Caring for Our Riverfront Nature Sanctuary, East Owamniyomni:
By the east bank of the Mississippi River, where waters once tumbled over the limestone face to create the river’s only natural falls, volunteers are restoring native trees, shrubs, wildflowers and grasses to the shores, slopes, meadows and wetlands of the lower trail area of Father Hennepin Bluff Park. From Williams Island – visible from the Stone Arch Bridge – to Mill View Meadow – visible from Main Street SE – to Hennepin Beach – downstream from the Xcel spillway - this diverse natural area hums with life. Eagles and herons hunt in its waters, and songbirds nest in its forest. In Dakota, St. Anthony Falls are called Owamniyomni, “turbulent water, whirlpool, eddy,” and volunteers call this part of the park East Owamniyomni, honoring the power of the falls.
The Father Hennepin Bluff Stewards, a project of the Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association, partners with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board to care for this nature sanctuary, and hosts care days from April to November. All are welcome! Please sign uphere!
