Great River Passage Conservancy

11/18/2025

We’re excited to announce that Saint Paul Parks Conservancy and Great River Passage Conservancy will merge on January 1, 2026!

This merger brings even more passion, expertise, and community power to the parks and river spaces we all love. Under the Saint Paul Parks Conservancy name, we’ll be able to:
✨ Strengthen partnerships
✨ Simplify fundraising
✨ Energize park and river projects citywide.

Great River Passage will continue as a dedicated initiative within the Saint Paul Parks Conservancy, keeping its focus on connecting people to the Mississippi River through bold projects and creative programming.

This is more than a merger — it’s a commitment to a stronger, more connected outdoor future for everyone in Saint Paul. With 184 parks, 17 miles of river, and a community that deeply loves both, we’re ready to unite under a shared vision. 💚

Here’s to a future where every park, trail, and river mile is welcoming, vibrant, and accessible for all.

10/25/2025

The rain will subside just in time to enjoy an afternoon at Pig's Eye Park - happening today!

Wear comfortable shoes and join us anytime between 1-4 p.m. to explore and learn about the U of MN-led research taking place here.

Plus, enjoy naturalist talks, guided birding walks (at 1:30 & 2:30 p.m.), and learn about the land's history and natural resources

2165 Pig's Eye Lake Road (St. Paul)

College of Science and Engineering, University of Minnesota

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

10/17/2025

Discover the fascinating science happening right here in St. Paul!

Join us on Saturday, Oct. 25 to:
🌱 Tour field plots
🔥 See biochar experiments in action
🦉 Enjoy naturalist talks & guided birding walks
📚 Learn about the land’s history and ongoing research

👉 Free and open to all ages. RSVP appreciated (online).

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pigs-eye-park-open-house-with-u-of-m-researchers-and-partners-tickets-1778524708279

Hosted by the University of Minnesota, in partnership with Great River Passage Conservancy. With support from the City of Saint Paul, Urban Bird Collective, and Pig’s Eye Park Friends.

Join University of Minnesota Researchers and partners for an afternoon of learning and exploring in St. Paul's Pig's Eye Park.

10/15/2025

📣 Don’t Miss This River-Focused Community Conversation!

Join St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter for a community meeting and Q&A about the future of the Mississippi River in St. Paul.

🗓️ Wednesday, October 15
⏰ 6:30–8 p.m. (Check-in begins at 6 p.m.)
💵 Free — RSVP online (link below)

Hear about Mayor Carter’s vision for the Mississippi River, and share your questions and perspectives on the issues facing our riverfront neighborhoods.

Hosted by: Friends of the Mississippi River, West Side Community Organization, West 7th/Fort Road Federation, Highland District Council, and St. Paul Bird Alliance.

Community meeting and Q&A with St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter Wednesday, October 15, 2025 - 6:30pm to 8:00pm Highland Park Community Center Auditorium, St. Paul The community meeting will feature a brief statement from Mayor Carter followed by a Q&A. (Photo via City of Saint Paul) Friends of the Missi...

10/14/2025

On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we honor the voices and stories that ground us in place and history.

🎥 We invite you to watch “You Are Here: Bdote”, a short film by Twin Cities PBS that reveals the deep connection the Dakota people have to Bdote, where the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers meet.

Through Dakota oral histories and the story of Ramona Kitto Stately’s great-great-grandmother, Pazahiyayewin, the film explores Bdote’s sacred importance and the resilience of the Dakota people.

https://www.tpt.org/you-are-here-stories-of-people-place-the-past/video/bdote-a-birthing-island-45jeiq/
👉 Watch now on PBS (link below or in PBS App).
Part of the series You Are Here: Stories of People, Place & the Past, streaming now.

Bdote: A Birthing Island explores the Dakota connection to Bdote through history and resilience.

10/08/2025

Attend the next Pig’s Eye Dump Task Force meeting:

🗓 Friday, October 10
🕘 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
📍 In person: MPCA St. Paul Office (520 Lafayette Rd N, St. Paul)
💻 Virtual (Teams through MPCA website)

Community input is essential. Please consider attending!



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This is the twelfth Pig’s Eye Dump Task Force meeting. Led by the MPCA, the task force includes several state agencies and local units of government. The task force is charged with coordinating efforts to remediate and restore the Pig's Eye Landfill Superfund site and address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination of Battle Creek, Pig's Eye Lake, and nearby groundwater.

09/04/2025

🎉 Today's the day: Grand Opening of Pedro Park! 🎉

Celebrate years of community vision and investment that made this beautiful new park possible. 🌳✨

📅 Sept. 4 | 4–6 PM
📍 Pedro Park, Saint Paul
Ribbon cutting ceremony, live music, and light refreshments

08/21/2025

🌊✨ Come connect with the river, yourself, and community! 💙

📅 When: Drop in anytime between 12–5pm
📍 Where: Hidden Falls Regional Park (1313 Hidden Falls Drive, St. Paul)

Take a moment to:
🌀 Share a story with the River
🌀 Listen for what the River has to share with you
🌀 Learn about the future Mississippi River Learning Center
🌀 Share your wishes with the design team shaping this new space

Why? Because most of our region’s drinking water flows from the Mississippi. Sharing stories is a way of giving thanks to the water that sustains us. 💧

This installation of Water Whisperers is a collaboration with the Mississippi River Learning Center (led by VJAA + TEN x TEN) with community engagement by Forecast Public Art, and presented by AFFIRMATION SPACE

08/20/2025

🌍 Pig’s Eye Dump Task Force Meeting #11
📅 Thursday, August 21
🕘 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
📍 Open to the public (in-person at MPCA St. Paul office OR virtual)
More info @ tinyurl.com/pigseyetaskforce11

The Pig’s Eye Dump Task Force, led by the MPCA, brings together state agencies and local governments to coordinate efforts to remediate and restore the Pig’s Eye Landfill Superfund site and address PFAS contamination in Battle Creek, Pig’s Eye Lake, and nearby groundwater.

This meeting will cover:
✅ Updates on stakeholder conversations
✅ Input from member organizations
✅ Discussion on future funding options
✅ Plan for the remaining task force meetings

💡 Your voice matters—join the conversation about restoring and protecting our community’s natural resources.

08/03/2025

Today's the day! See you at Upper Landing Park.

Music on the Mississippi
1:00 p.m. Global Jazz Acoustic Project
2:30 p.m. Southside Aces