Mississippi Watershed Management Organization

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Mississippi Watershed Management Organization

The MWMO’s boundaries are defined by the area of land that drains into 15 miles of the Mississippi River. For more information, visit: www.mwmo.org

The Mississippi Watershed Management Organization works to protect and improve water quality, habitat and natural resources in an urban watershed that drains directly into the Mississippi River. The Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) is a special unit of local government that provides for the long-term management of water and natural resources in parts of seven cities—Columbia He

ights, Fridley, Hilltop, Lauderdale, Minneapolis, Saint Anthony Village and Saint Paul—as well as the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. The MWMO works to protect and improve water and land resources through science-based approaches to planning, policies and implementing capital improvement, education, monitoring and grants programs. The ultra-urban nature, diverse demographic and the associated challenges that face water and natural resource management and pollution prevention distinguish the MWMO in the state of Minnesota.

06/03/2026

🎨 It's Day 3 of River Days of Action, and today we're exploring the Mississippi River through art.

Opening this at MWMO, "Rooted in Water" by artist Tara Fahey is an immersive installation featuring lanterns, soft sculpture, and paper-cut works inspired by the plants, animals, and living systems that shape our watershed.

The exhibit invites visitors into an underwater world of wonder and reflection, exploring what we can learn from the resilience, adaptability, and interconnectedness of life in and around the Mississippi River.

🌊 Join us for the free opening reception on June 11 from 6:30–8:30 p.m. and meet the artist while experiencing the exhibit alongside light refreshments and fellow river enthusiasts.

Looking ahead, you can also create your own river-inspired lantern during free public workshops on July 11 and 18. Participants will build paper lanterns celebrating creatures and plants that call the Mississippi River home.

🔗 Learn more: mwmo.org/learn/art-programs-at-mwmo/gallery/rooted-in-water/

Photo courtesy of artist Tara Fahey.

06/02/2026

🌊 Today is National Mississippi River Day!

As part of River Days of Action, we're celebrating the river that connects our communities, shapes our region, and sustains countless people, plants, and animals.

We're honored that both the City of Minneapolis and the City of Fridley have recognized National Mississippi River Day through honorary resolutions, joining communities across the Twin Cities in celebrating the Mississippi River and the shared responsibility of caring for it.

This year's National Mississippi River Day is especially meaningful as partners across the region come together through Sacred Water Shared Future, a year-long campaign celebrating a century of progress in restoring the Mississippi River while inspiring action for the next 100 years.

A century ago, pollution had pushed this stretch of the river to the brink. Today, thanks to generations of community members, advocates, scientists, educators, and public agencies, the river is healthier than it has been in decades. But the work isn't finished.

💧 The future of the Mississippi River depends on all of us. Whether you're learning about the river, volunteering, reducing pollution, or simply taking time to appreciate the water that flows through our communities, every action matters.

Explore River Days of Action events at mississippiriver.org/river-days-of-action and learn more about Sacred Water Shared Future at sacredwatersharedfuture.org.

📸 Pictured are MWMO's Abby Moore and representatives from One Mississippi, Friends of the Mississippi River, and Freshwater following the May 21 Minneapolis City Council meeting, where the council presented an honorary resolution recognizing National Mississippi River Day.

06/01/2026

🌊 River Days of Action starts today!

Want to experience a part of the Mississippi River most people never get to see?

On June 2, Mississippi Park Connection is hosting Scrub the Lock, a unique volunteer event that combines paddling, river history, and hands-on stewardship. Participants will kayak through the Lower St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam and help remove trash and debris that collects in this critical stretch of the river.

It's a chance to see the Mississippi from a whole new perspective while helping protect the waterway that connects our communities.

Whether you're an experienced paddler or just looking for a memorable way to give back, this is one of the most unique opportunities of the season.

