If you missed the June unveiling of River Songs: The Wonderment of This Tributary, or would like to experience it again, you can now experience Andrea Jenkins' commissioned poem through a filmed reading available online. The video invites viewers to slow down, listen, and connect with the Mississippi River through poetry, history, and reflection. 

River Songs reflects on the stretch of the Mississippi River that defines the MWMO watershed. Through poetry, Andrea Jenkins explores the connections between people, place, and the built environment, inviting us to see the river in new ways and consider our shared responsibility to care for it. 

The online video makes River Songs accessible long after its June unveiling, giving more people the opportunity to experience the poem wherever they are. At MWMO, we believe art has the power to bring people together, deepen our connection to the Mississippi River, and inspire stewardship in ways that complement science, restoration, and education. Commissioning works like River Songs is one way we bring that vision to life. We look forward to sharing River Songs through future live readings and other creative community experiences. 

Opportunity Crossing is already welcoming residents to its new mixed-use affordable housing community on Lake Street, transforming the former Wells Fargo building damaged during the 2020 civil unrest into a space for homes, local businesses, and long-term community investment. 

The Mississippi Watershed Management Organization helped conceptualize and fund two innovative water systems that make the development more sustainable while reducing operating costs. A rainwater harvesting system captures and stores roof runoff to supply approximately 70% of the building's water needs for toilet flushing and outdoor irrigation, saving an estimated 330,000 gallons of drinking water each year. By lowering water costs, the system also helps support the long-term affordability of the development. 

In addition, a below-ground infiltration system captures and treats stormwater from the site and the adjacent property, before allowing it to soak back into the ground instead of flowing into the storm sewer and, ultimately, the Mississippi River. Together, these systems are expected to keep approximately 4.5 pounds of phosphorus and more than 500 pounds of sediment out of the river each year. 

Opportunity Crossing demonstrates how thoughtful investment can strengthen communities by creating affordable homes, supporting local entrepreneurs, conserving water, and protecting the Mississippi River for future generations. 

There's still time to experience Rooted in Water, Tara Fahey's immersive installation inspired by the Mississippi River and the interconnected life it supports. Combining lanterns, soft sculpture, and intricate paper-cut works, the exhibit invites visitors into an underwater world that celebrates the beauty, resilience, and wonder of our urban watershed. 

The exhibit remains on view through August 24 and can be visited during MWMO's regular business hours. For those who prefer to explore alongside others, join us during our final extended public gallery hours on Wednesday, August 5, from 4–6 p.m., when MWMO staff will be available to answer questions and discuss the installation. Admission is free. 

The MWMO bids farewell to Outreach Program Manager Abby Moore as she begins the next chapter of her career. Since joining the organization, Abby has played a transformative role in shaping how the MWMO connects with communities, helping build many of the outreach programs, partnerships, and educational experiences that define our work today. 

With a background in environmental education and a passion for connecting people to the Mississippi River, Abby championed initiatives that encouraged stewardship through learning, creativity, and community. She helped lead the development of the MWMO's Smart Salting education efforts, advanced the organization's diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and was instrumental in launching the Creative Watershed initiative, expanding opportunities for people to engage with the river through art and shared experiences. 

Abby's vision, leadership, and dedication have left a lasting mark on the MWMO and the communities we serve. We are grateful for her years of service and wish her every success in the exciting work ahead. 

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

Join the event tomorrow for Blue Thumb's first-ever Eco-Art Extravaganza. 

This free, family-friendly event celebrates the intersection of art, nature, and community with local artists, native plants, environmental education, and hands-on activities exploring our connection to clean water. Stop by to shop native plants, learn about pollinator habitat, create art, and discover simple ways to make a difference in your community. 

This event is free, and everyone is welcome! 

📅 Saturday, August 15 & Saturday, August 29 | 9 a.m.–11 a.m. 
📍 Mississippi Watershed Management Organization 

Explore your relationship to water, community, and change through movement in this participatory workshop series led by interdisciplinary artist and choreographer Victoria Bradford Styrbicki. Using simple movement, flag-based signaling, creative improvisation, and guided reflection, participants will explore themes of grief, resilience, hope, and care while connecting with the Mississippi River and one another. 

Both workshops are open to ages 10 and older. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Participation is free, but registration is required. 

Learn more about these workshops on the Sacred Water Shared Future Event Page.

📅 Sunday, August 23 | 3–6 p.m. 
📍 Bridgewater Lofts, Stonebridge Lofts & The Legacy (Mill District, Minneapolis) 

Explore three unique art exhibits celebrating the Mississippi River while learning about ongoing restoration efforts in the Mill District. MWMO staff will be on hand to share updates about restoration and research work at Owámniyomni and the Mill Ruins Park Mill Race, highlighting how these projects are helping reconnect people, habitat, and the river. 

Enjoy artwork from local artists, light refreshments, and opportunities to learn more about the future of the Mississippi River.  

📅 Now through October 25 
📍 American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave., Minneapolis 

Experience the work of Presley Martin in a new exhibition at the American Swedish Institute,  a 2026 MWMO Community Grant recipient. Through sculpture, installation, and drawings created with handmade "mushroom markers," Martin explores our relationship with the Mississippi River and the impacts of plastic pollution on local ecosystems. 

The exhibition is included with museum admission, which is free for ASI members. Learn more and plan your visit on the American Swedish Institute's website.