Mission
Mississippi Park Connection (MPC) strengthens the enduring connection between people and the Mississippi River by enriching the life of the river and the lives of all who experience our national park, the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.
As the official nonprofit organization for the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, a unit of the National Park Service located in Minnesota’s Twin Cities metro area, MPC supports the national park by:
Providing funding for its youth education, natural and cultural resources, interpretation, and public programs.
Co-managing programs to improve outcomes including Volunteers-in-Parks, Mississippi River Paddle Share, and Habitat Restoration Events (HREs).
Amplifying the national park through storytelling, media, community outreach and outdoor programs.
Creating connections between the national park and people in its surrounding communities.
Bridging the gap in resources and funding to ensure the national park has what it needs to accomplish its goals.
Mississippi Park Connection is the place-based nonprofit organization in the Twin Cities seeking to connect people to the outdoors through hands-on, meaningful experiences on public lands. We accomplish this through habitat restoration, recreational activities, volunteerism, affinity programs, and community events on the river and in the park.
Vision
A vibrant national park on the Mississippi River where all people feel a deep sense of connection and belonging.
Core Values
Joy and Inspiration – Connecting people joyfully to the national park
We believe in the power of joy, wonder, and inspiration to build lasting connections to the park and all the wonders within it. We create experiences that spark curiosity and a sense of belonging.
People and Community – Welcoming all and working together
We believe the national park is for everyone, and we strive to make it a welcoming place for all. Through strong community partnerships, inclusive programs, and meaningful engagement, we create opportunities for people to build lasting relationships with the park and work collectively to care for the river.
Preservation and Stewardship – Protecting the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities
We value the natural and cultural treasures located within 72-mile Mississippi National River and Recreation Area corridor. We are dedicated to protecting, restoring, and stewarding the river and surrounding public lands for current and future generations.
Partnerships and Collaboration – Achieving more together
We recognize that our mission can only be achieved in collaboration with others. We foster strong partnerships with the National Park Service, local communities, and organizations to amplify impact.
Agility and Responsiveness – Adapting to meet evolving needs
We thrive by responding quickly to new opportunities and challenges. As the needs of the park and our community evolve, we adapt with creativity and flexibility, ensuring that our work remains relevant, effective, and impactful.
Transparency and Honesty – Building trust through openness
We uphold the highest standards of honesty and openness in all we do. By being transparent in our actions and decisions, we build lasting trust with our staff, board, partners, donors, and community.
History
Mississippi Park Connection began as the local fund of the National Park Foundation, under the name Mississippi River Fund. In 2007, our organization became the official 501(c)3 nonprofit organization or “friends” group of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. Since that time, we have contributed more than $6 million to the National Park Service and its many partners in the community, improving the health of the Mississippi River and our community.
In October 2015, we changed our name to Mississippi Park Connection to better reflect our mission and programs. Mississippi Park Connection continues to play a pivotal role in connecting youth to the Mississippi River, steward the river’s wildlife habitat, and create meaningful connections between the community and the Mississippi River.