How Does Climate Change Impact the Mississippi River?

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Dr. Alex Roth

Climate change has serious impacts for the Mississippi River. Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) has been at the forefront of protecting and restoring our precious river. We talked to Dr. Alex Roth, Conservation Director, and Colleen O’ Connor Toberman, Land Use and Planning Director, to find out what a changing climate means for the river, efforts to stem the damage, and most importantly, 30 ways in which you can participate. Check out the annual fundraiser in September, and on November 5th be sure to vote YES for the environment trust fund or Lottery Amendment!

Q:  What does a changing climate mean for the Mississippi River?  

A:  It’s difficult to think of any aspect of the Mississippi River that isn’t harmed or impacted by climate change. 

Some changes are better known, such as intense rains, increased flooding and dramatic droughts. And, of course, we’re seeing temperatures tick upward, stressing riverfront communities, particularly those with fewer natural areas or shade, as well as wildlife. 

However, many climate change-related challenges are harder to visualize and involve extensive systems or critical infrastructure. 

Let’s zoom in on the Mill City or central riverfront area for a moment.

After an intense rain, we see St. Anthony Falls swell and roil. But below the riverbed, there’s what’s known as a “cutoff wall.” The Army Corps of Engineers built this underwater concrete wall just upstream of St. Anthony Falls in the 1870s to essentially hold up the falls and keep the riverbed from collapsing.

But it hasn’t been inspected in decades. If it fails, the outcome could be catastrophic. Without the wall, upstream water levels could drop too low to supply crucial drinking water supply intakes that serve Minneapolis, St. Paul and several suburbs. The water supply for 1 million Twin Cities residents, hospitals, schools and even fire hydrants could dry up within a few days.

We all saw the river overwhelm the Rapidan Dam this summer, leading to a partial collapse. Our dramatically increased river flow clearly makes it even more important to inspect and address this cutoff wall. 

Thankfully, legislators agreed with FMR and our advocates or River Guardians, and funded a study of the wall’s condition that is currently underway.  

Also, I should note that increased river flow is due not only to more intense rains from climate change but also to too much water running into the river — from our streets, storm drains, and especially farm fields, particularly those planted with row crops like corn and soybeans and that don’t have any cover crops on them. At FMR, we work to reduce the amount of excess river flow and pollution flowing into the river from such runoff pollution. 

But back to our Mill City area… If we look at one of our most popular local riverfront habitat restoration projects:

Climate change has also made us rethink our approach to many of our restoration projects, including our roughly 10-acre project on the north half of Nicollet Island. Now, all of our tree and shrub planting efforts include climate-adapted species - those predicted to do well under our future climate conditions. These species, including American Sycamore, Catalpa, bitternut hickory, and others, are already expanding their ranges north through Minnesota and will help make our forests more diverse and resilient in the face of climate change, and will ensure that our tree canopy is maintained, especially as other species contract their ranges northward.

We also recognize that as the effects of climate change progress, it’s important to have corridors of high-quality habitat, not only for the local benefits those connected sites provide but also to allow the movement of wildlife and plant species. FMR’s focus on the restoration of riverfront parkland in Minneapolis, including at Sheridan Memorial, Ole Olson, BF Nelson, Nicollet Island, and the Mississippi River Gorge Regional Parks, is an effort to do just that. We’ve also partnered with MPRB and local neighborhood organizations to create volunteer-centric management plans for James Rice (2021), Bassett’s Creek (2022) and Father Hennepin Bluffs Parks (2024) to help empower volunteers and communities to restore and maintain their own local natural areas.

All FMR climate change articles are available here: https://fmr.org/climate-change.

Q:  Is FMR working with local and state leaders on mitigation strategies to reduce the harm to the river from an increasingly hotter city and state? 

A:  Absolutely. FMR works with leaders and decision-makers at all levels - from community groups to state and federal legislators - to mitigate harm to the river from climate change. 

Returning to our local examples… 

Earlier, we mentioned the cutoff wall behind St. Anthony Falls as well as the problem of increased water flow and runoff pollution overall, especially from farm fields. FMR is working with various agencies, like the Army Corps of Engineers to address the wall and preserve our drinking water. To reduce agricultural runoff pollution, we’re working with the Forever Green Initiative at the University of Minnesota amongst others to support “continuous living cover” that helps to reduce runoff water pollution by keeping roots in the soil year-round. 

Colleen O’ Connor TobermanFor both of these issues, we work with state and even federal legislators, not to mention all the FMR River Guardians, our advocates. These are everyday people who care about the river and have signed up to advocate with FMR to contact our representatives when we need their help the most. 

Now, back to the tree planting at Nicollet Island. FMR conservation staff have worked with the NPS, the DNR and the Army Corps to encourage the use of climate-resilient trees. We keep climate change front of mind whenever we plan a restoration project (and we have about 40 restoration sites in the Twin Cities metro!). 

While I mentioned climate resiliency, this also relates to mitigation: Healthy waters need healthier ecosystems on riverbanks and surrounding lands to absorb more water and pollution. Of course, forests and prairies—in both urban and rural spaces—are essential for not only wildlife stressed by climate change but can also help combat the heat island effect in urban areas and provide respite and shade for community members. 

Zooming back out for a moment, I want to note that in addition to our local and state level work, FMR has been working with Representative Betty McCollum, the National Wildlife Federation, the Mississippi River Network and dozens of other endorsing organizations, to pass a federal Mississippi River Restoration & Resilience Initiative.

This initiative would provide substantial funding for natural infrastructure, flood protection, habitat restoration and climate change mitigation in Mississippi River communities all along the river’s 10-state run, potentially funding work to reduce runoff pollution and restore habitat from Itaska to the Gulf of Mexico.

