NEWS 111 Kellogg Blvd E, Suite 105 Mississippi Park Connection strengthens

Saint Paul, MN 55101 NPS WORD the enduring connection between people and the Mississippi River by enriching the lives of all who experience our national park, the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. Park Connection supports the park’s ongoing programs, including youth education, environmental stewardship, and community engagement.

In 1988, a national park was created in to

preserve, protect, and enhance the yearsSome ago a Saint I attended City Paul Council meeting dismissed which at someone national While park.” us pretend as “a harsh, thatat time even within people the National ServicePark our questioned purpose need. or have always beenWe a real national park, our growingbut visibility and importance are making that undeniable. During the NPS Centennial, the we became urban of one parks our and Midwest Washington Region offices engage to on thecounted next of generation park visitors, supporters, and advocates. significant values of Our growing the best of provides visitation one the waters and land of the Mississippi River corridor. Known as the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, the park extends for 72 miles along the river, running through the heart of the /Saint Paul metro area.

Printed on Minnesota-milled, chlorine-free recycled and recyclable paper with 10% postconsumer material.

will question our status as a real national park. measures our of increasing importance. we officially In 2015, 112,349counted visitors, placing 60 parks. among us the 25th our Midwest In Region’s 2016, numbers 221,266, jumped to This and we ranked year, thanks 17th. to the we will exceed (MRVC), 300,000 Center Mississippi Riverrenovated Visitor are track on surpass to We visited the people MRVC. 63,674 Invisitors. 2015, 150,000 this visitors 300,000 At year. visitors, we will 14th be the region’s visited park.most given long, growing too Before Spring attendance Coldwater at and the Upper Falls Anthony St. Lock, and vie we have the 10 potential the break top to into with the Badlands, and Rushmore the Arch Mount in Louis. St. few Then, A ‘Real’ Park National Anfinson,John Superintendent, Mississippi National River and Recreation Area

Photo by Joey Tichenor Joey by Photo Summer 2017 Summer Spring–

circumstances are changing. continuously strengthening our of mission But people’s theconnections to river remains unchanged. Every all inspire day we seek of to people backgrounds explore, discover, to and cherish believe thatthe by Mississippi River. We Spring finally is here,be we couldn’t and share excited to inmore the fun with you. theWith Centennial behind us, and a new challengesset of and opportunities in front us, Connection Mississippiof Park remains committed supporting to our strongest partner, the Service. National Park likeMuch the mighty river itself, external

Photo by Joey Tichenor Joey by Photo

WELCOME

becoming a member of Mississippi Park Connection. Mississippi Park becoming of a member to supportto the attending by places love you an event, volunteering in the park, or We’re here for our park, for here and we are fortunate have the to support anWe’re of engaged fullcommunity, knowledgeable individuals. of and passionate us in Join helping federal parks budgets for are shrinking. dedicated to bolsteringdedicated to the effortsParkNationalof the Serviceat a time when Whether it’s helping to staff to Whether helping raising to centers, support money school it’s visitor scholarships, planting or trees withConnection Mississippi Park is volunteers, helping others to develop their others to helping personal with relationships the we will river, cultivate dedicated advocates, stewards, this and of visitors national park.

Katie Nyberg, Executive Mississippi Director, Connection Park We’re Here For the Park! the For Here We’re

Mississippi NationalMississippi River and Recreation Area Newsletter of Mississippi Park Connection &

