Mississippi River Crew and CCMI
By: David Kappelhoff, Mississippi Park Connection, Engagement Coordinator
Forests are the lungs of our planet, providing oxygen, sequestering carbon, and supporting countless species. Yet, many of our forest ecosystems are under threat from invasive species, climate change, and human activity. The Mississippi River Crew, a partnership between Mississippi Park Connection (MPC) and Conservation Corps of Minnesota & Iowa (CCMI), is stepping up to meet these challenges head-on. Through their work in forest restoration, these young conservationists are not only healing the land but also fostering a deeper connection with nature and a brighter future for all.
A Hands-On Approach to Forest Restoration
Composed of young adults aged 18 to 30, the Mississippi River Crew is dedicated to the hands-on work of restoring and managing forest habitats across the Twin Cities and throughout the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. Their efforts range from removing invasive species and planting native trees to conducting biodiversity surveys and supporting climate change research.
One key project that highlights the crew’s impact is their work at Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park in Anoka County. Over the past two years, they focused on removing invasive buckthorn, a pervasive shrub that crowds out native plants and disrupts ecosystems. The transformation has been remarkable. “Before, as far as you could see, buckthorn was choking out the forest and nothing was growing on the forest floor,” explains Marielle Mateo, Forestry Program Coordinator at MPC. “With all the buckthorn removed, we’re working to replant the area with native shrubs and plant plugs, increasing biodiversity and opening the forest for natural regeneration.”
Balancing Restoration and Education
While forest restoration is challenging, labor-intensive work, for the Mississippi River Crew it also provides a unique educational experience. Under Mateo’s guidance, crew members gain hands-on skills in habitat management, tree inventory, and conservation techniques. They also collaborate with land managers, researchers, and volunteers, learning from a network of experts who share their passion for protecting our natural resources.
“It’s a balancing act,” Mateo says of her role. “I try to understand what experiences crew members are looking for and mix more rigorous or repetitive tasks, like cutting and treating loads of buckthorn, with unique tasks like wildlife or vegetation surveys, seed collecting, or plantings.”
This approach ensures that crew members not only contribute to forest restoration but also leave with a deep understanding of the ecosystems they are helping to protect.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Invasive species are one of the greatest threats to native forests, and tackling them requires perseverance and creativity. For crew members like Sam Nelson, who serves as a Crew Lead, overcoming these challenges is part of what makes the work rewarding. “The most rewarding part is being able to see the progress we’ve made over time,” he shares. “Thinking back to what it looked like before we started and being able to see how much work we have actually done.”
Beyond invasive species management, the crew also participates in prairie restoration and climate change research, reflecting the interconnected nature of ecosystems. At Crosby Farm Regional Park, they maintain climate change research plots by managing invasive species and clearing debris, contributing valuable data to help scientists understand how changing conditions affect our forests.
Building a Legacy of Conservation
The work of the Mississippi River Crew goes beyond restoring individual parks or forests—it’s about creating a legacy of stewardship and inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders. Crew members like Ella Rose Johnson find their experience transformative, gaining skills and knowledge that shape their future aspirations. “It has influenced my future goals by inspiring me to go back to school and learn more, because I learn so much with this type of work every day,” Johnson explains.
For Mateo, the success of the program is evident in the crew members’ growth and the tangible improvements in the forests they care for. “I think what’s really helpful is a lot of the land managers we work with see the potential in the Mississippi River Crew members and trust the crew with unique work,” she says.
Creating Resilient Forests for the Future
As the Mississippi River Crew continues its work, it serves as a model for how dedicated young people can make a lasting impact on our environment. Their efforts are not just about planting trees or removing invasive species; they are about rebuilding resilient, diverse forests that can withstand the pressures of climate change and human development.
Through their hard work and dedication, the Mississippi River Crew is helping to ensure that the forests along the Mississippi River—and beyond—remain vibrant and healthy for generations to come. Their story is a testament to the power of collaboration, education, and passion in the fight to restore our planet’s precious natural resources.