Q:  Talk to us about the work FMR does in the area of climate change and justice.

A:  Well, just about any work someone or an organization does to address climate change is inherently justice-related, since the people who will feel the impact of climate change the most are under-resourced communities. If Minnesota does not address its agricultural runoff, we will continue to push the costs of not only increased water flow but increased nitrate pollution and the health risks associated with it on downstream neighbors, especially impacting downstream communities that don’t have the extra money to address them.

Take the federal initiative I just mentioned, the federal Mississippi River Restoration & Resilience Initiative, we’re advocating that it set aside a significant percentage of resources specifically for underserved communities and tribes to address these issues.  

Now, back to the local level… In Minneapolis, wealthier areas have historically had the best access or have been the closest to natural areas. As temperatures increase, access to parks and natural areas matters even more, since they can both buffer and provide respite from increasing temperatures. At FMR we invest many resources, both in terms of land use planning and habitat restoration, to restore or even create natural areas in areas that have traditionally been industrialized, such as North and Northeast Minneapolis.

We have had a lot to say about climate change and justice – please see these additional resources:

- https://fmr.org/updates/conservation/climate-change-climate-justice-and-fmrs-land-conservation-program
- https://fmr.org/updates/land-use-planning/climate-change-climate-justice-and-fmrs-land-use-planning-program
- https://fmr.org/updates/water-legislative/climate-change-climate-justice-and-fmrs-water-program
- https://fmr.org/updates/stewardship-education/how-our-volunteer-and-education-programs-work-climate-change

Please also see FMR’s position on Mpls 2040.

Q:  The Held v. Montana case from 2023 has significant implications for climate litigation and environmental policy. The Montana court ruled in favor of the young plaintiffs, finding that the state’s actions and laws violated their constitutional right to a “clean and healthful environment.” Although not binding on other states, do you think we’ll see similar actions here in Minnesota?

A:  We were excited about that case as well. (See https://fmr.org/updates/water-legislative-land-use-planning-stewardship-education/reflections-recent-youth-climate/esi) On a related note, we’ve also been encouraged by cases that grant personhood to rivers, although there’s yet to be one of those in the US. 

We certainly don’t have a crystal ball, but we can definitely say we are encouraged by this up-and-coming generation of environmental leaders. FMR operates an Environmental Stewardship Institute for high schoolers, and we’re regularly blown away by their passion and dedication. Our money is on the youth.

Q:  Is FMR a member of the State’s Interagency Climate Adaptation Team? Do you advise it or the Governor’s Climate Change Subcabinet?

A:  All of the official advisors and team members are with state departments or government agencies, such as the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, the Pollution Control Agency and the Department of Natural Resources. But we have worked with many of these agencies and we were particularly pleased to see the Walz administration - including not only the Department of Agriculture but the Pollution Control Agency - highlight the importance of natural and working lands, including continuous living cover crops, as part of their climate solution.

Q:  What can we do as citizens do to preserve the health of the Mississippi River? 

A:  There are many ways to get involved! 

We maintain a healthy list of 30 ways to help the river at fmr.org/30-ways. We picked “30” in honor of our organization’s 30th anniversary last year. And the tips include a wide range of activities, including ways to get involved with FMR as an advocate, so you can weigh in on issues like the cutoff wall, or volunteer, like at Nicollet Island and other nearby restoration sites, parks and natural areas.

Of course, we also recommend becoming a paid member of FMR if you have the means to do so. And if you’re able to join us at our annual fall fundraiser Thursday, September 26th at the Nicollet Island Pavilion, be sure to RSVP. We’d love to see you out on the river!  

And this November 5th, don’t forget to vote “yes” and check the box for the environment trust fund or Lottery Amendment! Many critical FMR and other projects depend on lottery dollars, and it’s up to Minnesota’s voters whether to renew that environmental trust fund this fall. 

November 2024 General Election Registration and Voting Information

Are you registered to vote? If not, now is a great time to do so. Minnesota makes it easy to check your voter registration status, register to vote, and update your registration. Already registered to vote? It's still a good idea to confirm your registration is correct and up to date.  

Register to vote! Pre-registration for the November 2024 General Election ends October 15. If you plan to vote but miss this deadline, you can register at your polling place on Election Day.  

What to do before you vote:

• View your sample ballot 

• Learn about early voting options

Vote absentee:

• Fill out your absentee ballot application and email or mail it to Hennepin County Elections. You can also fill out the online application.

Vote early in-person: 

• Visit your local elections office (check with your city clerk for location and hours)  

• Minneapolis Early Vote Center (Minneapolis residents only) 

• Hennepin County Government Center will be open for early voting 

Have questions?  

For all your election-related questions, visit Hennepin County Elections or mnvotes.gov.  

Important election dates:

• September 20: Absentee voting begins for the general election
• October 15: General election deadline to pre-register to vote
• November 4: In-person absentee voting closes at 5pm 
• November 5: General Election Day (polls open 7am to 8pm)

Mia Unveils Historical Tibetan Shrine Room

Did you know Minneapolis is home to over 5,000 Tibetans, the second largest population in the United States, outside of New York City?

The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) unveiled of a new fully installed historical Tibetan shrine room on Saturday, September 14. Located in the Himalayan Art Galleries, the historical Tibetan shrine is a multi-sensory experience featuring more than 200 new pieces of Buddhist art, generously donated by Alice Kandell, a New York collector who made a major gift of Tibetan Buddhist art to the museum. This is the second time Kandell has gifted a significant collection; The Tibetan Buddhist shrine room at The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art was also a gift from Kandell in 2010.

