Earth Day is Saturday, April 22nd, 2023 and Powderhorn is bursting with opportunities to take action for environmental justice, celebrate our natural world, and serve the community in ways that foster environmental health! Check out this list of local offerings this Spring;
ADVOCACY
Attend a public hearing on the Minneapolis Zoning Code
The Zoning Code has played a key role in historic injustice to lower-income folks and communities of color. The upcoming changes to the code present an opportunity to protect community health today and in the future. Community Members for Environmental Justice (CMEJ) and Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy have prepared three demands from the City as they finalize the specific, technical, language of Minneapolis' zoning laws. Read more about the demands here and find information about the Public Hearing coming up on April 24th here
Make a public comment on the Minneapolis Climate Equity Plan
You can take part in creating the Minneapolis Climate Equity Plan, as the public comment period is now open through June 5. Your input is critical in shaping the final version of the plan. You can review the plan to give feedback on specific strategies. and make general comments on the overall direction of the plan. Review the plan and take the survey here.
Make a public comment on the Minneapolis Stormwater Management Program
The Public Works and Infrastructure Committee of the Minneapolis City Council will conduct a public hearing on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at 1:30 pm, in City Hall Room 317, seeking public input into the priorities and programs that make up the city’s Minneapolis Stormwater Management Program (SWMP). You may comment in writing by sending a written statement to arrive before the public hearing to: councilcomment@minneapolismn.gov or Minneapolis City Clerk’s Office, C/O PW&I Committee Coordinator, 350 S. Fifth St., Room 304, Minneapolis, MN 55415-1382. If you need accommodation to fully participate, or if you need this document in a different format, please call 311 or 612-263-6850 (TTY).
EVENTS
Earth Day Clean-Up at Powderhorn Park
Join neighbors and friends Saturday, April 22nd to clean up our beautiful park! It’s free to participate and there’s no advance registration needed; just choose a site and show up. Volunteer coordinators provide bags, gloves and volunteer waivers to sign. Clean-ups begin at 9:30 am and end promptly at Noon. Learn more and see all clean-up sites here.
2023 Minneapolis Garden Tool Swap
All are welcome at the 3rd annual Minneapolis Garden Tool Swap. Minneapolis Solid Waste & Recycling and community partners are excited to once again offer this free event on Saturday, May 13, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at seven parks citywide including Powderhorn Park! As you start Spring cleaning, hang on to unused yard tools, planters, garden décor, books, seeds, and more, and share them with neighbors at the swap. You do not need to bring items to participate. All items donated at the swap are free for any participant to take home. For more event details, visit the City’s Garden Tool Swap web page.
& MORE
Free backyard composting webinars and workshops
Composting & Recycling Specialist Kira Berglund will share tips for backyard composting in free online webinars and an in-person workshop. Learn how to set up your compost pile, what materials you can compost, how to get the mix right, and more. Learn more about backyard composting in Hennepin County and register for an upcoming workshop or webinar at www.hennepin.us/composting.
Protect our water by adopting a storm drain
Did you know that when it rains, stormwater carries grass clippings, leaves, cigarette butts, pesticides, fertilizer and animal waste through the storm drains directly into Minneapolis lakes and creeks and the Mississippi River? Minneapolis residents and businesses have the opportunity to adopt storm drains in their neighborhood. Learn more and adopt a drain here.