Oaks, Fire and Climate Change
Heather Holm, award winning author and nationally sought after speaker, is a biologist and pollinator conservationist, and an expert on bees and ecological landscape restoration. Learn more about Heather here.
Natural landscapes in the US and Canada have been drastically altered by human activities such as infrastructure development, logging, overgrazing, introduction of invasive species, and fire suppression. However, prior to Euro-American settlement, highly functional and biodiverse oak and/or pine grassland systems dominated throughout much of the continent.
Heather will shed a light on historical grasslands and oak savannahs, (including Minnehaha Park’s historical ecosystem), Native American historical management of grasslands through controlled burns, and the benefits of fire as a management tool on the oak and grass ecosystems.
Bird of Longfellow Gardens: A Photographic Walk into the Wetlands
Join us as we host Ted Hall, Minneapolis photographer, for a presentation and stunning photo tour of the birds and sights along Longfellow Gardens and the surrounding wetlands. You’ll hear about what Ted has learned in building a special relationship with nature.
Buckthorn Removal Event, Wed, Oct 1, 5-7:00pm
It will be dry and cooler. Fall is approaching, and we’ll be in the park as long as possible into the season. We’re excited to be using new tools purchased with a grant from Minneapolis Parks Foundation. All are welcome. We’ll train you. Wear long pants and bring water. We supply tools and gloves, if you need them. Help us keep buckthorn at bay to give native plants half a chance. The bees, insects, birds, native plants and shrubs will thank you! The people who come to see the beauty in the park will thank you. Meet at the lower level parking lot of Wabun Picnic Area to walk down the trail to the park. https://goo.gl/maps/C9u6SRAG5DUaQBTP7
National Public Lands Day Buckthorn Slayers, Sat., September 27, 9:00am-12:00pm
It’s going to be a beautiful day in the park! Hopefully you’ve had your fill of Sweet Martha’s chocolate chip cookies, cheese curds, and State Fair food, and you’re ready to burn a few calories in the great outdoors!
Buckthorn Removal Event, Wednesday, Sep. 24, 5:00-7:00pm
It will be dry and cooler. Fall is approaching, and we’ll be in the park as long as possible into the season. We’re excited to be using new tools purchased with a grant from Minneapolis Parks Foundation. All are welcome. We’ll train you. Wear long pants and bring water. We supply tools and gloves, if you need them. Help us keep buckthorn at bay to give native plants half a chance. The bees, insects, birds, native plants and shrubs will thank you! The people who come to see the beauty in the park will thank you. Meet at the lower level parking lot of Wabun Picnic Area to walk down the trail to the park. https://goo.gl/maps/C9u6SRAG5DUaQBTP7
Nature Walk with a Naturalist: “What’s Happening at Minnehaha Park?”
Anything is fair game in this nature walk with Friends of Minnehaha Park volunteer naturalist, Dave Crawford. Plants, animals or rocks that catch your eye (or ear) all have back stories. What are they? What do they do? Why do they look like that? How do they get here? Dave will do his best to provide answers and stories.
Registration is required on Eventbrite. Link is below. The planned walk is approximately ¾ miles in length. We meet at the free lower level parking lot of Wabun Picnic Area. Follow the sign pointing to the Veteran’s Home on Godfrey Rd. downhill from 46th Ave. Then take the right fork to the lower level of Wabun Picnic Area. Parking lot is on the left by the Park Board Operations building.
FREE. — SPACE LIMITED — REGISTRATION REQUIRED
EventBrite Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nature-walk-with-a-naturalist-spring-wildflowers-at-minnehaha-park-tickets-1349795347219?aff=oddtdtcreator
Buckthorn Slayers, Saturday, September 13, 1:00-3:00pm
It’s going to be a beautiful day in the park! Hopefully you’ve had your fill of Sweet Martha’s chocolate chip cookies, cheese curds, and State Fair food, and you’re ready to burn a few calories in the great outdoors!