🔗 Learn more and find registration details at https://parkconnection.org/events/2026/6/2/scrubthelock

We'll be sharing more ways to explore, learn about, and care for the Mississippi River throughout River Days of Action, June 1–15.

05/22/2026

Join us for a special morning celebrating the debut of a newly commissioned poem by Andrea Jenkins exploring the relationship between the Mississippi River, community, and the built environment. 🌊

Inspired by the themes of Sacred Water, Shared Future, the work reflects on how the river shapes our region and how we shape it in return.

📅 June 13, 2026
🕙 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
📍 MWMO Stormwater Park and Learning Center

This free public event includes a live poetry performance, refreshments, gallery access, and an opportunity to explore the Stormwater Park and Learning Center.

Learn more at mwmo.org/events

05/21/2026

Macroinvertebrates might be small, but they’re some of the best water quality storytellers we’ve got. These aquatic insects, snails, and other tiny pond-dwellers respond differently to pollution, oxygen levels, and habitat conditions, making them incredibly useful indicators of ecosystem health.

In this photo, MWMO Environmental Specialist Eva Hanson collects macroinvertebrate samples using a D-ring net at Kasota ponds as part of MWMO’s five-year intensive monitoring cycle. Every five years, we take a deeper look at how these stormwater systems are functioning over time. This is year five, so we’re officially going in-depth (haha). The data helps us track long-term water quality trends and better understand the health of these ponds over time.

We’re excited to share work created by students in the University of St. Thomas Digital Media for the Common Good course, including this photo. Media developed through this collaboration will begin appearing across MWMO communications and outreach materials throughout the summer.

05/01/2026

One week until you can explore Minneapolis like you’ve never seen it!

On May 9, the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization is opening the doors to our Stormwater Park + Learning Center for and you’re invited to take a closer look.

This is your chance to step into a working “living laboratory” where rainwater gets cleaned, art tells the story of the river, and infrastructure is designed to work with nature — not against it.

Come wander, ask questions, and see how this space connects directly to the health of the Mississippi River.

📅 May 9 | 10 AM – 5 PM
📍 MWMO Stormwater Park + Learning Center

Plan your visit, save this for later, and send it to someone you want to explore with.
For more details, check out the events page at mwmo.org/events

04/30/2026

If things look a little different today, you’re not imagining it.

MWMO has a new look and you’ll start seeing it across our page, our website, and out in the community. From updated visuals to a more consistent voice, this refresh is all about making our work clearer, more accessible, and more connected to the Mississippi River we all share.

We’re excited for this next chapter and what it means for how we show up and connect with you.

01/29/2026

Salt keeps us upright in winter, but it doesn’t melt away when the snow does. 🧂

Join us Saturday, January 31, 10 AM–1 PM for Salts & Sweets, a casual, come-and-go event all about smart winter care that protects people and water.

Learn how chemical deicers impact rivers & water bodies, get simple tips to reduce salt at home, and pick up a Salt Smart mug + traction grit (while supplies last)!

📍 MWMO Stormwater Park & Learning Center

Drop in. Ask questions. Leave smarter.

Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/salts-and-sweets-tickets-1981247835610

01/26/2026

Winter Salt Week 2026 starts today!💧🧂

Chemical deicers help keep our sidewalks, streets, and parking lots safe, but once the snow melts those chemicals don’t disappear. They move into our rivers and lakes, where they can quietly cause real harm.

All week long, join free expert-led livestreams, explore practical tools for smarter winter maintenance, and learn what actually works to protect both our communities and our waterways. We’re also hosting a smart salting exhibit in our gallery and wrapping things up with our Salts & Sweets event on January 31.

Together, let's keep our water clean and our communities safe.

🔗 Learn More: mwmo.org/wintersaltweek

01/08/2026

A statement of solidarity with our neighbors and the City of Minneapolis.

Address

2522 Marshall Street NE
Minneapolis, MN
55418

Telephone

+16127464970

Website

http://www.mwmo.org/

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