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Get Involved with Greening

To get involved in greening programs, contact Theresa at Theresa<at>midtowngreenway.org.

Here are some of the greening projects currently taking place in and along the Greenway.

Greenway Garden Steward Program

Join us during the gardening season as we insure the Greenway is a bit more green-er. The many existing gardens along the path need TLC and volunteers are needed for them to be successful.  Gardening days vary in tasks and location, but will most likely include: watering, weeding, replacing plant materials, pruning and identifying plants.

East Phillips Planting Opportunity

The Coalition is looking for groups in East Phillips to plant and maintain plantings in the East Phillips Gateway area. A landscaping plan has been developed and funds are secured for plant materials.  Now we need volunteers.  Contact us for more information.

How to get started on a planting project in the Greenway

A great way to have a big impact is to propose and help implement a new garden project.  There are still many opportunities!

For new gardens, consider the following when planning:

• Use native plants to the region. This will provide ecological value for birds and butterflies and are tolerant of harsh planting conditions in the Greenway.

• Design using Ecological Design Principles

• Look for erosion problems and design to help eliminate them.

• Water is hard to come by in the Greenway, look for a source to help establish the garden, but choose plants that are drought tolerant. 

• Take advantage of storm water by creating a rain garden.

• A permit is required with the County for all gardens in the Greenway.  They request the permit be with a legal organization such as a neighborhood association or business.

• Request agenda time on the Greenspace Committee and receive guidance from others

• Review the Hennepin County Landscape Guidelines for the corridor.

• Apply for a planting project permit from the County

To obtain information on rain gardens, County Landscape Guidelines, and planting permit information please contact Theresa<at>midtowngreenway.org.

Join us for the Arbor Day Tree planting event

Arbor Day tree planting has taken place along the Midtown Greenway since 2000.  Each year the Coalition organizes hundreds of volunteers to participate in this amazing community effort.  The 2008 Annual Arbor Day event took place in the large barren open space just east of Hiawatha at the intersection of the Midtown Greenway and LRT Bike Trails. Over 150 volunteers helped us plant 400 trees and shrubs.  Be sure to check in with us each spring to learn about this annual event. 

 Be a Greenspace Committee Member

Individuals are welcome to help us move our greening efforts forward. Committee members assist with fundraising for planting projects, lead volunteers in planting projects, direct the organizations greening projects and assist with advocating for additional greenspaces.  

Meetings are held the third Monday of each month from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Developing along the Greenway

The Greenway offers an attractive amenity to the many developing properties on its’ edges.  This also holds true for the Greenway, how can these developments enhance our beautiful Greenway.  We meet with various developers along the trail and provide planting recommendations.  Check back later to see examples.