Greenway: Mississippi River Greenway - 5.01: Mighty Mississippi River Cleanup Challenge 2025


 

General Description

A little competition never hurts. Join us as we aim to win local bragging rights as the largest, most impactful event on the river (though everyone wins in the end so it's all good). Come and help maintain one of our most beautiful Minnesota treasures.

 

This year, we will be cleaning up the shoreline, greenway and other areas near Lock and Dam #2 and Jaycee Park in Hastings. All supplies will be provided by county staff. Stay afterwards for a treat and a view of the river. 

 

The Mississippi River is an impressive and historic waterway in Minnesota that runs for 2,340 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. The river is an important waterway through our county that unfortunately picks up a lot of trash along the way. Pollution not only hurts the environment but can be also be detrimental to the local economy and health of both humans and animals. What we do here in Minnesota directly impacts the remaining 1,700 miles of river.

 

For more information about the challenge, check out the website at https://goodhuecountymn.gov/1485/Mighty-Mississippi-Cleanup or check out this fun video about why we are choosing this challenge - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHGmWo3wZ3Q.

 

Location

Jaycee Park

420 Lock & Dam Road

Hastings, MN 55033

(Map and driving directions)

 

Date/Time

Date: Thursday, May 1

Time: 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

 

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Help pick up garbage and other debris from the riverfront, roadside, parking areas, and trail system.
  • Weather permitting - spring in MN is always a toss up!
  • More details will go out as we get closer to the actual event date.

 

Minimum Qualifications

  • Open to all ages, corporate groups, families, etc.
  • Supplies and training will be provided.
  • If you would like to volunteer as a group (families not included), please contact our Volunteer Coordinator before registering.

Minimum Time Commitment

1.5 hours

 

Activity Level

Medium - May involve varying amounts of activity (long walks, rough terrain, and moderate physical exertion. May not be recommended for volunteers with physical limitations. Comfortable, sturdy shoes recommended.

 

Contact Information

Garrett Zaffke | Community Relations and Volunteer Services Coordinator

Dakota County Communications

1590 Highway 55| Hastings, MN 55033

Direct: (651) 438-4635 | Fax: (651) 438-4405 | Email: garrett.zaffke@co.dakota.mn.us

             

Qualifications Required

  • Accepted Data Privacy Notice - Tennessen Notice Must be Yes
  • Signed Volunteer Waiver Must be at least Yes

Schedule Summary

This activity has the following schedule


Date Start Time End Time
Thursday, May 01, 2025 5:30 PM 7:00 PM