Great River Coalition Announces 9th Annual Earth Day 5K Bee Run/Walk/River Clean Up, April 20
Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 9:23AM
Celebrating Earth Day and promoting pollinator awareness
The Great River Coalition announces its 9th annual Earth Day 5K Bee Run/Walk/River Cleanup at Boom Island Park in Minneapolis on Saturday, April 20 from 9am to 12pm. The event features a family and dog-friendly fun run/walk, river cleanup, and Earth Day festivities to support efforts to protect pollinators and their habitat.
Since 2017, the Great River Coalition has been raising funds for pollinator plantings along the Mississippi River and building awareness about the importance of protecting and saving our pollinators due to climate and environmental changes. Native pollinators, including the federally endangered Rusty Patched Bumblebee and other wild bees, continue to desperately need our help.
The Earth Day 5K Bee Run/Walk/River Cleanup is hosted by the Great River Coalition, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, the National Park Service, and Mill City Running/Saint City Running.
The 5K course traverses through the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area - the only national park offering scenic views of the Mississippi River. Following the 5K, participants will be able to take part in an organized river cleanup and enjoy festivities including live music and entertainment, prizes, games for kids, educational activities, and more. Photo ops will include a bee-themed selfie station, notable appearances, and mascots.
Bee and pollinator-themed costumes are highly encouraged! Prizes for the best costumes will be awarded. All are encouraged to participate in the event to help save our bees and other important pollinators.
Photo: Great River Coalition
“Great River Coalition is working to expand the habitat for our pollinators,” said Board President Diane Hofstede. “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 Patch 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.”
Event Details:
PRICE: $40 in advance, $45 on Race Day. Free for kid’s race (ages 6 and under) and River Clean Up. Includes family-friendly activities and a celebration of Earth Day.
LOCATION: Boom Island Park, 724 Sibley Street NE
The 5K will start promptly at 9am. A free kids 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. The River Clean Up begins at 9:30am. Volunteers should also register online before the event. This activity is free.
PRIZES:
- HD Flat Screen Smart TV
- Two tickets to US Bank Stadium, Row 12, End Seats, Seats 16, 17, 18, & 19, (End Zone, Facing Minneapolis, value $600 +) and more!
- Costumes are welcome. Prizes for the best! Name your team!
Registration and packet, T-shirt pick-up: Friday, April 19, Mill City Running, 411 East Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55414. Registered participants will enjoy a 20% discount on Mill City Running and Saint City Running purchases, April 19 – 21. Learn more and register at greatrivercoalition.com/2024-beerunwalkcleanup.
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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 9 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. Testifying at public hearings, publishing comments of local, State and Regional significance regarding riverfront impacts, and building relationships are just a few of the ways which the Great River Coalition members and partners take action. As a member-supported 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, the Great River Coalition relies wholly on support from members, donors, volunteers, and sponsors. Learn more at greatrivercoalition.com. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
