Taking place just off of West River Parkway, this cleanup is an Earth Day tradition in the Minneapolis River Gorge. People come from throughout the local river corridor, neighborhoods and metro area – individuals, families, small church, corporate and student or scout groups – to celebrate Earth Day and contribute to the health and vitality of the Mississippi River. All are welcome! This is a family-friendly event providing an excellent opportunity to get outside and work together to help improve this treasured area. We’ve returned to this site year after year and have noticed a dramatic improvement to the area thanks to dedicated volunteers like you!

To participate, show up at 9:30 a.m. at either location (East 36th Street & West River Parkway or East 44th Street & West River Parkway) to sign in with FMR staff. We’ll provide all the supplies, but feel free to wear your own gloves if you have them. Sturdy shoes and dressing in layers for the weather are strongly suggested. There will pizza from Parkway Pizza and snacks for those volunteering.

Our two locations for this cleanup are paved parking lots, with easy access to paved and unpaved trails. Volunteers are encouraged to spread out and work wherever they feel comfortable. Paths are shared by walkers and bikers, but volunteers can spend their entire cleanup on flat, paved trails. Volunteers also have the option to stick to sidewalks and city streets.

Advance registration for this event is not required for individuals or for groups of 10 or fewer.

If you have a group of 10-20 people, please contact FMR’s Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator at "> (link sends e-mail) or 651.222.2193 x27. We’ll work with you to determine which cleanup site is a better fit for your group.

For groups of 20 or more, please contact Carrie Pomeroy,  (link sends e-mail) to be assigned a location that will better fit your group size.

This event is supported by the Longfellow Community Council; Longfellow area residents are encouraged to attend. The event is also part of the Friends of the Mississippi River Gorge Stewards program, actively engaging community members throughout the Twin Cities in the stewardship of the Mississippi River Gorge.