The historical Tibetan shrine room exists as it would have in an aristocratic family home or a small temple in Tibet. Guests will be transported hundreds of years in the past as they walk through the Shrine room and witness an ornate display of objects like gilt bronze Buddhist statuary, thangkas (paintings of spiritual realms), ritual implements, painted furniture and textiles such as carpets, wall hangings and canopies. 

More informatin on the shrine.

Shopping Basket From the September 14 Mill City Farmers Market

Our shopping basket from the September 14 Mill City Farmers Market: 

Boneless/skinless chicken thighs and eggs from Sunshine Harvest Farm, Skyr from Shepherd's Way, sweet red peppers from Mhonpaj’s Garden, cippolini onions from Burning River Farm, kale and green onions from Mom's Garden, pears from Ames Farm, purple sweet potatoes from Bean Market, hazelnuts from American Hazelnut Company, carmalized onion & gruyere sourdough foccaccia and banana bread from Zeytoon Bread & Co., and of course juice from Pure Juice For You and Krishna's Delight.

As always, we are very appreciative to all the growers and makers who bring their best to the MCFM every week!

Statistics from the MPD Forensic Services Division

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

It’s National Forensic Science Week, September 15-21. We all watch reruns of Forensic Files, and many other television shows that explain how crimes are sometimes solved through forensic evidence. We have our very own Forensic Services Division within the Minneapolis Police Department. We talked to Shannon Johnson, Director of the Forensic Division, and she provided us a breakdown of how forensic science is used by the MPD. I’m so grateful for the work of these 38 scientists!

Shannon JohnsonGeneral Information

The MPD Forensic Services Division is accredited through the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) to the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standards and the ANAB Accreditation Requirements for Forensic Testing and Calibration (AR) 3125:2023. Accreditation is required by MN Statute and requires all MPD Forensic Services Division employees to possess the technical skills needed to perform work that meets the highest international standards in forensic science. 

Units in our Division

The Forensic Services Division conducts casework in the following disciplines (the Units in the lab are in bold and listed after the forensic disciplines):

Digital and Video/Imaging Technology and Analysis (Computer Forensics Unit and Video Forensics Unit)

  - Examiners assigned to the Computer Forensics unit perform forensic examinations on items, such as computers, thumb drives, and cellular phones.

  - Forensic Scientists in the Video Forensics unit analyze video for evidentiary content, isolate and enhance still video images, perform audio analysis, recover video from DVRs, perform comparative analysis and prepare timelines.

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Firearms and Toolmarks (Firearms Unit)

  - The Forensic Scientists/Technicians in the Firearms Unit perform examinations on firearm evidence (firearms, bullets and discharged cartridge casings) as well as manage the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN) program for MPD.

Headstamp sample. A headstamp includes numerals, letters and symbols (or combination thereof) stamped into the head of a cartridge case or shotshell to identify the manufacturer, caliber, gauge or give additional information.

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Friction Ridge Impressions (Field Operations Unit)

  - Forensic Scientists examine friction ridge impressions (fingerprints) for sufficiency, enter them into AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System), and make comparisons to known impressions.

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Scene Investigation (Field Operations Unit and Forensic Garage)

  - The Field Operations unit examines, documents, processes, and collects evidence at crime scenes and in the laboratory.

  - Vehicles and other large items that are related to a crime are typically examined at the Forensic Garage.

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Staffing

38 staff are assigned to the Forensic Services Division, with this breakdown:

  - Computer forensics – 2

  - Video forensics – 2

  - Firearms – 5

  - Field Operations and Forensic Garage – 24

  - Administration and Quality Assurance – 5

Statistics for 2023

Computer Forensics

  - Processed approximately 430 cell phones 

  - Processed approximately 30 computers

Video Forensics

  - Completed approximately 300 onsite video recoveries

  - Isolated approximately 1,260 still images from videos 

 -  Examined approximately 640 removable media devices

Field Operations and Forensic Garage

  - Processed approximately 1,000 crime scenes

  - Processed approximately 300 vehicles

  - Processed approximately 950 firearms

  - Collected approximately 5,700 DNA swabs 

  - Collected approximately 2,700 friction ridge impression lifts

Firearms

  - Examined approximately 950 firearms

  - Examined approximately 7,700 discharged cartridge casings

  - Conducted approximately 2,330 NIBIN entries resulting in approximately 1,000 NIBIN leads 

  - Conducted approximately 1,230 firearm E-traces 

Forensics lab

Maintenance on 5 Bridges Along I-94 Begins This Fall

Beginning in fall 2024 through fall 2025, MnDOT crews will conduct bridge preservation and maintenance work on five bridges along I-94 in Minneapolis. These bridges include:

• I-94 bridge (Dartmouth Bridge) that spans the Mississippi River
• Riverside Ave. bridge over I-94
• I-94 over Cedar Ave.
• I-94 over the Light Rail Transit (Blue Line)
• I-94 over Hwy 55/Hiawatha Ave.

Summary of work

• Construct temporary crossovers
• Repair bridge decks
• Resurface bridge pavement
• Remove and replace bridge joints
• Update guardrails
• Upgrade drainage
• Repaint bridge steel

Information about upcoming traffic impacts will be posted as details become available. Motorists can expect overnight lane closures on I-94 between downtown Minneapolis and the Franklin Avenue Bridge over I-94 in fall 2024. During construction in 2025, motorists can expect I-94 to be reduced to two lanes in each direction between Hwy 55/Hiawatha Ave. and the Franklin Avenue Bridge over I-94.

Sign up to receive project email updates at mndot.gov/metro/projects/i94minneapolis. 

