Winged Mapleleaf Mussel Trash Cleanup!

Make a difference for wildlife while enjoying a morning outdoors! Join the National Park Service and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for a trash clean-up at Pike Island. This river habitat supports many species of mussels, including the winged mapleleaf mussel, an endangered species found in only six states across the country.

Park rangers will share fascinating facts about freshwater mussels, explain why they are vital to healthy rivers, and discuss ongoing efforts to establish a mussel nursery near Pike Island to help restore and protect these remarkable creatures.

This is a rain-or-shine event. Gloves, bags, and trash grabbers will be provided onsite. Please wear closed-toed shoes and long pants. Volunteers will sign a volunteer service agreement upon arrival. Volunteers under 18 years old are required to have a Volunteer Service Agreement completed and signed by a parent/guardian in advance or onsite.

When: Saturday, November 14th from 9am to noon

Where: Fort Snelling State Park, 500 Snelling Lake Road, St. Paul, MN 55111. The event will kick off at the entrance to Pike Island, which is approximately a 5-15 minute walk from the various parking lots, so please plan accordingly.

Terrain: The trash clean-up will take place in a wooded area with some sloping and/or uneven terrain, and on sandy shorelines near the river.

Minimum Qualifications

• Volunteers must be 16 years or older to participate without an adult present.
• Activities may involve walking on uneven terrain, standing for extended periods of time, and stepping over logs/fallen branches. 
• The event will be entirely outside. Please prep and plan for the day's weather conditions.

Interested in volunteering? Sign-up at Trash Clean-up Registration!