Our mission:

“Advocates for preserving, protecting and promoting the historic, commercial and environmental significance of the Mississippi River, the City of Minneapolis and its relationship to the people and their communities.”

What we do:

At the heart of our mission is a dedication to bees and other pollinators. Together, we acknowledge the vital role pollinators play in the health of our riverfront communities as well as our planet. We seek to build awareness of the challenges pollinators face right here in our own backyard by engaging community members and business owners through outreach, education, and events. Our goal is to create a Pollinator Pathway in Minneapolis, and develop a coalition of partners to extend this critical habitat from Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico.   

Our flagship event, the 5K Bee Run™– Earth Day Fun Run/Walk/River Cleanup, draws hundreds of participants to the Mississippi River each year. Held in partnership with the National Park Service and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, the annual event features educational, cultural, and recreation activities that demonstrate the importance of pollinators.

By bringing attention to the Twin Cities' greatest asset, we can enhance the vitality of our riverfront environment for people and pollinators alike. 

How you can help:

As a member-supported 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, we rely wholly on support from our members, donors, volunteers, and sponsors. Find out how you can make a difference.

Who we are:

Executive Board Members

Diane Hofstede, President
Phyllis Kahn, Vice President
Tricia Dehler, Treasurer
Nancy Dehler, Secretary

Founding Members

Dan Brady
Dan Cohen
Howard Dixon
Jay Ebben
Jeffrey Grundtner
Rick Margl
Eugene Pishko
Julian Pishko
Rick Recker
Chuck Sullivan
Liz Wielinsk