Mia Announces Latest Exhibition, O’ Powa O’ Meng: The Art and Legacy of Jody Folwell

Opening September 14, Mia's latest exhibition focuses on Jody Follwell's influential Native American art, which intersects with Contemporary and American art.

The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia), in partnership with The Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia, welcomes O’ Powa O’ Meng: The Art and Legacy of Jody Folwell as the museum’s latest exhibition, available for viewing from September 14, 2024 – January 26, 2025 in the Cargill Gallery. 

Jody Folwell is a contemporary potter from Kha’p’o Owingeh (Santa Clara Pueblo, New Mexico) who is widely considered among the most significant and influential clay artists of her generation. Folwell has revolutionized contemporary Pueblo pottery – and Native art more broadly – by pushing the boundaries of form, content and design. She is the first Pueblo artist to employ writing and designs as personal, political and social narratives on her pottery.

The iconic works showcased within “O’ Powa O’ Meng” (“I came here, I got here, I’m still going” in the artist’s Tewa language) span the breadth of Folwell’s groundbreaking career and demonstrate the arc of her artistic development. The exhibition centers Folwell’s practice and situates her within the intersecting artistic contexts of Kha’p’o Owingeh, Native American art, and Contemporary and American art more broadly. 

“Over the past five decades, Jody Folwell’s avant-garde innovations have inspired other artists and the public,” said Katie Luber, Nivin & Duncan MacMillan Director & President at Mia. “We are so excited to celebrate her career with the Twin Cities community through the opening of this latest exhibition.”

Water Works Park - Intersection of Yogis and Racers

Thank you to Doug Verdier for sharing these photos from Sunday, September 8th at Water Works Park, where a group was practicing yoga as runners participating in the Finish the Run race passed by. Planners did a fantastic job laying out this park - it's versatile, heavily used, beautiful and educational (have you taken some time to read all the signage explaining the native plants?)...love it!

Planting Volunteers Needed for September 10 Father Hennepin Bluff Lower Trail Installment of 75 Shrubs!

Tuesday, September 10, 5:30p-7:30p, is the Kick-off event for the new Natural Resource Management Plan for the next 10 years, with funding from the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization and the Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association (MHNA) Friends of the Mississippi River and Full Circle Indigenous Planning + Design were partners on this planning project, and Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board staff advised the team and MHNA volunteers.

Two hours, and 75 shrubs to plant! Hazelnut, nannyberry, plum, serviceberry, and red osier dogwood. Please sign up and encourage your friends to join, too!

Information and registration

Get to Know Anne Hoyt Taff, New Executive Director Minneapolis Parks Foundation

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Anne Hoyt TaffAnne Hoyt Taff took over the reins at the Minneapolis Parks Foundation as Executive Director in early July. We talked to her about her immediate and longer-term plans for supporting Minneapolis’ parks. The Trust for Public Land announced in May that Minneapolis climbed to second place on the annual ParkScore index – keep reading to learn Taff’s plans for keeping our parks well-funded and aligned with community vision.

Q:  What are your top priorities for the first 100 days in your role?

A:  I work through relationships and my approach is to pursue opportunities in partnership with others – so the priorities for my first 100 (and 1,000…) days at the Minneapolis Parks Foundation will stem from what I learn and observe through conversation and connection with people who are enjoying, supporting, and promoting Minneapolis parks. I know already from my initial conversations that our commitment to the Transforming North Commons Park Campaign is a top priority. We are committed to raising $20M in philanthropic funding towards this transformative investment in one of Minneapolis’s oldest and most iconic neighborhood parks, which will include a new fieldhouse, an updated rec center and new water park.

Q:  Your prior non-profit positions, most recently as the Vice President of Partnerships at the St. Paul & Minnesota Foundation, required excellent partnership and collaboration skills. How do you envision that background will come into play at the Minneapolis Parks Foundation?

A:  My skills are, of course, a compilation of the support and mentorship I have received throughout my career. As I think about this question, the first thing that stands out is a piece of advice I received over a decade ago from a friend: Don’t wait to learn everything and know everyone before you dig into the work – pick up the phone and start connecting. I have applied this advice at the start of every new job and project and will do so now at the Parks Foundation. By not waiting, my on-the-job learning can be done through relationships and in partnership with my new colleagues, our partners at the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, parks supporters and Minneapolis residents. In my experience, these relationships will strengthen my ability to serve as a facilitator for the Parks Foundation and the Minneapolis Park system. Within this system, I hope to be someone who can make connections and engage a diverse range of stakeholders in solving problems, whether it be raising public and private funds for critical infrastructure or fostering more inclusive programming.

North Commons Park aerial rendering

North Commons Park

Youth Council Meeting at North Commons Park

Q:  Do you think that park foundations can broaden community engagement? If yes, what would that look like in Minneapolis?

A:  Yes! This answer to this question should always be yes – from anyone, doing anything! For the Minneapolis Parks Foundation this looks like consciously expanding the net of resources and voices involved in planning, funding, and enjoying Minneapolis parks and public spaces. We can do this by creating spaces for affinity groups to come together and inform this shared work, such as the Youth Council that is gathering around the North Commons Park redevelopment project. As a Minneapolis resident with two small children, I’m thinking about how we might meet parents (active users of parks!) where they’re at – likely a neighborhood park. I’m also thinking about our vast network of corporate and business partners who rely on the strength of Minneapolis parks to attract and retain workers.

Q:  How have parks been a part of your life, and why are they important to you? 

