Mississippi River Network River Days of Action

MINNEAPOLIS — Green Lands Blue Waters (GLBW), Sustainable Farming Association (SFA) and Mill City Farmers Market (MCFM) are hosting Mississippi River Day on June 17, 2023 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Minneapolis. The event is part of River Days of Action, a series of events taking place June 8-18, throughout the Mississippi River basin, including the 10 states that border the Mississippi River. Visitors will learn how agriculture directly impacts river health, and how farmers using Continuous Living Cover (CLC) practices help protect the Mississippi River. CLC farming keeps living roots in the soil year round to reduce soil erosion and agricultural runoff that degrade water quality. “This event is an opportunity to celebrate our shared connections to the river, and build support for CLC farming practices that protect river health,” said Marjorie Hegstrom, Event Coordinator for GLBW.

This event brings together farmers, food makers and the local community at the Market, which overlooks the Mississippi River. Alongside over 50 farmers market vendors, Mississippi River Day organizers will feature Kernza®, a perennial grain and “clean-water crop”, with cracker samples from Perennial Pantry. The market will host a free cooking demonstration and local author Beth Dooley will be selling signed copies of her cookbooks. “Farmers all across the state are daily stewards of our waterways, and take pride in giving back to their communities in this way as they grow food,” said Katie Feterl, Communications Director for SFA. “But they’re not in it alone. A web of farmers, chefs, local food supporters, and educators make for a mighty team in improving Minnesota’s water quality.” The event is free, open to the public and no registration is required. Paid street and ramp parking is available, but can be limited during peak market hours.

The goal of River Days of Action is to connect participating organizations and the communities where they operate and to show how local activities benefit the greater River ecosystem. River Days of Action events are complemented by a Congressional advocacy action, related to Conservation programs in the 2023 Farm Bill, and a River Giver fundraising opportunity, the first such initiative that unites organizations to raise money throughout the Mississippi River basin.