Erosion, pollution, and the invasion of exotic plant species are degrading our critical lands and waters, reducing ecological diversity and habitat. These problems are especially pressing in the Twin Cities metropolitan region, home to more than three million people, nearly two-thirds of the state’s population. The natural areas and open spaces in this region:

• Hold some of the region's last intact native landscapes;
• Are vital wildlife corridors for hundreds of migratory bird species;
• Provide a water source for millions of the region's residents; and
• Contain some of the region's most scenic sites and vistas.

Habitat Degradation and Fragmentation

Habitats with the highest sensitivity to external pressures (based on Minnesota County Biological Survey data and Regionally Significant Ecological Areas, modeling by the DNR) constitute more than 40% of sensitive natural areas that remain in this region. This means that these critically important areas are mere patches and fragments; they can sustain themselves only if the adjacent lands are restored to buffer the encroachment of exotics and filtering pollutants.  Only 14% of the region’s sensitive natural areas are protected by public ownership.

The Mississippi Flyway serves as the corridor for more than 40% of North America’s migratory waterfowl and shorebirds.  Additionally, neotropical migrants also utilize the Mississippi basin as a primary route to summer feeding grounds. The Audubon Society, Minnesota Audubon, and the American Bird Conservancy have designated the Mississippi River area of the Twin Cities as an Important Bird Area (IBA). 

There are more than 179 species in need of conservation action in this region with habitat loss being the dominant issue for nearly all. Because this region includes a variety of natural habitats, including the Mississippi River, the Big Woods, and the Anoka Sandplain, it includes a wide diversity of wildlife species including the Blanding’s turtle, Loon, Trumpeter Swan, the Bald Eagle, Blackburnian Warbler, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Eastern Meadowlark, and a large number of mollusks. 

GREAT RIVER GREENING'S RESPONSE

Great River Greening helps coordinate a cost-effective and sustained effort to manage ecosystems of the three great river watersheds of the metropolitan area: the Mississippi, Minnesota, and Saint Croix. We provide on-the-ground ecological restoration and management of both public and private land. We engage thousands of volunteers in the planting of native vegetation, removal of exotic weeds, native seed collection, and stewardship—work that results in an informed and involved citizenry. We also act as a catalyst, creating effective partnerships among agencies, municipalities, and private landowners responsible for managing critical lands and waters and their natural resources. Restoration ecologists and other scientists provide technical expertise.

Our Key Values

• The natural environment contributes to the health and biodiversity of ecosystems and communities; a beautiful environment enhances a community’s natural heritage, sense of place and quality of life.
  
• Environmental stewardship is a necessity not a luxury, particularly in areas we call home.
  
• People and communities want to help directly with the beautification and maintenance of their natural environment.  Volunteer involvement in the management and restoration of our natural environment creates a sense of community, environmental sensitivity, and ownership and is a wonderful classroom for environmental education.
  
• The natural environment in urban settings is particularly in need of maintenance and restoration due to heavy active and passive use and ecological fragility. 
  
• Cooperation with public and private individual entities and individuals is an absolute necessity in maintaining and restoring the natural environment:  environmental restoration and stewardship requires inclusive collaboration. 

We are committed to:

• Citizen-based restoration, stewardship and education;
• Ecologically sound implementation and evaluation;
• Collaboration to help advance ecosystem-based management; and
• Long-term stewardship.

Accomplishments-Highlights
Since 1995, Great River Greening has involved nearly 20,000 volunteers in the planting of 54,000 native trees and shrubs and 138,000 wildflowers and grasses, as well as in exotic species removal, prairie seed collection and broadcasting, plant inventories, training programs, and stewardship activities. See our Project List for descriptions, maps, and photos of our most recent projects.

Through our Greening Strategies program, we've also provided design and ecological consulting for numerous groups, including the City of Saint Paul Parks and Recreation, Flint Hills Resources, Carnelian-Marine Watershed District, and the Minnesota Brokerage Group. These projects demonstrate Greening's progressive ecological approach to such issues as stormwater management, formal and informal native landscaping, and landscaping for affordable housing.