A:  I grew up in Falcon Heights, the daughter of two urban and regional planners, so I have a deep appreciation for civic spaces and their essential role in our communities and public life. I got my start playing mini-soccer when I was three at a community park, and I worked for Roseville Parks and Recreation throughout high school. For me, parks are also a connection to nature. Growing up, we visited nature centers, hiked and camped regularly and after college I worked year-round at an environmental education center in northern Minnesota. I met my partner while working in the Boundary Waters. So now, I love the chance to reconnect with nature in our parks, to step inside a stand of beautiful trees and feel a small bit of wilderness in the city. 

Q:  Let’s ask a specific (and selfish) question: Will you fund additional pickleball courts? 

A:  Ha. Is there a community need for pickleball courts? I’m sure that’s a complicated question and one that I will hear a lot about from folks in the next year! As with any park asset, it’s essential to have courts that are high-quality, safe and accessible. But where and when depends on what is needed in community at this moment. I appreciate that the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is specifically managing both its financial resources and planning capacity to address racial and economic equity across our city. We need to have a critical eye on how disparities in funding and energy for parks projects might perpetuate the broader racial and economic gaps we are facing in our city.

With that in mind, pickleball courts and play are an important part of our parks system today and one we have supported. In 2023, a People for Parks Fund grant helped provide free pickle ball equipment and instruction to new players at Folwell Park.

Q:  We wish you much success! How may we follow your news?

A:  You can sign up for our monthly E-Newsletter at mplsparksfundation.org, where we highlight upcoming events and programs, news and updates on current park projects (including North Commons Park), and stories from park-users and supporters.

You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram, LinkedIn and X @mplsparksfndtn. 

Shopping Basket from the September 7 Mill City Farmers Market

Our shopping basket from the September 7 Mill City Farmers Market: 

White peaches (!) from Mary Dirty Face Farm, cod from Wild Run Salmon, juice from Pure Ginger for You, quark and blue cheese from Cosmic Wheel Creamery, eggs from Sunshine Harvest Farm, tomato salsa from Atacama, strawberries from Twin Cities Berry Company, Delicata and Honeynut squash from Clover Bee Farm. Skyr from Shepherd's Way, carrots from Mhonpaj’s Garden, garlic shallot oil from TonzKitchen, sweet onion from Burning River Farm.

As always, we are very appreciative to all the growers and makers who bring their best to the MCFM every week!

Bridgewater Neighbors and Friends of the Arts Invites Mill District Neighbors to Opening Reception for Water Elements, September 12

Bridgewater Neighbors and Friends of the Arts announces 27th art exhibit, Water Elements

Thursday, September 12, 6:00pm – 8:00pm, Bridgewater Community Room, 215 10th Avenue S

Mill District neighbors are welcome to attend! Wine and appetizers by Klassic Kitchen + Cocktails. RSVP to bnfacommittee@gmail.com. 

The Artists:

Megan Bell | Steve Brumbaugh | Lora Fandrey | Tracy Frizzell | Annie Hejny | Jeanne Lukas | Marla Mullaney | Katy Noun | Dan Petrov | Kimberly Tschida Petters | Lisa Roy

Take a virtual tour of the entire exhibit here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utWo7Mc9nsk.

Voting for 2024 DID Greening and Public Realm Awards Opens Today, September 5

The Mpls Downtown Improvement District (DID) has announced public voting for the 2024 Greening and Public Realm Awards is officially open!

The Greening and Public Realm Awards, a DID initiative since 2010, celebrates outstanding examples of greening and placemaking that improve public spaces in downtown Minneapolis. Winners will be selected by public vote. The public vote will be open September 5 through September 20.

Finalists were divided into eight categories based on project size and other characteristics. Among the finalists selected were 20 new nominees – a sign of continued growth in downtown greening efforts – as well as several past winners.

“Efforts to enhance our public greening are invaluable, as they elevate our urban spaces and improve the quality of life for everyone who lives, works and plays in downtown ,” said Adam Duininck, Mpls Downtown Improvement District President & CEO. “Our downtown community is grateful to all the finalists and their efforts to improve vibrancy and greening in the city’s core.”

Winners will receive a commemorative Greening and Public Realm Award created by Wood from the Hood, a Minneapolis-based company that reclaims discarded trees from urban neighborhoods and creates high-quality wood products. Each award will display the year the award was issued.

The Greening and Public Realm Awards were created to celebrate the outstanding examples of private and public greening and placemaking happening in downtown Minneapolis and are intended to inspire all to work towards making downtown a greener and more vibrant place.

The public is encouraged to vote by visiting mplsdid.com/greeningawards and using the interactive vote link. Each category will showcase the finalists along with a photo of each location for easy viewing and identification. This year’s eight categories include the following finalists  

• Activated Space: The Commons, North Loop Green, Peavey Plaza, Government Center South Plaza
• Façade: Café Bar & Lurcat, Gluek’s Bar and Restaurant, Strive Bookstore, Lenox Brownstones
• Large Green Space: Loring Greenway, Mpls Convention Center Plaza, Gold Medal Park, Water Works Park
• Small Green Space: Minneapolis College, Federal Reserve, Triangle Park, WCCO Plaza
• Best Adopt a Rain Garden: 4th Street Oasis, St. Olaf Boulevard Gardens, Skip & Michelle’s Rain Garden, 8th St. & Portland Community Garden
• Sustainable Greening: 8th St. Stormwater Planters, 4th St. Rain Gardens, Mpls Convention Center Plaza, Westminster Presbyterian 
• Public Realm Improvement: North Loop Green, Renovated 3rd Avenue Bridge, Reopened Cedar Lake Light Rail Trail, Elliot Park Tree Canopy Project, 2nd Street Protected Bikeway
• Outdoor Café/Patio: The Local, EaTo, Red Cow, The Monte Carlo 

The public is not only encouraged to vote for a winner in each category, but also to celebrate downtown greening year-long. Send your greening photos to @MplsDID on Facebook and/or Instagram using the hashtag #GreenAwardsMpls.

