The Great River Coalition's April 19 Earth Day Supports Efforts to Protect Pollinators and Their Habitat
Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 1:39PM
Saturday, April 19, 9am - 12pm, Boom Island Park, 724 Sibley Street NE
Event features a family and dog-friendly fun run/walk, river cleanup, and Earth Day festivities.
Since 2016, 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.
Rusty Patched BumblebeeThe 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, Pre Race Kids Run, educational activities, and more. Photo ops will include a bee-themed selfie station, notable appearances, and mascots.
Bee and pollinator-themed costumes are 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.
“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 Bumblebee, 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:
The cost is $40 in advance, $45 on Race Day. Free for kids’ race (ages 6 and under) and River Clean Up. Includes family-friendly activities and a celebration of Earth Day.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.
Registration: https://register.chronotrack.com/r/81795
The Great River Coalition is comprised of 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 10 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. Learn more at greatrivercoalition.com. Follow on Facebook and Instagram
Race route:
