11th Annual Great River Coalition Earth Day 5K Bee Run/Walk/River Clean Up, April 18

Family- and dog-friendly Earth Day event on April 18 supports pollinators, healthy riverfront habitat, and community action

As spring approaches, the Great River Coalition invites the community to celebrate Earth Day in support of pollinators at the 11th Annual Earth Day 5K Bee Run/Walk and River Cleanup on Saturday, April 18, at Boom Island Park, 724 Sibley Street Northeast. Participants can run or walk the scenic 5K or volunteer for the organized river cleanup, helping protect pollinators and support a healthier Mississippi River. Learn more and register.

The event welcomes families and dogs and features Earth Day festivities including live music, kids’ activities, educational booths, prize drawings, and bee-themed photo ops with a selfie station and mascots. Pollinator costumes are encouraged, with awards for standout looks.

Hosted in partnership with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, National Park Service, and Mill City Running/St. City Running, the Bee Run/Walk brings together runners, walkers, volunteers, and environmental advocates for a morning of fitness, fun, and hands-on stewardship along the Mississippi River corridor.

Since 2016, the Great River Coalition has raised funds for pollinator plantings along the Mississippi River and built public awareness about the urgent need to protect native pollinators amid climate and environmental change. Native species, including the federally endangered Rusty Patched Bumble Bee, continue to need expanded habitat and food resources.

Why Pollinators Matter to the Mississippi River Ecosystem

• Strengthen habitat corridors: The Mississippi is a natural travel route for species; pollinators help keep connected habitat patches blooming along the way.

• Boost biodiversity: More native flowers means more insects, which means more food for fish and wildlife.

• Prevent erosion: Pollinators help native riverbank plants reproduce, and those deep-rooted plants hold soil in place so less washes into the Mississippi.

• Support cleaner water: Healthy riverfront vegetation slows stormwater and traps sediment and pollutants before they reach the river.

• Feed wildlife: Pollination boosts seeds, berries, and fruit that feed birds and other animals, supporting the whole river corridor.

• Signal ecosystem health: When pollinators decline, it can be an early warning sign of habitat loss, pesticide exposure, or stressed soils and water.

“Great River Coalition is working to expand the habitat for our pollinators. If you walk along our Minneapolis riverfront, or travel around the state, you’ll see the limited food resources that sustain our pollinators as they travel along the Mississippi River. The erosion created by the lack of grasslands contributes to soil and water pollution, and encourages invasive species. The Rusty Patched Bumble Bee, Minnesota’s state bumblebee, is critically endangered. We aim to bring awareness to the vital role pollinators play in the health of our riverfront communities, our state, and our planet.” Board President Diane Hofstede

Event Details

PRICE: $40 in advance, $45 on Race Day. Free for kids’ race (ages 6 and under) and River Clean Up volunteers. Includes family-friendly activities and a celebration of Earth Day.

Register: raceroster.com/events/2026/111846/earth-day-5k-bee-runwalkriver-cleanup

The 5K will start at 9am. The kid’s race, with goodie bags, will begin at 8:30am — children must be age 6 or under and must be registered before the event, either online or in-person with registration of walker or runner. The River Clean Up begins at 9:30am. Volunteers register online before the event. 

Prizes:

• HD Flat Screen Smart TV
• Four tickets to MN Vikings game at US Bank Stadium, Row 12, End Seats (End Zone, Facing Minneapolis, value $600 +). Date to be determined.
• And much more!
• Costumes are welcome. Prizes for the best! Name your team!

The Great River Coalition are change agents and advocates for policies and initiatives that honor the historic, commercial, environmental, and spiritual significance of the Mississippi River. To carry out its mission, the Great River Coalition collaborates with local businesses, organizations, and government agencies to engage, educate, and plant pollinator plantings in our communities. For 11 years the Earth Day 5K Bee Run Walk and River Clean Up has brought thousands of people, built awareness, education and interaction with our Mississippi Riverfront partners, local and National groups. Great River Coalition members and partners take action by testifying at public hearings, publishing impactful comments about riverfront impacts, and building relationships. As a member-supported 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, the Great River Coalition relies wholly on support from members, donors, volunteers, and sponsors.

Facebook: facebook.com/GreatRiverCoalitionMN, Instagram: instagram.com/greatrivercoalition