River Connections In Fridley

A group of volunteers planted trees at Riverfront Regional Park in Fridley in September of 2020. Copyright Mississippi Park Connection.

This article was originally published in the December issue of Fridley News.

This year, we are interviewing the different organizations that manage water and natural resources in Fridley. Did you know that the 72 miles of the Mississippi River through the Twin Cities Metro Area (including Fridley!) are part of a National River and Recreation Area with the National Park Service? Learn about the connection in our interview with Mary Hammes, Environmental Stewardship and Volunteer Manager with Mississippi Park Connection.

Tell us about the mission of Mississippi Park Connection:

Mississippi Park Connection 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. I work directly with park rangers to enhance parks along the river for people, critters, and quality of life! One great way to do this is planting trees to ensure our forests are healthy and resilient.

What are some projects that you have done in Fridley?

We have spent a few years helping to reforest Riverfront Regional Park in Fridley. We love this park for it’s long shoreline on the river and really awesome boat launch. Last year, we helped out with a survey of ash trees at Riverview Heights park and will be planting there thanks to support from Securian volunteers this fall. Ash trees are of concern along the river given the emerald ash borer—99% of ash trees will likely be lost, especially in natural areas along the river. Planting a diverse mix of species can help forests survive and thrive in the future. The survey will help us target planting locations and plan for future projects.

Volunteers cleared large areas of buckthorn at Riverfront Regional Park in Fridley at Points Of Light, a large scale volunteer event that attracted dozens of corporate volunteers in June of 2019. Copyright Mississippi Park Connection.

Why should Fridley residents care about our natural resources?

Forested spaces along the Mississippi River are invaluable! Trees provide cooling as our temperatures warm, they increase the oxygen supply, clean our air, and store carbon. Trees help to infiltrate and slow water—so important with an increase in the severity and frequency of rainstorms. Trees provide habitat to the majestic bald eagle and shade for the fish they like to eat. Should I go on!? I think forested spaces on public lands are a shared refuge and space where we can all find peace and take a deep breath. Go enjoy!

What is one of your favorite tips to help protect water quality?

I think the most important thing we can do is share public land with our neighbors and friends! Make sure that you are sharing the space with other people by picking up any dog waste, being kind and respectful to other park visitors, and taking out what you brought in. Public lands are for all! Members and volunteers for Mississippi Park Connection help us to support the Mississippi River. You can learn more about how to get involved at parkconnection.org.

Did you know?

The Mississippi River Crew, a division of the Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa, working for Mississippi Park Connection, removed buckthorn, honeysuckle, and 69 ash trees from Riverview Heights Park. Thank you for the awesome work Mississippi River Crew! In October, Mississippi Park Connection and the National Park Service along with employees of Securian Financial planted a diverse variety of trees in Riverview Heights Park to replace removed ash trees. Thank you, Securian Financial team, for your efforts!