Volunteer With Us!
Photo Credit: Edwige Moses/NPS
Spring ‘Nto Action! at Grey Cloud Dunes SNA Highlight
SNA: Spring ‘Nto Action! at Grey Cloud Dunes SNA
South Entrance:
Saturday, April 19th; 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) is one of two SNAs in the Mississippi River and National Recreation Area. The site hosts upland dry prairie and lowland floodplain forests and is a valuable habitat for wildlife such as the North American racer and Henslow’s sparrow. MPC and NPS, in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR), are hosting habitat restoration events throughout the season to preserve the site.
We will remove introduced species by either hand pulling or lopping woody stems, depending on the time of the year, to protect the site. More details on target species and activity will be shared TBD.
There are no maintained trails or facilities on-site. For further information about Grey Cloud Dunes SNA, read the MN Department of Natural Resources’ webpage for a map and site description.
Arbor Month Celebration Volunteer Opportunity Highlight
Arbor Month Celebration - Shepard Road Tree Replanting
1st shift: Upper Landing Park (226 Spring St, St Paul, MN 55102)
2nd shift: Lower Landing Park (200 Warner Rd, St Paul, MN 55106)
Friday, May 16, 2025
1st Shift at Upper Landing Park: 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
2nd Shift at Lower Landing Park: 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Did you know May is Arbor Month? Celebrate with Mississippi Park Connection, the National Park Service, the City of Saint Paul Parks and Recreation, and Ramsey County by planting trees into their forever homes along Shepard Road. These trees will replace the vandalized trees from Fall 2024. Volunteers can expect to plant trees, mulch, water, and stake them. The farthest planting site from the meeting location is a mile walk total (1/2 mile both ways).
This is a family-friendly event with proper guardian supervision. However, please be aware that planting locations are along Shepard Road with posted speed limits of 40-45 MPH. Volunteers must be 12 years and older to participate, and volunteers under 18 years old must complete a minor Volunteer Service Agreement form.
The first shift will start at Upper Landing Park, and the second shift will launch from Lower Landing Park. All tools and equipment will be provided.
Why Volunteer?
The Volunteers-in-Parks (VIP) Program for the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area is co-managed by the National Park Service and Mississippi Park Connection. Volunteers are a crucial component in many areas of park operations. We offer a wide range of volunteer opportunities throughout the Twin Cities. Most options do not require training or a lengthy time commitment and we welcome drop-ins. It’s a great way to meet others and a fun and rewarding way to spend the day.
Volunteer Training Resources
From history and interpretation to natural resources, we have something that might pique your interest. Please take some time to learn how you can positively impact our river community and create a welcoming environment for everyone. Hours spent on these resources can be added to your volunteer profile! Report them at miss_volunteer@nps.gov.
Stay Connected!
Our monthly Volunteers-In-Parks e-newsletter announces upcoming volunteer opportunities throughout the park, volunteer team updates, and more. Sign up to stay informed on all things volunteer-related!
Volunteer Opportunities
Habitat Restoration
Habitat restoration improves Mississippi River water quality, offers wildlife habitat, aids migrating birds, and enhances park and trail scenery. Volunteers can assist by removing invasives, planting natives, or joining river clean-ups.
Public Programming
Our public programming events happen with the support of volunteers! This includes tabling, assisting in hikes, and other needed support.
Field S
cientific Survey
The park has several ongoing research projects monitoring wildlife and vegetation in the park. Past and current opportunities include tree surveying, beaver monitoring, waterfowl surveys, and the Monarch Larvae Monitoring Project.
Youth Education
Help foster youth learning by supporting field trips and other education programming along the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area!
Organized Group Volunteer Events
Are you looking to organize a group event for your corporate, community group, school group, etc.? Learn more about how to organize a group volunteer event with Mississippi Park Connection below!
Corporate Group Partnerships
We love working with our corporate partners! Corporate partners support the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area through volunteerism, donations, sponsorship and more. Learn more about corporate partnership and connect with us about volunteer team building and volunteer opportunities.
Volunteer Opportunities for Community and School Groups
Community organizations, youth groups, and schools can preserve the Mississippi River, while working together in a meaningful and unique way. Fill out the interest form to connect with our volunteer coordinator.
Specialized Volunteer Roles
Specialized volunteer roles require training from a volunteer supervisor/staff before volunteering for a shift. Examples include tree surveying, Trails & Rails, the Mississippi River Visitor Center, and more.
Are you interested? Look at what positions are offered and check out if there are any training dates at the link below! Otherwise, feel free to email miss_volunteer@nps.gov or volunteer@parkconnection.org to be added to the waiting list for upcoming training dates.
Volunteer Blog Posts
Featured
Contact Us!
The Volunteers-In-Parks Program for the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area is co-managed by the National Park Service and Mississippi Park Connection. Feel free to email miss_volunteer@nps.gov, volunteer@parkconnection.org, or call the MPC Volunteer Coordinator number at 651-291-9119.