Imminent Change | Rising Potential by Annie Hejny Opens September 14 at Kolman & Reeb Gallery

Desire to Escape by Annie Hejny

Exhibition opens September 14 and runs through October 26. The gallery will host an artist reception on Saturday, September 21, 7:00-9:00p.

Kolman & Reeb Gallery is pleased to present Imminent Change | Rising Potential by Annie Hejny. A Minneapolis-based artist and environmental activist, Annie strives to celebrate nature’s beauty while simultaneously wrestling with humanity’s devastating impact on the environment.

Using resources provided by a Kolman & Reeb Project Space Grant, Annie continued her investigation of Lake Superior. The first step for her grant exhibition was a 24-day solo journey circumnavigating Lake Superior, a road trip known as The Circle Tour. During her journey, she collected water and sediment samples from the lake, took photos, and shot video footage. Inspired by this journey of discovery, with these water and sediment samples, she explored concepts directly influenced by the lake. Asking more profound questions about painting as a practice, Annie integrated these samples with manufactured pigments to delve into deeper questions about the lake's landscape and history.

Soft and Dangerous by Annie Hejny

Taking a step away from her familiar water painting style, Annie went in a fresh direction. The pieces created exclusively for this show rely on an acceptance of the unknown to impact the development of the expressions in her work. Using looser gestures and compositions that challenge the space of the canvas, these pieces not only incorporate water and sediment samples collected from Lake Superior but they are also an exciting departure from her previous work. Including acrylic paintings, mixed media wall sculpture, watercolor, and video installations, this exhibition offers a look at a completely new style for Annie.

Annie found the history, teachings, and current state of Lake Superior are more vast and powerful than she could ever hope to fully address in this first exhibition solely committed to Lake Superior. Yet, she believes any conversation we can engage in regarding the state of our freshwater sources is part of the progress toward the future health of fresh water for all. She believes this artwork is about being fully present to our personal changes as we witness the impact on our natural landscapes stemming from climate change.

Annie Irene Hejny is a Minneapolis-based artist and environmental activist. In her art, she explores personal and communal relationships with fresh water, acknowledging that all humans are bodies of water and are connected by water. She believes any conversation regarding the state of our freshwater sources is part of the progress toward the future health of fresh water for all. Annie has exhibited nationally, and her artwork is held in private collections in 30 states and internationally.

Kolman & Reeb Gallery is in Studio 395, Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson Street NE.

612-385-4239 kolmanreebgallery.com

Know Your Local Dive Bar - A Discussion with The Terminal Bar Manager, Joe Fleming

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

The Terminal Bar opened in 1932, and according to their website, has been ‘Classic Nord East’ since that time. We talked to Joe Fleming, third generation managing the bar, about the history, ambiance and fun weekly events happening at 409 E Hennepin Avenue. Sounds like a great spot to me!

Above, Joe Fleming at The Terminal Bar

Q: The Terminal Bar is the oldest operating business in Old Town Minneapolis and has been family-owned since 1932. Can you please give us the history of your family’s ownership of The Terminal Bar? 

A: On March 21, 1932, my maternal grandparents Frank and Joann Narog, opened The Terminal Bar. They opened the bar so their friends could have someplace to go to relax, have a good time, and have a “cold one” or two. In 1965, my parents, C.G. “Flem” and Annette Fleming, purchased the bar from her parents.  My Dad had just gotten out of the Marines and the timing was right. In 2019, my Mom broke her hip and asked me if I wanted to manage the bar. Since I was already planning to retire from my day job in July 2023, I accepted her offer. While I manage the bar, my Mom who just turned 86, still owns the business (my Dad “Flem” passed away on May 14, 2016). 

When you’ve been in business for 93 years, I’m absolutely positive my grandparents and parents faced numerous challenges they had to overcome, too many to name. They had to continually come up with new and creative ideas to overcome the challenges and stay in business. Like everyone else in the city, the challenges we currently face are never-ending construction and lack of parking.

Q:  Did you consider another career or did you know at any early age that you would continue the family business?

A:  I did not know that I would eventually be the manager of the bar. I had a successful 28-year career working as a forensic auditor for the Department of Defense. I was looking for something to do in retirement, and this seemed like the perfect fit. 

Q:  I think it’s a great encore career. What does a typical day look like for you as manager of The Terminal Bar?

A: There is really no such thing as a typical day. I do most of the cleaning and stocking every day, plus all of the beer and liquor ordering. I also do a lot of running around picking things up that we run out of. I am usually at the bar on the weekends to help bartend or run the door or whatever else needs to be done. I have been fortunate to have such wonderful people come into my life since I started managing so we can keep the bar operating. 

Q:  How do you keep regulars coming back? Is there an ambiance you seek to maintain?

A:  For years we used to open at 8am and had numerous regulars from industry folks and retired people who worked and lived in the area. Since the area has changed, we had to pivot. Now we open at 5pm daily, and as always, are closed on Sundays. We have created a vibe that we think people will enjoy because believe it or not, some people still have never heard of The Terminal Bar. We also have fostered a very safe environment that is all-inclusive. Every night the vibe changes based on the crowd and who is performing on our stage, which I think is pretty cool and special. 

Q:  Congratulations to you for continuing the legacy of the family business! What are your future plans for The Terminal Bar?  

A:  We are looking forward to our 100-year anniversary, which is just 7 short years away. We enjoy every day and especially our customers. They are the reason we are still in business. Like the sign says above the front door inside the bar, “Through these doors walk the most beautiful people in the world, my customers.” 