Photo by Tom Matre Tom by Photo MISSISSIPPI RIVER NEWS RIVER MISSISSIPPI Mississippi National River and Recreation Area Recreation and River National Mississippi Park Planner, and Architect Landscape Overson, Susan Mississippi River Paddle Share adventure today, and support the national park you love! park today, national the adventure support and River Mississippi your Begin events. paddling special and Revue City River to tickets discountpontoon and rides exclusive birding our like benefits, to great you access membership gives your amember orBecoming renewing Borer. Ash of Emerald threat emerging the face we as River’sMississippi reforestationthe floodplain our on efforts supporting by forest a floodplain more resilient to build efforts leading Members are made possible opened by have members, worlds of scholarships, discovery. Twin right here the in live away.they far is never Cities river where The the river,thoughthe even seeing time first their itFor was kids, of many these ranger. park anational with River Mississippi the people toyoung experience 15,000 trips for donors members and than field more our year, supported Last Park Connection Mississippi Waugh,By Anna Development Coordinator, Planting Seeds for the Next Generation JOIN! awaiver, location, sign desired your aboat at to reserve paddleshare.org Here’s how it works: to go Minneapolis. in as well as Rapids, Coon Paul and Saint in Share Paddle River Mississippi able be to experience (hopefully) will summer, users this river. Starting the along locations new to program the expanding as well as Minneapolis, stations in existing our reopening we’reyear, on This planning Minneapolis. in experiences the-river enjoyrent and aNice bike, on- Ride to how you would equipment, similar paddling and to rentusers kayaks allows system sharing kayak service self- This development for park. our exciting aparticularly was Share Paddle River Mississippi year, last cool projects the launched we all Of SUPPORT YOURSUPPORT PARK FEATURED PROGRAM member eventsmember are just afew of the perks. ofmember Mississippi Park Connection! Discounted registration and yourSupport national receive park and benefits a year round—become and have fun! have and safe just be you, takes trip river your Wherever restaurant. riverside a from abite or grab to eat Organization, Watershed Management Mississippi stop by Stormwater Park at the out scope aheroncan rookery, enjoy and You ride. time the your to take sure be so for paddle, your of agenerous time window allows Share Paddle River Mississippi is boat. on the stretch Amap of each adventure. your start water,thegetThen just on and paddle. and vest life akayak, with locker, your equipped tocode unlock reservation your in punch you arrive, When lockers. equipment kayak the to code open areservation receive and national park. park. national this who experience of all lives the and of river the life the Members enrich events. and visitor centers, programs, public great through River Mississippi the in curiosity community’s our habitat, support and wildlife restore critical time, for first river the the people discovering young Members support Join today at parkconnection.org today at Join Area Recreation and River National Mississippi Ford,Jim Specialist, Education The of Job My Dreams resources of our park, but I think but Ithink park, of our resources environmental and cultural, historical, the illuminates and state standards with is aligned conduct river on the we programming educational The park. of our heart the through canoes 10-person voyageur by paddling river on the experiences meaningful with youth urban provides program This Inquiry. Wilderness and Connection Park Mississippi with partnership in program Fellows River Mississippi our is leading responsibility primary river. on the My programming educational implement and develop to school districts and organizations partner Iwork with Area, Recreation and River National Mississippi for the Education Specialist an As Minnesota. detentiona juvenile center here in finally of and Chicago, city inner the California, Island, on Catalina biology institute amarine like places led me in to teach inclination this and settings, classroom non-traditional in students with best communicated biology for Ifound I eight years. Itaught school high of my dreams, job the Before landing Specialist. of 2016 Education an as January in Park National I joined Service the FEATURED SITE the Mississippi River. Mississippi the of views beautiful uncommon of and blue and course racers, skinks prairie even feet. You plant communities, 20 as high distinct see can as some cresting winds, by southwestern sculpted dunes sand rising with ecosystem of prairie type Grove arare encompasses Cottage in area remarkable This season. or summer spring the during Area (SNA) Natural Scientific Cloud to Grey visit Dunes sure Be a habitat restoration activity, or go exploring on your own anytime! own on your a habitat or exploring go restoration activity, onat Cloud 13 May Grey for Dunes The Big event, at Watch birding Join for visit. you us plan as your mind in that do so keep fountains, or drinking restrooms, do SNAs not trails, paved have areas. valuable DNR’s beforehandthe to help ecologically protect these regulations to and review area the when hiking lightly to tread asked visitors are landscape, delicate and arare is such Cloud Grey Because Dunes ecosystems. of important to prevent destruction the to state’s protect and our diversity biological undisturbed left largely are they that in trails and from state parks differ and Resources, of Natural Department Minnesota by the designated are Areas Natural Scientific camera. and don’t binoculars forget your to bring photography nature –so and watching, wildlife birding, hiking, great spot SNA Dunes CloudGrey forbe a find to Visitors will Mississippi Park Connection Mississippi Associate, Communications and Jones, Marketing K. Alora Grey Cloud Dunes SNA

. the real victory is just getting them them is just getting victory real the their hands.” you river! on the See their out reach they that so heads, their to affect hearts, for“We their aim it said best, Wiggins, Dave Service, mentorsmy Park newfound the in One of backyard. own their right in learn, to place and recreate a safe is park, river, this this that feeling trips river our leave They planet. on nation, and this Cities, the in Twinstudent’s of the sense in place the help contextualize trips Our watershed. ofinto their responsible stewards grow they hopesthat in them sustains that world river the and natural the people reintroduce to young trips outside. time Our less and technology with more time spending people are outdatathat show The young there! STAFF HIGHLIGHT

