The Great River Coalition has announced their annual Earth Day 5K Bee Run/Walk/River Cleanup at Boom Island Park, 724 Sibley Street NE, will take place Saturday, April 22 from 9am to 12pm. The event features a family and dog-friendly fun run/walk, river cleanup, and Earth Day festivities to protect pollinators and their habitat. Learn more and register at greatrivercoalition.com/2023-beerunwalkcleanup.

Since 2017, the Great River Coalition has been raising funds for pollinator plantings along the Mississippi River and building awareness about the importance of protecting and saving our pollinators due to climate and environmental changes. Native pollinators, including the federally endangered Rusty-patched bumble bee and other wild bees, need our help more than ever.

The Earth Day 5K Bee Run/Walk/River Cleanup is hosted by the Great River Coalition, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, the National Park Service, St. Catherine University, Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, and Mill City Running/St. City Running.

The 5K course traverses through the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area – the only national park offering scenic views of the Mississippi River. Following the 5K, participants will be able to take part in an organized river cleanup and enjoy festivities including live music and entertainment, prizes, games for kids, demonstrations, and more. Photo ops will include a bee-themed selfie station, notable appearances, and mascots. Bee and pollinator themed costumes are highly encouraged! All are encouraged to participate in the event to help save our bees and other pollinators.

Rusty-patched bumble bee“Great River Coalition is working to expand the habitat for our pollinators,” said Board President Diane Hofstede. “If you walk along our Minneapolis riverfront, or travel around the state, you’ll see the limited food resources that sustain our pollinators as they travel along the Mississippi River. The erosion created by the lack of grasslands contributes to soil and water pollution, and encourages invasive species. The Rusty-patched bumble bee, Minnesota’s state bumble bee, is now listed as critically endangered. They have lost 95% of their range, and experienced a 90% decrease in abundance. We aim to bring awareness to the vital role pollinators play in the health of our riverfront communities.”

Event Details:

The cost is $40 in advance, $45 on Race Day. Free for kids race (ages 6 and under) and River Clean Up. Includes family-friendly activities and a celebration of Earth Day.

The 5K will start promptly at 9am. A free kids race, with goodie bags, will be held at 8:30am – children must be age 6 or under and must be registered before the event, either online or in-person.

River Clean Up volunteers should also register online before the event. This activity is free.