Q:  How may we follow your news?

A:  You can find The Terminal Bar on Facebook or Instagram, and if anyone wants to perform on our stage on Friday or Saturday nights, they can send an email to terminalbar32@gmail.com. We also have a lot of fun during the week. We have Open Mic Music every Monday, Industrial Night every Tuesday, Live Music most Wednesdays, and Open Mic Comedy every Thursday. Come visit us at 409 E. Hennepin Avenue.

Shopping Basket from August 31 Mill City Farmers Market

Our shopping basket from the August 31 Mill City Farmers Market: 

Beets from GVY Fresh Produce, juice from Pure Ginger for You and Krishna’s Delight, MoonGlow cheese from Cosmic Wheel Creamery, eggs from Sunshine Harvest Farm, cilantro salsa from Atacama, Candle from Tare Market, rye bread from Baker's Field, currie ginger chili ferment from Kiss My Cabbage, fruit syrup from Twin Cities Berry Company. The cucumber, melon, peppers, garlic, tomatoes and butternut squash are from Clover Bee Farm.  

As always, we are very appreciative to all the growers and makers who bring their best to the MCFM every week!

Meet the Mill City Farmers Market Vendors: Clover Bee Farm

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Editor's Note - This article was written prior to Clover Bee’s announcement that they will be stepping back from farming for the 2025 season. See the end of the article for details.

A Discussion with Andrew Hanson-Pierre, Co-Owner

Clover Bee Farm is the creation of Andrew and Margaret Hanson-Pierre. We talked to Andrew about his philosophy of “wondering about doing things differently,” their organic farm’s products, and where you might find their produce on the menu in Minneapolis restaurants. Here’s something you might really like - you may also camp at their farm!

Q:  You have said, “There is great value in wondering how things could be done differently.” Please talk to us about that notion and how you apply it at Clover Bee Farm.

A:  Working outside oftentimes by yourself leaves you to your thoughts. This can be a great time to reflect and meditate on so many things. You see redundancies in what you do, however that doesn’t necessarily mean you change how you do things. We’re creatures of habit, and changing things can be difficult. But when you do change something, that oftentimes opens doors to other changes. Margaret came from a background in farming where everything was done by hand, whereas I come from a background in farming that was very mechanized. That meant we approached planting, seeding, weeding, and harvesting very differently. We both brought good approaches, but maybe things didn’t work out as best they could at the scale we were at. It wasn’t until we hit “walls” that we stopped ourselves and examined things to change how we farm. We would seek guidance from fellow farmers to see how we could change practices. By the time we made it to now, 10 seasons, we have gone from farming 4+ acres with a tractor to farming 2 acres mostly by hand. That translates to going from doing a 30-member CSA and two farmers markets to doing a 65-member CSA and a single, but very successful, farmer’s market (2023).

Q:  What do you produce on Clover Bee Farm?

A:  We grow wholesome organic vegetables that are unique compared to many other growers. Our choices in varieties are inspired by the markets of Europe and dishes all across the world. People seek out our farm because we grow the weird things. We make sure that while these vegetables may look different, they always taste amazingly. We’re adventurous eaters and we always appreciate a challenging dish to make. So, when we try out a new variety of a vegetable, we prepare it and eat it so we can share that first-hand experience with our CSA members and market customers.

Above - high tunnels and harvested garlic. Below - a display of beautiful produce awaiting shoppers at the Mill City Farmers Market.

Q:  Do you farm year-round?

A:  We farm 10-ish months of the year. We harvest crops out in the field (our high tunnels) into December, transition into harvesting pea shoots and other small greens type of plants during the really cold months, and then we are seeding things in the ground (in our high tunnels) as early as the 2nd week of February. But farming isn’t just working with soil in winter. We’re also bookkeeping, crop planning, ordering seeds and other supplies, reading/learning about some new tactic to managing a farm, updating our website and online presence. It’s a lot that goes on year-round. 

Q:  Your website mentions that you have several wholesale partners – Sanjusan, Northern Fires Pizza and Laune Bread – what do you supply to these Minneapolis restaurants? 

A:  We supply the more unique items those particular restaurants are seeking. Mostly culinary herbs like basil, shiso, and parsley. But we also sell cherry and plum sized tomatoes, eggplant, and specialty greens like frisée. 

Q:  What is Hipcamp and how does Clover Bee Farm participate?

A: Hipcamp is the Airbnb of the camping world. We host campers in tents, pop up campers and the occasional RV. We offer our farm as a site for people to spend a night, or many nights, camping. We’re just far enough away from the city that we have minimal light pollution, we’re not in a flight path, and we’re also far enough away from a major road that it’s relatively quiet here. Those three things equate to an area that is quiet, calming, and a great place to see the stars. 

Q:  How may we follow your news?

A:  We are fairly active on our Instagram, which gets forwarded to our Facebook page. We also put out a newsletter through our website. Following us on Instagram is probably the best way to keep up with what we’re doing. We try to share both the good and the bad of farm life there. Every Friday we have a 6-10 slide show on our Instagram’s stories where we recap the week’s highlights. That’s always a great way to follow the farm’s progress through the season.

*   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *

Editor's Note - Recently Andrew and Margaret announced, with heavy hearts, that they will be stepping away from the MCFM: 

“Farming requires planning ahead. As does running any business and we wanted to notify our customers, who have so generously supported us all these years, that we need a break. Ultimately we wouldn’t have gotten to where we are today without all of our supporters. It’s with tears in our eyes that we extend gratitude and big hugs to you all. Thank you for seeing in us sometimes what we could not see in ourselves. Thank you for the no interest loan for a tractor when we wanted to expand our growing operations, thank you for the 50 dollars that you donated when our cooler broke in the middle of summer. Your generosity has made our farm what it is. Keep making a difference in ways that you can, the world needs hope and kindness.”

