Erosion, trash and the invasion of exotic plant species are degrading our urban river valleys, reducing ecological diversity and wildlife habitat. These problems are especially pressing in the Twin Cities metropolitan region, home to more than 2 million people. The river valleys in this area:
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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 b
- Contain some of the region's most scenic sites and vistas.
GREAT RIVER GREENING'S RESPONSE
Great River Greening helps coordinate a cost-effective and sustained effort to manage ecosystems of the three great river valleys 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 river valleys and their natural resources. Restoration ecologists and other scientists provide technical expertise.
Our Key Values
Great River Greening bases its work on these values:
- Native trees and other vegetation have ecological and sociological value: They contribute to the health and biodiversity of ecosystems; they beautify surroundings; and they enhance a community's natural heritage and sense of place.
- People want opportunities for direct involvement in natural resource protection and management, which helps them feel connected and committed to their local natural areas.
- Volunteer involvement in restoration and planning is one of the most effective tools for environmental education. When people work side by side to improve their environment, their communities become stronger and more vital.
- Environmental restoration and stewardship require collaboration and inclusiveness.
- Citizen-based restoration, stewardship and education;
- Ecologically sound implementation and evaluation;
- Collaboration to help advance ecosystem-based management; and
- Long-term stewardship.
Since 1995, Great River Greening has involved 10,700 volunteers in the planting of 35,000 native trees and shrubs and 16,500 wildflowers and grasses, and 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, the Saint Paul Port Authority, the Science Museum of Minnesota, RiverCentre, and the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund. These projects demonstrate Greening's progressive ecological approach to such issues as stormwater management, formal and informal native landscaping and landscaping for affordable housing.