Buckthorn Removal Event, Wednesday, September 3, 6-8:00pm
It will be dry and cooler. Fall is approaching, and we’ll be in the park as long as possible into the season. We’re excited to be using new tools purchased with a grant from Minneapolis Parks Foundation. All are welcome. We’ll train you. Wear long pants and bring water. We supply tools and gloves, if you need them. Help us keep buckthorn at bay to give native plants half a chance. The bees, insects, birds, native plants and shrubs will thank you! The people who come to see the beauty in the park will thank you. Meet at the lower level parking lot of Wabun Picnic Area to walk down the trail to the park. https://goo.gl/maps/C9u6SRAG5DUaQBTP7
Buckthorn Slayers, Saturday, August 30, 1:00-3:00pm is ON
It’s going to be a beautiful day in the park! Hopefully you’ve had your fill of Sweet Martha’s chocolate chip cookies, cheese curds, and State Fair food, and you’re ready to burn a few calories in the great outdoors!
Buckthorn Slayers, Wed, August 27, 6-8:00pm
It’s a beautiful night to join Friends of Minnehaha Park tonight (W, August 20 from 6-8:00pm) to help protect the native plants and biodiversity in the park by removing buckthorn with the Buckthorn Slayers.
Insect Mini-BioBlitz at Minnehaha Park
Minneapolis Parks and Recreation is planning an Insect Min-BioBlitz at Minnehaha Park. Join us for an afternoon of exploring Minnehaha Park to see what insects we can find!
Photo Credit: minneapolis parks.org
Mini BioBlitz: Insects
Use nets and bug jars to collect, observe, identify and then release insects.
Minnehaha Regional Park
Sunday, August 24, 1 pm to 3 pm
Registration required: https://form.jotform.com/252084898408166
Lake Nokomis Park
Sunday, September 7, 1 pm to 3 pm
Regisration required: https://form.jotform.com/252084652740153
What's a BioBlitz
Explore and discover the biodiversity of Minneapolis parks
Collaborate with local experts and naturalists from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB)
Identify as many insects as possible
Use aerial and sweep nets, as well as bug containers/jars
Create a snapshot of the variety of life at a specific place and point in time
Contribute valuable data for scientists and researchers
Upload our observations to the community science app iNaturalist.
All ages are welcome - youth under 14 must be accompanied by an adult
Buckthorn Slayers, Saturday, August 23, 1:00-3:00pm is ON
If you’re not planning on attending the State Fair on Saturday, it will be a pleasant 69 degrees at 1:00pm on Saturday, and it always feels a little cooler in the woods by the creek. Join us! Buckthorn Removal at Minnehaha Park is on for today, 1:00-3:00pm. Regular Buckthorn Removal Events typically meet every Wednesday from 6:00PM-8:00PM and Saturday from 1:00-3:00PM at the free lower parking lot of Wabun Picnic Area (weather permitting) to head down the trailhead to the park. GPS is confusing. Just follow the signs downhill towards the Veterans Home from 46th St E and Godfrey Parkway near the Ford Parkway Bridge. Then when you get to a fork and a stone marker that says “Wabun Picnic Area” take the right fork towards the lower level picnic area parking lot. We head down to Minnehaha Park on the trail across from the brown Park Board Operations building.
Wear sturdy shoes and layers, and bring a water bottle. We supply tools, training and work gloves. Link to a google map directions to the meet up location. https://goo.gl/maps/C9u6SRAG5DUaQBTP7
Buckthorn Slayers, Wed, August 20, 6-8:00pm
It’s a beautiful night to join Friends of Minnehaha Park tonight (W, August 20 from 6-8:00pm) to help protect the native plants and biodiversity in the park by removing buckthorn with the Buckthorn Slayers.
Nature Walk with a Naturalist: Plants Are Smarter Than You Think
Plants are more active than many people think. They defend themselves, seek energy, leverage cooperation from animals (including humans), and spread their offspring. Join Dave Crawford, naturalist, to learn about the wisdom and ways of plants at Minnehaha Regional Park in summer.
The walk begins from the lower parking level of Wabun Picnic Area. From 46th Ave S and 46th St E, follow signs to the Veterans Home and take the right fork to the lower parking level on the left. We walk down the trailhead to Minnehaha Park across from the brown Operations Building. If you reach the Vets Home, you have gone too far.
