June was one of our busiest months of the year. From celebrating art, poetry, and the Mississippi River to welcoming families for canoe rides and launching another season of Green Team, it was a month full of opportunities to connect with our community. Thank you to everyone who joined us and supported our work. We're excited to share a few highlights from an incredible June.

June by the Numbers

CELEBRATING THE RIVER THROUGH ART, LEARNING, AND SHARED EXPERIENCES.

KEY STAT

200+

Community Connections

More than 200 people joined MWMO throughout June for community events celebrating the Mississippi River. We welcomed visitors to the opening of Rooted in Water, gathered for the debut of Andrea Jenkins' commissioned poem exploring our relationship with the river, and hosted our annual Share the River celebration featuring free canoe rides, hands-on activities, and opportunities to connect with local environmental organizations.

These events brought together neighbors, artists, educators, and river enthusiasts to learn, create, and experience the river in new ways, demonstrating

Green Team is Back

June also marked the start of another season for the Mississippi River Green Team, a 19-year partnership between the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) and the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) that connects local youth with hands-on environmental work and career exploration.

Throughout the summer, Green Team members will care for native landscapes, maintain green infrastructure, remove invasive species, and explore the science behind healthy ecosystems through field experiences and visits with environmental professionals. We're excited to welcome this year's team and look forward to sharing their adventures in the months ahead.

Healthy Lawns, Healthy Waters

Summer lawn care isn't just about keeping your yard green. It’s also one of the easiest ways to help protect local lakes, streams, and the Mississippi River. Try these simple tips to keep your lawn and local waterways healthy.

• Mow High — Set your mower to at least three inches. Taller grass develops deeper roots, resists weeds and drought, and helps keep soil and pollutants from washing into storm drains.
• Water Wisely — Most lawns only need about one inch of water each week, including rainfall. Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation, and avoid spraying sidewalks and driveways where water simply runs off.
• Leave the Clippings — Grass clippings make a great natural fertilizer. Leave them on your lawn after mowing, or compost any excess instead of blowing them into the street. Storm drains flow directly to local waterways, carrying excess nutrients that can contribute to water pollution.
• Save Fertilizer for Fall — If your lawn needs fertilizer, wait until fall when it's most effective. Choose a zero-phosphorus fertilizer, follow application directions carefully, and sweep any excess off hard surfaces to keep it out of storm drains.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mississippi Musings July Workshop: Stormwater Connections

📅 July 15, 2026 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.
📍 Stormwater Park and Learning Center

Join us on a journey from your neighborhood to the Mississippi River as we explore the personal side of stormwater science and policy.

In this Mississippi Musings workshop, Mississippi River paddler Devin Brown will sharewhat draws her to the river and the story of her journey from the headwaters of the Mississippi to Hannibal, Missouri. MWMO Planner-Project Manager Aaron Goemann will then explore the people, history, and challenges that shaped Minneapolis' storm sewer system. The evening concludes with a hands-on art activity led by artist Kimberly Boustead, inviting participants to reflect on what a healthy river looks like to them.

Enjoy light refreshments and take time to explore the Stormwater Park and Learning Center.

This event is free, but registration is required.

Rooted in Water Continues This July

There's still time to experience Rooted in Water, Tara Fahey's immersive installation inspired by the Mississippi River and the life it supports. Throughout July, the exhibit comes to life with hands-on workshops and an evening community celebration.

Rooted in Water Lantern Workshops

📅 Saturday, July 11 & 18 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
📍 Mississippi Watershed Management Organization

Create your own river-inspired paper lantern using recycled materials while learning about the plants and animals that call the Mississippi River home. Each workshop features different designs inspired by local wildlife, making every session a unique experience.

Open to youth ages 8 and older and adults.
This event is free, but registration is required.

Beachside Lantern Pop-Up

📅 Friday, July 31 | 7:00–9:00 p.m.
📍 Mississippi Watershed Management Organization

Celebrate summer at the river's edge during an evening of lanterns, music, and community. Bring a lantern if you have one and join us for a community song circle honoring the water, wildlife, and plants that make the Mississippi River such a vibrant ecosystem.

This event is free, but registration is required.

Eco-Art Extravaganza

📅 Saturday, August 1 | 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
📍 Art Shelf, 1415 W. 35th St., Minneapolis, MN

Celebrate the intersection of art, nature, and community at Blue Thumb's first-ever Eco-Art Extravaganza. This free, family-friendly event features local artists, native plants, environmental education, and hands-on art activities that explore our connection to clean water and the natural world.

Meet local artists, shop native plants, learn about pollinator habitat and clean water, and discover simple ways to make a difference in your community.

This event is free and open to all.

Photo of the Month

Smiles, splashes, and a whole lot of paddling! Share the River brought hundreds of community connections to the Mississippi River this June, and we were lucky enough to capture many of those moments along the way.

If you attended, check out the full photo gallery. You might just spot yourself, your family, or your canoe crew.

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