Father Hennepin Stewardship

Help restore native habitats and protect the clean waters of this scenic nature sanctuary by the Mississippi River, once part of the St. Anthony Falls.

As a volunteer, you will assist in creating spaces for native plants to thrive, removing invasive species, and cleaning up the shoreline and park slopes near limestone rocks, where waters once cascaded like they do at Minnehaha Falls. You’ll have the opportunity to rotate between various stewardship activities throughout the season.

SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER HERE: https://forms.gle/b4MLTe4Mb2cc6hBY9

2025 STEWARDSHIP DATES

  • April Saturdays -> 19th @ 9a-Noon + 26th @ 1-4p

  • May Saturdays - > 3rd, 10th, 31st, @ 9a-Noon

  • June Saturdays -> 14th, 28th, @ 9a-Noon

  • July Saturdays -> 12th, 19th, 26th, @ 9a-Noon

  • August Saturdays -> 16th, 30th, @9a-Noon

  • September Saturdays -> 6th, 20th, @9a-Noon

  • October Saturdays -> 4th, 18th, @9a-Noon

  • November Saturdays -> 1st, 15th, @9a-Noon

KEY INFORMATION

  • Parking: Metered street parking is available on Main Street SE and surrounding streets, with additional parking ramps at 201 Second Street SE and Riverplace.

  • Closest Transit: Bus #6

  • Meeting Location: Meet at the corner of 3rd Ave SE and Main St SE, across from the Pillsbury A-Mill. From there, walk down the stairs across from the mill, and you’ll find the sign-in area in the clearing below Main Street SE, near the Third Ave SE road leading to the University of Minnesota lab. Upon arrival, you’ll sign in, learn about the area and activities, meet other volunteers, and receive tools and supplies for the event.

  • What to Bring: Please bring a water bottle and wear clothing appropriate for the weather (including rain gear, if necessary). Closed-toe shoes are required for outdoor activities on natural, uneven surfaces. Long pants are recommended to protect your legs from brush, and a hat or hair restraint is suggested for those with long hair. Don't forget bug spray and sunscreen.

  • 🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Kids Welcome: Children under 12 are welcome, but please ensure that one adult accompanies each child.

BEFORE YOU COME
Each volunteer must complete two required forms before participating:

  • Print and complete the EBNP Release and Waiver of Liability and Assumption of Risk Agreement. Bring this with you to the event.

  • Complete the MPRB Volunteer Waiver of Liability and Photo Release online prior to the event.

  • Review the MPRB Park Stewardship Agreement Terms and Conditions and Volunteer Safety Guidelines.

  • You can find all of these linked on our sign up form! https://forms.gle/b4MLTe4Mb2cc6hBY9

Gloves and tools will be provided by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.

Need Tools?
Tools are available on loan for individuals and groups. For more information, please contact 612-313-7778 or email sbrooks@minneapolisparks.org.

Father Hennepin Natural Resource Management Plan

The former Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association (MHNA) partnered with Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board for several years by engaging volunteers in nature restoration activities at Father Hennepin Bluff Lower Trail, part of the Central Mississippi River Regional Park.  As the Dakota name for the falls is Owamniyomni, volunteers are calling this lower trail area East Owamniyomni.  

In 2023-24, MHNA received funding from the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization to complete a 10-year natural resource management plan for volunteer-led restoration at East Owamniyomni. Friends of the Mississippi River and Full Circle Indigenous Planning and Design worked together on creating this plan.  Essential parts of this planning process are evaluating its ecological health, and engaging Indigenous people and community members both in shaping the plan and playing a role in caring for nature in this special Mississippi River sanctuary.  

Click on the image, or Here, to review the plan