Space is limited. Pre-registration is required on Eventbrite. More information on Eventbrite. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1557254322599?aff=oddtdtcreator
Buckthorn Slayers, Saturday, August 16, 1:00-3:00pm is ON
Rain has subsided, and it’s clearing and nice out. Buckthorn Removal at Minnehaha Park is on for today, 1:00-3:00pm. Regular Buckthorn Removal Events typically meet every Wednesday from 6:00PM-8:00PM and Saturday from 1:00-3:00PM at the free lower parking lot of Wabun Picnic Area (weather permitting) to head down the trailhead to the park. GPS is confusing. Just follow the signs downhill towards the Veterans Home from 46th St E and Godfrey Parkway near the Ford Parkway Bridge. Then when you get to a fork and a stone marker that says “Wabun Picnic Area” take the right fork towards the lower level picnic area parking lot. We head down to Minnehaha Park on the trail across from the brown Park Board Operations building.
Wear sturdy shoes and layers, and bring a water bottle. We supply tools, training and work gloves. Link to a google map directions to the meet up location. https://goo.gl/maps/C9u6SRAG5DUaQBTP7
Buckthorn Slayers, Wed, August 13, 6-8:00pm
Join Friends of Minnehaha Park to help protect the native plants and biodiversity in the park by removing buckthorn with the Buckthorn Slayers.
Buckthorn Slayers, Saturday, August 9, 1-3pm - wet weather, but clearing. No cancellation yet, but check back.
Zones 4, 5 and 8 are orange, pink an light green.
Saturday, August 9 1-3pm update:
It will be quite muddy today and we should stay off the natural areas, but there are a few places where we could accomplish a lot working from the path along Areas 4, 5 and 8. I hope to see you there today 1-3. (I am assuming the rain will have stopped by 1??) Check here for last minute cancellation notice.
Regular Buckthorn Removal Events typically meet every Wednesday from 6:00PM-8:00PM and Saturday from 1:00-3:00PM at the free lower parking lot of Wabun Picnic Area (weather permitting) to head down the trailhead to the park. GPS is confusing and the map has 46th Ave labelled wrong by the parking lot. Just follow the signs downhill towards the Veterans Home from 46th St E and 46th Ave S near the Ford Parkway Bridge. Then when you get to a fork and a stone marker that says “Wabun Picnic Area” take the right fork towards the lower level picnic area parking lot. We head down to Minnehaha Park on the trail across from the brown Park Board Operations building. (If you continued past the lot, you’d get to the Veterans Home.)
Wear sturdy shoes and layers, and bring a water bottle. We supply tools, training and work gloves. Link to a google map directions to the meet up location. https://goo.gl/maps/C9u6SRAG5DUaQBTP7
46th Ave is mislabeled by the Wabun parking lot. That is actually Minnehaha Ave., leading to the Veterans Home.
Buckthorn Slayers, Wednesday, August 6, 6-8pm
Join us at Minnehaha Regional Park for Wednesday night buckthorn removal. We meet the free lower level parking lot of the lower Wabun Picnic Area, and walk down the trail across the road towards Minnehaha Creek.
No experience necessary. Wear long pants, sturdy shoes and bring a water bottle. We supply tools and training.
Google maps directions to the parking lot. https://goo.gl/maps/C9u6SRAG5DUaQBTP7
Buckthorn Slayers, Saturday, July 26, 1:00-3:00pm
Regular Buckthorn Removal Events typically meet every Wednesday from 6:00PM-8:00PM and Saturday from 1:00-3:00PM at the free lower parking lot of Wabun Picnic Area (weather permitting) to head down the trailhead to the park. GPS is confusing. Just follow the signs downhill towards the Veterans Home from 46th St E and Godfrey Parkway near the Ford Parkway Bridge. Then when you get to a fork and a stone marker that says “Wabun Picnic Area” take the right fork towards the lower level picnic area parking lot. We head down to Minnehaha Park on the trail across from the brown Park Board Operations building.