Farming is not for the faint of heart. Every Saturday morning I'm saddened to see people walk away from the MCFM with just a pastry and a coffee - no veggies or fruit, no eggs, meat or bread - nothing but a drink and a roll. If nothing else, please take a moment to acknowledge and thank the vendors. Better yet, support them!

2024 MCAD Faculty Biennial Opening Reception September 6, Open to the Public

2024 MCAD Faculty Biennial, Opening September 6 Free and Open to the Public

The Gallery at Minneapolis College of Art and Design will spotlight the art and research undertaken by faculty in the 2024 MCAD Faculty Biennial. Some fifty faculty members are participating in an exhibition in the Main and Concourse Galleries. The wide variety of media and formats will showcase the breadth of the faculty’s expertise and talents as working artists.

Per Keisha Williams, Director and Curator of MCAD Gallery, “It's been a privilege to collaborate with esteemed MCAD faculty every two years as they select what to show of their own personal works. This exhibition is a reminder of the vast talents that MCAD’s creative leaders and educators bring to the Twin Cities art scene.” 

Details:

• August 26–November 2, 2024
• Main Gallery and Concourse Galleries, 2501 Stevens Avenue
• Free and open to the public during the following hours:
  • Monday–Friday, 9:00am–7:00pm
  • Saturday, 10:00am–4:00pm
  • Opening Reception: Friday, September 6, 6:00–8:00pm  

Sneak Peak:

Howard Quednau - Shepards and Charlatans, 2023 - Wood, styrene, plaster, paper, acrylic

Michael Banning - Wallpaper and Tree, 2024 - Oil on linen over panel

Regan Golden-McNerney - Eden Climber, 2024 - Collage

Mini Mia – Free Educational Program for the Very Youngest of Museum Goers

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

A Discussion with Abigail Penders, Youth & Family Programs Specialist

Mini Mia offers a brand new, free educational program for the very youngest of museum goers. It’s offered the first Wednesday of the month from 10:15-11:15am. Registration is required. We talked to Abigail Penders, Program Specialist, about how this program came to be and the components of what you and your child will experience. Make new friends and introduce your child to the wonders of art in a comfortable, kid-friendly setting.

Abigail PendersQ:  Please tell us about the history of Mini Mia. What inspired the creation of this program?

A:  Mini Mia is a new free program at Minneapolis Institute of Art, launched in May of this year, designed for caregivers and their little ones (from birth to five years old). This program engages intergenerational learning in our galleries and through movement. Family Days have been a staple program at Mia for many years, but I noticed at those events, those with the youngest ages of kids were not as comfortable or involved as parents with older children. This led to creating a program to help those parents and caregivers feel comfortable bringing their youngest kids to an art museum! Part of our youth and family programming is making the art in our galleries and exhibitions accessible to a younger audience, through art making and reflection.

Q:  How do you incorporate educational content into your programming while keeping it entertaining for children?

A:  We incorporate educational content in our programming through play and hands-on activities like art making, or watching performances with contented themes. For example, during a Family Day, if we’re learning about an artist who uses screen printing, families will try the process of screen printing in our studios here at Mia to understand how the art was made, and have fun experimenting with art making as well.

Q:  Do you collaborate with educators and schools to enhance the educational value of your programs?

A:  Yes, we collaborate with teaching artists and educators, who help design those projects that engage families with our collection.

Q:  What strategies do you use to make museum visits enjoyable and interactive for families with children?

A:  Through free programming opportunities, families and youth engage with our collection and can learn in unique ways. Our programs dive into our collection and provide a more interactive experience with the museum. Our Mini Mia program brings families into the galleries to take a tour specially designed for young children. This tour involves asking questions, scavenger hunts, teaching tools like replicas of the art on display, and games. This way, younger audiences are encouraged to interact with art in a playful way.

Q:  Are there any upcoming initiatives or new programs specifically designed for children that you're excited about?

A:  Mini Mia just launched in May, and we’re excited to have babies and toddlers in our galleries, learning about art through play and movement! This program is aimed at helping caregivers and giving parents the tools they need to comfortably attend Mia and have an enriching and enjoyable experience. Stay tuned for more events and programs!

Q:  How do you ensure inclusivity and diversity in your children's programming to cater to a wide range of backgrounds and interests?

A:  With a diverse, global collection of art, we’re able to design programming that encompasses a diverse range of experiences for youth and families. We also work with many organizations and local artists that design art making activities and performances so our audience is exposed to a rich cultural experience.

Q:  Can you tell us about those partnerships or collaborations that enhance Mia’s programming offerings for children?

A:  At Mini Mia, we work with YoungDance, a local arts organization in the Twin Cities that designs a movement component to the program based on the art in the galleries the attendees saw that same day. Our work with outside organizations with specialties helps us give our attendees a diverse and enriching experience they can’t get anywhere else. For Family Day, we work with many arts organizations and local artists.

Q:  This is all so innovative and exciting for young children. How may we follow your news?

A:  Stay connected with us at artsmia.org, and join our email newsletter!

Ric Rosow Photos from a Recent Twin Cities River Rats Show

Thank you to Ric Rosow for sharing these photos from a recent Twin Cities River Rats show. Their talent is unbelievable! :D

You only have a few more opportunities to see the River Rats this year, and it's a wonderful way to spend an evening on the banks of the Mississippi. (Be sure to bring a few bucks to hit the concession stand or drop in the tip buckets that get circulated - this is an all volunteer operation!)