Friends of the Missouri National Recreational River

10/29/2026

Looking for a fun way to get outside this fall? 🍂 Our friends at the Vermillion Area Chamber & Development Company are hosting the Clay County Crawl, a 5K trail run/walk at Clay County Park!

Whether you're running or walking, it's a great opportunity to explore the park's beautiful trails, enjoy views of the Missouri River, and support one of our local outdoor recreation gems. Plus, a portion of the proceeds will benefit Clay County Park!

📅 Saturday, November 7
🏃 5K Run: 10 a.m. | 🚶 5K Walk: 10:15 a.m.
📍 Clay County Park, Vermillion, SD

All ages are welcome!

👉 Learn more and register: https://runsignup.com/Race/SD/Vermillion/ClayCountyCrawl

10/10/2026

Event Update: Unfortunately, due to the unsafe weather forecast for Saturday, October 17th, this Red Cedar Removal on Green Island will be cancelled.

🌲🌲🌲

Wait... we're asking volunteers to CUT DOWN trees? Isn't that a bad thing?

Not when they're invasive!

Eastern red cedars are spreading across Green Island, crowding out native plants and reducing habitat diversity. By removing these trees while they're still small saplings, volunteers can make a real difference in protecting this unique Missouri River habitat.

And there's more to this volunteer opportunity than cutting down trees!

🍂 Explore a Missouri River island in the fall
🚤 Travel by boat with National Park Service staff
🎟️ Receive a fee-free entry coupon for national parks and other federal recreation lands

Join us Saturday, October 17, from 8 a.m. to noon! We'll provide the tools, snacks, and refreshments. You bring the helping hands!

Space is limited, and registration is required!

👉 Learn more and claim your spot: https://fomnrr.org/event/red-cedar-removal-on-green-island/

Event is weather-dependent.

10/01/2026

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” 🍂
— L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
Same here. October is a time to slow down, look back, and start thinking about what comes next.
Our latest newsletter is full of stories from a busy September, volunteers making a difference along the Missouri River, opportunities to lend a hand (or your perspective), and a look ahead to 2027.
Catch up with us here: https://conta.cc/4hpNJ5X

Email from Friends of the Missouri National Recreational River A season for learning, celebration, and looking ahead     October on the Missouri River Hello, October always feels like a turning point.

09/24/2026

🌊 Imagine the Missouri River region in 2041.

What opportunities should we pursue? What challenges should we prepare for? As part of a strategic tourism planning process, we're gathering input from residents, business owners, community leaders, and those who interact with visitors every day.

Your voice matters. Your ideas matter.

📲 Take the survey before October 14, 2026! 👇👇
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScPq4XhTAMWDQWFpWz6Dw98QG6VUpa0inhEVHVCP7mDAa68Bg/viewform?pli=1

09/21/2026

On Friday (9/18), we had an absolute blast at the Ponca Expo School Day!

Over 700 students came to Ponca State Park for hands-on outdoor learning, and our Executive Director Caroline and Volunteer Aislinn got to teach 96 of those students all about the birds of the Missouri River, how they’re built to survive, and how we can help protect their habitats. 🦅🦆🐦‍⬛🦉

Seeing young people get excited about the outdoors is such a gift. 🌅

Thank you to Aislinn helping present, and kudos to the Ponca Outdoor Expo team for organizing a great event!

09/08/2026

Looking for one more excuse to get out on the river before summer slips away? 🛶

Join the Missouri National Recreational River on Saturday, September 12 for the final Paddle with a Purpose of the year!

Volunteers will spend the morning with park rangers paddling the Missouri and picking up trash along the way. Kayaks, paddles, shuttling, and cleanup supplies are all provided.

A little river time + a little good work = a pretty great Saturday. 🌊

Kayaking experience is required, and paddlers must be 16+. Space is limited, so call 605-665-0209x21 or 605-464-7645 to register!

09/02/2026

A big thank you to the amazing volunteers from NorthWestern Energy for spending their morning with us on Green Island! 🌿

Together with Friends of the MNRR and the National Park Service, these volunteers helped remove invasive eastern red cedars from a section of the island—important hands-on work that protects biodiversity and gives native plants more room to thrive.

While out along the river, we also got to enjoy a boat ride, spot a bald eagle and plenty of great blue herons, and even find a baby turtle! 🐢

We’re incredibly grateful for the extra hands, hard work, and willingness to get a little sweaty for the river.

Thank you, Katelyn, Brad, Kyle, Russ, Noah, and Robert, for helping us keep this place remarkable! 💚

09/01/2026

New month, new river updates! 🌻

Our September newsletter is out with National Park Week highlights, Destination Development news, upcoming events, ways to get involved, and more.

👇 Give it a read!
https://conta.cc/465IT7s

Email from Friends of the Missouri National Recreational River Destination Development, Fall Migration, Field Trips, and More!     Photo by Lisa Swanson September on the Missouri River Hello, Summer m