Photo by Gordon Dietzman RIVER VOLUNTEER

Make a Difference As a Volunteer Volunteer Voices Paul Eaves Brian Valentine, Park Ranger, Mississippi National River and Recreation Area Coldwater Crew Leader, Mississippi National River and Recreation Area Public programs are a fundamental part of our effort to connect people Almost 20 years ago, I was part to the river. We cannot of a land occupation to protect accomplish even a fraction four sacred oaks. When the of that work without our chainsaws came and finally cut volunteers. Their creativity, the oaks down, I clearly heard the resourcefulness, and trees say, “It’s about the spring.” enduring commitment to Those tree spoken words began the mission of the National my relationship with Coldwater Park Service embodies the Spring. At that time, the spring Photo by Linda Cullen essence of public service. and its lands exuded a beautiful wildness hidden behind fences With their support, we can operate two visitor centers, facilitate increased and decaying buildings. I felt the outreach to our communities of color, exhibit at the , and magic of the spring and visited feed thousands of hungry cyclists during the Saint Paul Bike Classic. In 2016, it weekly, creating a labyrinth, volunteers helped us facilitate more than 250,000 interpretive and recreational leaving offerings, and saying prayers to honor the spring. It was and visits. For perspective, that’s more visits than 200 other continues to be a sacred space for me and many others. sites, including Voyageurs and Isle Royale National Parks. My connection with evolved into my volunteer work with The demand for visitor services continues to grow. For example, in 2017, we the National Park Service. Since the buildings came down, I have attended expect to reach 25,000 visitors in just four months at the Upper St. Anthony National Public Lands Days, Tuesday and Thursday work crews, and other Falls Lock and Dam. We cannot meet that challenge safely and professionally habitat restoration events. I have participated in activities such as planting without additional volunteers. and watering trees, removing invasive buckthorn, and sowing prairie seeds in communion with other wondrous volunteers. Each time I volunteer at This summer, help us connect these visitors coming from all over the country Coldwater Spring, I experience my work as a prayer, an act of devotion to the and the world to the Mississippi River. Share your national parks story and spring and the lands surrounding it. It is also a great way to get a vigorous help us be the best version of ourselves through your versatility, resilience, and workout outdoors in a beautiful place. Most important to me, it is an dependability. opportunity to create an enchanting, vibrant prairie oak savanna that is a gift to future generations.

To register your volunteer group or to register as an individual volunteer, contact Mary Hammes, Environmental Stewardship and Volunteer Manager: 651-291-9119, [email protected].

Mississippi River The green shaded area shows the boundaries of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. Ramsey Dayton

Mississippi R

Coon Rapids Dam ive r Regional Park

Manomin County Park Come to River City Revue Photo by Joey Tichenor Joey by Photo

North Mississippi Regional Park Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway Upper St. Anthony Falls

Explore the Minneapolis riverfront Minneapolis the Explore Lock & Dam Photo by Works Progress Stone Arch Bridge Saint Paul Hidden Falls- Regional Park Mississippi River Minneapolis Visitor Center

Minnehaha Regional Park Coldwater Spring Pickerel State Park Lake Lilydale-Harriet Island Lions Levee Park Regional Park Go on a Canoe RAVE Take a RangerTake on Call tour

M iss iss ipp Spring Lake Park Reserve i R Hastings ive r

MISSISSIPPI NATIONAL RIVER & RECREATION AREA

Explore the river near you or join us for an upcoming program at one of these featured sites. Stop by the Mississippi River Visitor Center in downtown Saint Paul, or the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock & Dam in downtown Minneapolis, to chat with a national park ranger and learn more about this park. ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

Building Resilience in the Hoekstra Gerald by Photo Floodplain Forest

Daniel Wattenhofer, Urban Forestry Specialist and Greencorps Member, Mississippi Park Connection CALENDAR OF EVENTS Ash trees are one of Minnesota’s most abundant natural resources. Approximately 1 billion ash trees can be found across Minnesota, Visit parkconnection.org/events for event details which is more than any other state in the U.S. Within Mississippi

