Sep
20
Sat
2025
International Coastal Cleanup Day @ Rambling River Park
Sep 20 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

International Coastal Cleanup Day with Dakota County and Twin Cities Trout Unlimited

General Description

International Coastal Cleanup Day began more than 30 years ago, when communities rallied together with the common goal of collecting and documenting the trash littering their coastline. Volunteers from states and territories throughout the U.S. and more than 100 countries come together each year and participate in an event near them.

Although not near an ocean, Minnesota has over 90,000 miles of shoreline; more than California, Florida and Hawaii combined. We are also home to the headwaters of the mighty Mississippi River which flows south all the way into the Gulf of Mexico. The Minnesota River is another famous river in our state that is an important tributary that flows into the Mississippi.

Sadly, garbage and pollution can use our local river systems to travel through our state southward. If we can stop trash here at home, we can help prevent it from reaching the world’s oceans, helping our partners who will be working to clean up beaches thousands of miles away.

Location and Site Details

Rambling River Park

17 Elm Street

Farmington, MN 55024

(Map and driving directions)

Date/Time

September 20

9 a.m. – Noon

A brat lunch will be served to volunteers afterwards provided by Twin Cities Trout Unlimited.

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Help pick up trash along the banks of our local riverways.
  • All ages welcome, there will be flat and paved terrain available to walk.
  • Supplies including trash bags, gloves, and hand sanitizer will be provided.
  • If you would like to volunteer as a group (families not included), please contact Garrett Zaffke before registering.

Minimum Time Commitment

3 hours

Activity Level  

Active – Involves physical exertion for an extended period of time; can involve rough, uneven or steep terrain. Not recommended for volunteers with physical limitations.

Oct
4
Sat
2025
Native prairie seed collecting in Alimagnet Park @ Alimagnet Park
Oct 4 @ 9:00 am – 10:30 am

Native prairie seed collection event

From the City of Burnsville:

This fall, we’re teaming up with volunteers of all ages to collect prairie seeds and plant native flowers and grasses in Burnsville parks like Alimagnet. It’s a hands-on way to learn, connect with neighbors, and leave a lasting mark on our community.

  • Everyone is welcome; no experience with seed collecting or native plants is necessary.
  • Activity level: Moderate-Traveling off-trail, standing, and walking on uneven ground is expected.
  • City staff will provide gloves, glasses, and seed collection training. Feel free to bring your favorite garden gloves and a water bottle.
  • Once registered, be on the lookout for an email with parking details and weather updates no later than 24 hours before the event.