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.
2026 STEWARDSHIP DATES
APRIL
Thursday, April 16. Time TBD. Tool Care Workshop
Saturday, April 18, 9 am - Noon
Saturday, April 25, 9 am - Noon
Thursday, April 30, 5:30 - 8:30 pm
MAY
Saturday, May 9, 9 am - Noon
Saturday, May 30, 9 am - Noon
JUNE
Thursday, June 11, 5:30 - 8:30 pm
Thursday, June 25, 5:30 - 8:30 pm
JULY
Thursday, July 9, 5:30 - 8:30 pm
AUGUST
Thursday, August 13, 5:30 - 8:30 pm
Saturday, August 29, 9 am - Noon
SEPTEMBER
Saturday, September 5, 9 am - Noon
Saturday, September 26, 9 am - Noon
OCTOBER
Saturday, October 17, 9 am - Noon
Saturday, October 24, 9 am - Noon
NOVEMBER
Saturday, November 7, 9 am - 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:METRO E Line
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 the following steps 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 Volunteer Safety Guidelines.
Gloves and tools will be provided by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.
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