MAY — SEPTEMBER 2017 MAY and registration information. National River and Recreation Area, ash trees are present from the floodplain to the oak savanna. It is because our ash trees can be MAY 5 found in such numbers across the park that we are under threat from Tunnel Tour @ Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock & Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). There is a nearly 99% mortality rate of Dam Member Event* MAY 13 ash to EAB, and EAB is projected to exponentially increase in the The Big Watch @ Grey Cloud Dunes SNA state of Minnesota in coming years. MAY 20 Take Aim at Summer @ DNR Office MAY 27 Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock & Dam Visitor Center Opens JUNE 1 Mississippi River Paddle Share Season Begins JUNE 10 Get Outdoors Day @ Powderhorn Park JUNE 10 Second Saturday @ Coldwater Spring JUNE 11 Take a Kid Fishing @ Thompson County Park JUNE 14 Pontoon Tour @ Harriet Island Member Event* JUNE 17 Canoe RAVE @ River Park JUNE 20 Bike with a Ranger @ Hastings Riverfront Photo by Tom Matre JUNE 21 River City Revue @ Harriet Island* JUNE 22 Combined with the pressures of climate change, EAB, and other Pontoon Tour @ Harriet Island Member Event* JUNE 23 invasives, great strain is being put upon our forests here in the park. Tunnel Tour @ Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock & In a few years time, our forests could look dramatically different. But Dam that certainly doesn’t mean that all hope is lost; here at Mississippi JUNE 24 Park Connection, we’re working to identify vulnerable areas within Bike with a Ranger @ Harriet Island the park and work to make sure they stay forested. By planting JUNE 28 species that are native to parts of southern Minnesota, we are Share the River Nordeast @ Stormwater Park JULY 8 ensuring that the species we plant won’t be edged out of their habitat Second Saturday @ Coldwater Spring as a result of future climate change. Planting trees like Shagbark JULY 13 Hickory, Kentucky Coffeetree, and Northern Catalpa, which Pontoon Tour @ Harriet Island Member Event* are more southern adapted species, will also serve to bolster the JULY 15 Birds of the River Paddle w/ Wilderness Inquiry resilience of our floodplain forest and ensure that it will be around JULY 18 for future generations to enjoy. Fish with a Ranger @ Hastings Riverfront JULY 19 There are many ways to help us build resilience in our forest. From River City Revue @ Harriet Island* simple things like watering trees and not transporting firewood, JULY 20 to helping to clear invasives that compete for resources with native Knapweed Pull @ Grey Cloud Dunes SNA JULY 26 plants, building resilience is a great way to get outside and help build Share the River Gorge @ Minneapolis Riverfront a better, more healthy ecosystem, right in your backyard. JULY 28 Pontoon Tour @ Harriet Island Member Event* JULY 29 VISITOR INFORMATION Canoe Paddle @ Vermillion River* AUGUST 12 Second Saturday @ Coldwater Spring AUGUST 15 Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock & Dam Bike with a Ranger @ Hastings Riverfront 1 Portland Ave., Minneapolis MN 55401 AUGUST 19 Canoe RAVE @ Lion’s Levee Park • Take a tour of the lock wall with an NPS ranger AUGUST 19 • Learn about locks, dams, and river navigation Canoe Paddle @ Vermillion River* • Catch great views of the falls from the AUGUST 22 Pontoon Tour @ Harriet Island Member Event* observation deck AUGUST 24 Visit NPS @ MN State Fair (thru Labor Day) Coldwater Spring SEPTEMBER 9 5601 Minnehaha Park Dr. South, Minneapolis MN 55417 Second Saturday @ Coldwater Spring SEPTEMBER 14 • Observe native plants and animals Seed Collecting @ Grey Cloud Dunes SNA SEPTEMBER 15 • Get sworn in as a junior ranger at Second Pontoon Tour @ Harriet Island Member Event* Saturdays SEPTEMBER 28 • Take a Ranger on Call walking tour Pontoon Tour @ Harriet Island Member Event* SEPTEMBER 30 Mississippi River Visitor Center National Public Lands Day @ Coldwater Spring 120 Kellogg Blvd. West, Saint Paul MN 55102

• Learn about the park’s cultural and natural All events are subject to change. Check parkconnection.org/events for a complete list of upcoming events and additional details. history • Take a simulated canoe trip * Members receive discounted registration for paid programs and invitations to • Send digital postcards to your friends members-only events. Join today at parkconnection.org/membership.

National Park Service Mississippi Park Connection Connect with us: Want this bi-annual Mississippi River 651-291-8164 newsletter mailed to you? Visitor Center [email protected] Contact [email protected] 651-293-0200 parkconnection.org nps.gov/miss or call 651-291-8164.

CONTACT Photos courtesy of the National Park Service and Mississippi Park Connection, unless otherwise noted. To be removed from the mailing list, please contact [email protected] or 651-291-8164.