Wear sturdy shoes and layers, and bring a water bottle. We supply tools, training and work gloves. Link to a google map directions to the meet up location. https://goo.gl/maps/C9u6SRAG5DUaQBTP7
Buckthorn Slayers CANCELLED, Sat. July 19, 1:00-3:00pm
Aah, the temperature is nice, but the ground is soggy, mosquitoes are ravenous, and the parking lots are busy. Are we getting soft? The buckthorn is winning right now, but we’ve decided to CANCEL Buckthorn Removal today, Saturday, July 19. I hope you can join us another day!
Nature Walk with a Naturalist CANCELLED DUE TO HEAT INDEX
Anything is fair game in this nature walk with Friends of Minnehaha Park volunteer naturalist, Dave Crawford. Plants, animals or rocks that catch your eye (or ear) all have back stories. What are they? What do they do? Why do they look like that? How do they get here? Dave will do his best to provide answers and stories.
Registration is required on Eventbrite. Link is below. The planned walk is approximately ¾ miles in length. We meet at the free lower level parking lot of Wabun Picnic Area. Follow the sign pointing to the Veteran’s Home on Godfrey Rd. downhill from 46th Ave. Then take the right fork to the lower level of Wabun Picnic Area. Parking lot is on the left by the Park Board Operations building.
FREE. — SPACE LIMITED — REGISTRATION REQUIRED
EventBrite Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nature-walk-with-a-naturalist-spring-wildflowers-at-minnehaha-park-tickets-1349795347219?aff=oddtdtcreator
CANCELLED due to extremely poor air quality! Buckthorn Slayers, Sat. July 12, 1:00-3:00pm
Regular Buckthorn Removal Events typically meet every Wednesday from 6:00PM-8:00PM and Saturday from 1:00-3:00PM at the free lower parking lot of Wabun Picnic Area (weather permitting) to head down the trailhead to the park. GPS is confusing. Just follow the signs downhill towards the Veterans Home from 46th St E and Godfrey Parkway near the Ford Parkway Bridge. Then when you get to a fork and a stone marker that says “Wabun Picnic Area” take the right fork towards the lower level picnic area parking lot. We head down to Minnehaha Park on the trail across from the brown Park Board Operations building.
Wear sturdy shoes and layers, and bring a water bottle. We supply tools and work gloves. Link to a google map directions to the meet up location. https://goo.gl/maps/C9u6SRAG5DUaQBTP7
Buckthorn Slayers, Wed, July 9, 6-8:00pm
Regular Buckthorn Removal Events typically meet every Wednesday from 6:00PM-8:00PM and Saturday from 1:00-3:00PM at the free lower parking lot of Wabun Picnic Area (weather permitting) to head down the trailhead to the park. GPS is confusing. Just follow the signs downhill towards the Veterans Home from 46th St E and Godfrey Parkway near the Ford Parkway Bridge. Then when you get to a fork and a stone marker that says “Wabun Picnic Area” take the right fork towards the lower level picnic area parking lot. We head down to Minnehaha Park on the trail across from the brown Park Board Operations building.
Wear sturdy shoes and layers, and bring a water bottle. We supply tools and work gloves. Link to a google map directions to the meet up location. https://goo.gl/maps/C9u6SRAG5DUaQBTP7
Buckthorn event cancelled 7/5 due to rain
Sorry folks! We have to stay indoors again — we’re cancelling buckthorn removal due to rain. Enjoy your day, and join on Wednesday, July 9 and/or Saturday, July 12. The weather should be clear and sunny.
Saturday, June 28 Buckthorn Event, 1:00-3:00 CANCELLED due to heat, humidity and possible rain
Buckthorn Slayers meet every Wednesday from 6:00PM-8:00PM and Saturday from 1:00-3:00PM at the free lower parking lot of Wabun Picnic Area (weather permitting) to head down the trailhead to the park.
Wear sturdy shoes and long pants, and bring a water bottle. We supply tools and work gloves. Link to a google map directions to the meet up location. https://goo.gl/maps/C9u6SRAG5DUaQBTP7
Wednesday Buckthorn Removal for 6/25 CANCELLED - RAINED OUT!
Yet another soggy Wednesday!! Event CANCELLED. Time for a Creedence Clearwater song.
Yesterday and day before, Sun is cold and rain is hard. I know, been that way for all my time. Till forever, on it goes … Through the circle fast and slow. I know. Can’t stop. I wonder.
I want to know. . .Have you ever seen the rain? Have you ever seen the rain? Comin down on a sunny day.
And we really want to hear a Jimmy Cliff song:
I can see clearly now, the rain is gone. I can see all the obstacles in my way. Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind. It’s gonna be a bright (bright). bright (bright), Sun-shiny day.
MPRB Early Summer BioBlitz at Minnehaha Park
Registration is now OPEN for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s Early Summer BioBlitz on June 14th. This is a partnership with Friends of Minnehaha Park, and we’re proud to be able to support Citizen Science at this beautiful park. Volunteers at BioBlitz events use the iNaturalist app and hike through the park with an expert, gathering data onto a project page by way of uploading photographs onto the app. The information provides data on biodiversity, which can then be used by the Park Board, nature lovers and scientists.
This is a rare opportunity to learn from an expert about Plants, Birds, Fungi, Tree ID, Aquatic Macroinvertabrates and more. You pick the sections you want to join. Feel free to sign up for as much or as little of the day as you want. Details about meet up location will be provided after you register.
Early morning birding, 7:30am-9:00am
Morning session, 9:15am-12:15pm
Lunch, 12:15pm-1:00pm
Afternoon session, 1:00pm-4:00pm
Pre-registration is required at Minnehaha Park Early Summer 2025 BioBlitz Registration Form
Nature Walk with a Naturalist: Spring Wildflowers at Minnehaha Park
Join Friends of Minnehaha Park volunteer naturalist, Dave Crawford, for our May Nature Walk at Minnehaha Park. We may find dogwood, trillium, wild geraniums, columbine, bellwort, violets, wild ginger and many others.
The planned walk is approximately ¾ miles in length.
FREE. — SPACE LIMITED — REGISTRATION REQUIRED
EventBrite Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nature-walk-with-a-naturalist-spring-wildflowers-at-minnehaha-park-tickets-1349795347219?aff=oddtdtcreator
MNI SOTA MAKOCE: Indigenous Wisdom of Minnesota Landscapes
John (Mitigonaabe) Koepke, Emeritus Professor of the U of MN Department of Landscape Architecture and current consultant with Urban Ecosystems, will draw from his extensive knowledge of Minnesota geography, plants and architecture to help us envision Minnehaha Park’s precolonial appearance and learn about native ecological principles that could be incorporated into its use today.
FREE EVENT — OPEN TO THE PUBLIC — REFRESHMENTS PROVIDED
MPRB BioBlitz: Spring Ephemerals Walk
Come out and volunteer at a spring ephemerals BioBlitz event at Minnehaha Regional Park! We’re partnering with the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board to engage in Citizen Science to observe and document species in the park using the iNaturalist app. The results can be viewed as a project by anyone using the app, and can also be used as a baseline study of species biodiversity.
Contact us at FriendsofMinnehahaPark@gmail.com if you’d like to be a volunteer or want to know more!
Marsh marigold can be seen at Minnehaha Park in the marshy land every spring. Photo credit: iNaturalist 4/28/24 Mary Ann Van Cura
MPRB Earth Day Clean-Up at Minnehaha Park
The Earth Day Clean-Up is the largest community service event in Minneapolis, with over 40 clean-up sites across the city.
The 2025 Earth Day Clean-Up is a drop-in volunteer activity — no need to pre-resister! Arrive at Minnehaha Regional Park by Sea Salt, where you’ll check in, receive equipment and instructions. Parking at MPRB meters and lots will not be enforced until 1:00pm on Saturday, April 19. Just ensure you’re parked at an MPRB location. View a map of MPRB parking facilities.
https://minneapolisparks.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=701b549d9308482eac18ced773e5dfce
The clean-up wraps up at noon, so be sure to bring your enthusiasm and help us make a difference! Thank you for your commitment to cleaner greener parks!