Strong Turnout Cleans Up on Earth Day 2025
More than 50 volunteers spent Saturday morning spring-cleaning the neighborhood, from the riverfront to Target Field Station. “It was our best turnout ever,” said David Crary, vice president of the North Loop Neighborhood Association (NLNA).
Earth Day 2025 Riverfront and Playground Crew
Playground volunteers raked leaves, revealing the tulips and daffodils volunteers planted last fall. Riverfront volunteers picked up trash and cleared dead trees afflicted with emerald ash borer disease. Drains covered with leaves, branches and garbage were un-clogged, preventing water back-ups with springtime rain. “Thanks to the more than 50 volunteers who showed up to make James Rice Park look great for spring!” said Andrew Morse, NLNA board member and co-chair of the Parks + Public Art Committee.
Raking leaves to reveal springtime daffodils
Away from the river, along Washington Avenue, volunteers picked up trash from Hennepin Ave. to 10th Ave., extending to Target Field Station along 5th St. Veteran garbage collectors know to search window ledges and doorway planters, where liquor bottles, clothing and other curious items are often found. “Litter pick-up along Washington is never boring,” joked one volunteer. “What’s with all the cigarette butts?” wondered another.
Earth Day 2025 neighborhood litter pick-up crew
Thank you to DRG, whose real estate office participated this year. Also thank you to Graze Food Hall by Travail for surprising volunteers with 20% off coupons good for Earth Day. And the coupons for free coffee from Corner Coffee hit the spot on a chilly morning.
“It’s amazing to see the impact that a group can do,” said Grant Johnson, park volunteer and NLNA board member. “There’s a whole new confidence to the park now that it’s clean and people notice.”
Clean-up efforts don’t end on Earth Day. The second Saturday of each month is Service Saturday. Volunteers can choose between litter pick-up and riverfront projects.
Litter pick-up volunteers meet at 9:30 am at Corner Coffee (514 N. 3rd St.). Trash bags, gloves and garbage grabbers are provided, but you can bring your own gloves and grabbers if you have them.
Riverfront volunteers meet at 10 am at the playground (4th Ave. and West River Parkway) and focus on a specific project each month. In May, volunteers will tackle clearing out invasive species. Tools, gloves and water are provided.
Whatever project you choose, we hope to see you on May 10 and any Service Saturday throughout the summer and fall. Thank you to our Earth Day 2025 volunteers for giving us such a strong start!
By Mary Binkley, NLNA board member