visit some beautiful shoreline parks. Bike to the newly opened River Hub at Graco Park or take the West River Parkway Trail all the way from Minnehaha Falls to Ole Olson Park.
Go for a stroll. MWMO’s Stormwater Park and Learning Center offers a winding walk down to the river through a living laboratory of natural habitat and green stormwater infrastructure. Along the way you can check out the raingardens, tree trench, bioswales, and green roof – just some of the features that ensure that no stormwater runoff reaches the Mississippi.
Take action. Protect the river and contribute to community science by participating in the 2025 Plastic-Free Parks initiative. This annual program tracks waste trends in U.S. National Parks to better understand which waste materials are most common and to work toward solutions that protect our parks and waterways from plastic pollution. Download the Trash Blitz app, available on iOs or Android, then pick up and log trash at a variety of sites in the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (MNRRA) Check out this map of public areas within MNRRA for ideas about where to use the app.
Stay tuned to MWMO’s Facebook page for more suggestions for the upcoming River Days of Action!
 🚣♀️ Minnesota Paddling Opener – June 13–15
Celebrate the Mississippi River with a weekend of paddling, community, and fun! Whether you're new to kayaking or a seasoned paddler, the Minnesota Paddling Opener offers the perfect opportunity to dip your paddle into river recreation. From the relaxed 5-mile “Root Beer Float” to challenging endurance routes, there’s something for everyone. All self-powered boats are welcome, and rentals are available.
Then on Sunday, June 15, join for the free Post Paddle Party and Expo at Mississippi Point Park in Champlin! Enjoy live music, festival fun, and connect with local paddling and river organizations from noon–5 p.m.
Learn more and register at TwoPaddles.org
🛶 No kayak? No problem — Paddle Share makes it easy.
Paddle Share is a self-serve kayak rental system that lets you explore the Mississippi River without needing your own gear. Reserve a boat online, paddle a scenic stretch of the River, and return it at a designated station — just like a bike share, but for boats. It’s an accessible, affordable, and adventurous way to experience the River — whether for a solo outing or a weekend with friends.
🎧 Revisit: Finding Nature in the City – Twin Cities' Best River Adventures
As we celebrate National Mississippi River Day and the start of summer, we’re revisiting one of our favorite River of Ideas podcast episodes—perfect for anyone looking to explore the River in a new way.
In Episode 03, hosts Nick and Abby highlight their go-to spots for hiking, biking, paddling, and relaxing along the Mississippi in Minneapolis and St. Paul. From Crosby Farm Park and the Winchell Trail to Paddle Share kayaking and dog-friendly beaches, this episode is full of inspiration and insider tips for connecting with nature right in the heart of the city.
Whether you're new to the river or just looking for fresh ideas, it’s a great listen to spark your next adventure.
▶️ Watch on YouTube
🎧 Listen on Buzzsprout or your favorite podcast platform.
 Photo courtesy of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
The opening of The River Hub marks an exciting milestone for the Northeast riverfront — and for the ongoing transformation of Graco Park, a once-industrial site reimagined with nature, community, and clean water at its core.
Backed by a $480,000 MWMO grant, the park features green stormwater infrastructure, native habitat restoration, and a heated snowmelt plaza powered by geothermal energy. Together, these upgrades will capture 99% of the park’s runoff, reduce phosphorus pollution by 94%, and support pollinators with 250 new trees and a mix of native plantings. Graco Park builds on our earlier work at Hall’s Island and reflects the shared vision of the RiverFirst Initiative.
With the River Hub now open — offering public amenities, youth creativity programs, and river views — the final phase is already underway: a new underpass trail connection beneath the Plymouth Avenue Bridge. Once complete, it will link Graco Park to Boom Island, Sheridan Memorial Park, and Nicollet Island via 1.5 miles of scenic, off-street river trail.
 Photo courtesy of the East Bank Neighborhoods Partnership
Along the east bank of the Mississippi River — where turbulent waters once carved limestone into the only natural falls on the river — volunteers are restoring native trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and grasses to the shores, slopes, meadows, and wetlands of Father Hennepin Bluff Park.
From Williams Island (visible from the Stone Arch Bridge) to Mill View Meadow (along Main Street SE) to Hennepin Beach (downstream from the Xcel spillway), this diverse natural area hums with life. Eagles and herons hunt in its waters, and songbirds nest in its forest. In Dakota, St. Anthony Falls are called Owamniyomni, “turbulent water, whirlpool, eddy,” and volunteers call this part of the park East Owamniyomni, honoring the power of the falls.
The Father Hennepin Bluff Stewards, a project of the East Bank Neighborhoods Partnership, collaborates with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board to care for this nature sanctuary, and hosts care days from April to November. All are welcome!
Sign up at https://www.eastbankmpls.org/father-hennepin
MWMO Annual Report Now Available
The MWMO’s Annual Activity and Financial Report for 2024 is now available. The report provides a snapshot of our progress in meeting our mission, goals and objectives for the previous year, along with a preview of our 2025 work plan.
We Are Water MN
 Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
📅 June 19–August 11
📍 809 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55402
Water is life. It’s also history, culture, science, and—let’s be honest—a lot of feelings. The We Are Water MN traveling exhibit is rolling into Minneapolis this summer to explore all of the above through stories, science, and community connection.
From personal water stories to interactive exhibits and public events, this is your chance to dive into how Minnesotans relate to water—and why it matters more than ever.
Stewardship Fund Grants—Due Friday, June 27, 2025, by 4:30 PM CDT
Photo of the Month
 Crews at Edgewater Park carried out a prescribed burn this spring — a carefully planned fire that helps native ecosystems hit the reset button. Many prairie plants have evolved with fire over thousands of years. Burning clears out dead plant material, recycles nutrients into the soil, and knocks back invasive species that can’t take the heat — literally. With more sunlight, space, and nutrients, native grasses and wildflowers come back stronger, healthier, and better able to support pollinators and wildlife. It’s restoration powered by fire (and science).
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