Jun
28
Tue
2016
Make Your Own Rain Barrel Workshop @ Apple Valley Senior Center
Jun 28 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Join Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) for a Make and Take Rain Barrel Workshop on Tuesday, June 28, 6-7:30 p.m. at the Apple Valley Senior Center. A rain barrel is a simple, high-impact way to save water and protect water quality in lakes and rivers. The cost of materials for building your own rain barrel is only $35, thanks to donated barrels from Coca-Cola Refreshments of Eagan. Pre-registration is required.

Sep
24
Sat
2016
Vermillion Stewards: native prairie seed collection at Sand Coulee SNA @ Sand Coulees Scientific and Natural Area
Sep 24 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Oct
8
Sat
2016
Minnesota StarWatch at Whitetail Woods @ Whitetail Woods Regional Park
Oct 8 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Dakota County Parks and the Minnesota Institute of Astrophysics bring the night sky to life. Astronomer Mike Lynch presents a short talk and slide show on our solar system. If weather allows, attendees can view the sky through multiple 8-inch reflecting telescopes. The Institute staff also provides free star maps and shows visitors how to use them. Cost of the presentation is $10 per person and registration is required.

Nov
15
Tue
2016
‘State of the River’ Presentation in Hastings @ Schaar's Bluff Gathering Center
Nov 15 @ 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm

The Vermillion River system flows into the mighty Mississippi River at two locations, Hastings and Red Wing. Join Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) for the “State of the River” report on Tues., Nov. 15, 2016, 7:30-8:30 p.m. at the Schaar’s Bluff Gathering Center in Hastings to find out how the great river is doing. FMR Water Program Director Trevor Russell and the Hastings Environmental Protectors will provide an overview of the report, important trends and emerging issues in the river’s health, and potential solutions to improve the Mississippi’s future. An informal question and answer period will follow the presentation. Pre-registration is required, so register soon by contacting FMR or visiting the FMR website.

Sep
30
Sat
2017
Collect native prairie seed at Sand Coulee SNA @ Sand Coulee Scientific Natural Area
Sep 30 @ 9:30 am – 11:30 am

After a brief training on the importance of seed collecting and identification, volunteers will help hand collect much-needed native prairie seed while enjoying this rare example of a sand-gravel prairie in full fall bloom. Volunteers will work with FMR Lead Ecologist Karen Schik in the natural area most recently added to the Sand Coulee Scientific & Natural Area. Seed will be used for further habitat restoration. This is especially important as the Sand Coulee provides a home to 13 rare plant and animal species.

Previous seed collection experience is not required, all are welcome. However, this activity is very detail-oriented, and generally best suited for teenagers and up. (Learn more about FMR volunteer seed collection events here.)

This event is part of the Vermillion Stewards program, providing opportunities for hands-on stewardship of this unique cold prairie river and its watershed.

Ready to register?

To sign up and receive precise directions to the meeting spot, contact FMR Volunteer Coordinator Amy Kilgore via the contact form (please select Amy by name from the staff list under “Category”) or at akilgore@fmr.org, 651-222-2193 x31. Please include the name of the event, your name, address and phone number and the number in your party. If you’re under 18 and interested in volunteering without the company of your parent or guardian, please take a moment and have them fill out this brief minor permission form.

To ensure a high-quality experience, capacity is limited and pre-registration required. Registration closes Wednesday, September 27, or upon reaching capacity.

You will receive a confirmation email with details and directions from akilgore@fmr.org within two business days. (If you don’t, please check your SPAM folder.) Amy is typically in the office M-Th.

Jun
28
Thu
2018
Tend the rare prairie at Sand Coulee SNA @ Sand Coulee Scientific & Natural Area (SNA)
Jun 28 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm