Needs From: Greater Mankato Area United Way

Thanks for joining us at Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge! Great River Greening is embarking upon a long-term partnership with the refuge to support their conservation efforts and this event marks our first partnership event together.  Containing over 11,500 acres, Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge is located at the headwaters of the Minnesota River and provides vital habitat for a variety of species, especially ground-nesting waterfowl.

Volunteers will remove invasive species and haul recently downed wood to open up and support vital outcrop habitat, home to the rare ball cactus, one of three native cacti to the state of MN. Volunteers will also spread native seed once areas have been opened.

Please note registrants will receive updates on any changes and final event details as the date approaches.

This event is open to all, and any necessary training will be provided.

Day of: Please arrive promptly, allowing time for parking and short walk. Our worksite areas will be adjacent to the Granite Outcrop trail head parking lot. Terrain will be a mix of flat hiking trails and occasional off-trail terrain with a slight rise in elevation.

  Safety: Ensuring safety is our highest priority. It is important that event participants wear close-toed shoes and long sleeves to protect against the elements. We recommend dressing for the weather; layers are key.

Release of Liability: All attendees at Great River Greening events release Great River Greening and its employees, officers, directors, or agents from any and all liability from claims of any nature whatsoever arising from participation to the extent such liability is directly attributable to the negligence of GRG, or its respective employees, officers, directors, or agents.

Note: By registering online, you will complete both the release of liability and photo release waivers. Please let us know at the event if you wish to be excluded from event photography.

Thank you for joining Great River Greening at Fort Ridgely State Park! Established in 1911, this historic park sits on the bluffs of the Minnesota River Valley and is home to rare oak savanna and native prairie habitats. While logging, farming, and development have shaped the land for over a century, the bluffs still showcase prairie wildflowers and grasses beneath bur oaks, along with deep ravines filled with ash, basswood, sugar maple, and other trees. During this restoration event, volunteers will plant native plants to add diversity to a recently restored prairie, helping strengthen biodiversity and preserve this unique landscape for generations to come.

Thank you for joining us for the Seha Wildlife Management Area Tree Planting Event! Volunteers will be working in a savanna ecosystem that was previously overrun by woody invasives and aggressive native species. The clearing of woody vegetation was completed in 2025, and planting savanna species will now help increase diversity and enhance wildlife habitat at the site. Volunteer Learning: tree planting skill, savanna ecosystem importance, wildlife habitat needs. 

Please note registrants will receive updates on any changes and final event details as the date approaches.

This event is open to all, and any necessary training will be provided.

Day of: Please arrive promptly, allowing time for parking and a short walk.

There will be light snacks and extra water available during the event. Please bring your own reusable water bottle. In addition, bring your work/gardening gloves if you have them, if not they will be provided.

Safety: Ensuring safety is our highest priority. It is important that event participants wear close-toed shoes and long sleeves to protect against the elements. We recommend dressing for the weather; layers are key.

Release of Liability: All attendees at Great River Greening events release Great River Greening and its employees, officers, directors, or agents from any and all liability from claims of any nature whatsoever arising from participation to the extent such liability is directly attributable to the negligence of GRG, or its respective employees, officers, directors, or agents.

Note: By registering online, you will complete both the release of liability and photo release waivers. Please let us know at the event if you wish to be excluded from event photography.

Register with this link: https://www.givepulse.com/event/839249-2026.05.09-Nerstrand-Big-Woods-State-Park-Public-Event-Nerstrand

Please note registrants will receive updates on any changes and final event details as the date approaches.

This event is open to all, and any necessary training will be provided.

Day of: 

Arrival: Volunteers are kindly asked to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the event start time to allow for parking and check-in. 

There will be light snacks and extra water available during the event. Please bring your own reusable water bottle. In addition, bring your work/gardening gloves if you have them, if not they will be provided.

Safety: Ensuring safety is our highest priority. It is important that event participants wear close-toed shoes and long sleeves to protect against the elements. We recommend dressing for the weather; layers are key.

Release of Liability: All attendees at Great River Greening events release Great River Greening and its employees, officers, directors, or agents from any and all liability from claims of any nature whatsoever arising from participation to the extent such liability is directly attributable to the negligence of GRG, or its respective employees, officers, directors, or agents.

Note: By registering online, you will complete both the release of liability and photo release waivers. Please let us know at the event if you wish to be excluded from event photography.

Questions? volunteer@greatrivergreening.org | Learn more: www.greatrivergreening.org 

Join Great River Greening at one of Redwood County’s largest and most diverse WMA, Lamberton Wildlife Management Areas (1,350 acres). This site has been assembled over decades and provides essential habitat for many species, including the rare Regal Fritillary butterfly, whose caterpillars rely solely on prairie violets.

Volunteers will plant prairie violet plugs to support a two‑year effort to reintroduce the Regal Fritillary. You’ll also learn about prairie ecosystems, restoration practices, and the role of pollinators and beneficial insects.

Location Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nudgcP3mxKujGtnN7

This is a family-friendly event. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to attend. No previous knowledge or experience is necessary, we will provide training required.

There will be light snacks and extra water available during the event. Please bring your own reusable water bottle. In addition, bring your work/gardening gloves if you have them, if not they will be provided.

Register with this link: https://www.givepulse.com/event/814360-2026.05.09-Lamberton-WMA-Violets-Event-Lamberton

Registrants will receive updates on any changes and final event details as the date approaches.

Safety: Ensuring safety is our highest priority. It is important that event participants wear close-toed shoes and long sleeves to protect against the elements. We recommend dressing for the weather; layers are key.

Release of Liability: All attendees at Great River Greening events release Great River Greening and its employees, officers, directors, or agents from any and all liability from claims of any nature whatsoever arising from participation to the extent such liability is directly attributable to the negligence of GRG, or its respective employees, officers, directors, or agents.

Note: By registering online, you will complete both the release of liability and photo release waivers. Please let us know at the event if you wish to be excluded from event photography.

Questions? volunteer@greatrivergreening.org | Text/Call: (612) 743-0630 | Learn more: www.greatrivergreening.org 

Great River Greening is a non profit organization that engages volunteers in ecological restoration projects. We have many volunteer events coming up. Please see our event calendar to view and register. 

Events involve planting plants or seeds, removing invasive plants such as buckthorn and stacking brush.

Our events are family friendly and for everyone!

If you have questions or need help registering, contact Jessica at jdrummond@greatrivergreening.org