In year two of their partnership, Great River Greening, GF, and the Minnesota Twins are taking their volunteer efforts to Wood Lake Nature Center in Richfield, Minnesota to preserve critical wildlife land and improve water quality for years to come. Together, they will plant native wildflowers and restore the native understory, which has become consumed by buckthorn, leaving water qualities at risk.

The three organizations announced their multi-year partnership last year with a common goal to protect Minnesota’s most vital resource: water. They’ve identified high-impact sites across the Twin Cities metro in need of restoration that will help promote a healthier community for future generations.

Great River Greening, GF (home of the Uponor brand), and the Minnesota Twins are united by a shared commitment to sustainability, healthy water ecosystems, and thriving communities. By bringing together their expertise in environmental restoration, sustainable water solutions, and community engagement, the partners are creating meaningful opportunities to restore Minnesota’s natural resources and the communities that rely on them.

“The scale of environmental challenges facing our communities requires strong partnerships and shared action,” said Kateri Routh, executive director at Great River Greening. “We are grateful to work alongside GF and the Minnesota Twins to restore critical habitat, improve water quality, and inspire stewardship throughout the Twin Cities. By combining our strengths, we can create lasting benefits for Minnesota’s natural resources and the people who depend on them.” 

The work began last October at Creekside Park in Carver County as volunteers from each organization gathered as well as the Mayor of Carver, Courtney Johnson. Volunteers worked in groups to stabilize eroding streambanks to reduce pollution flowing into the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers. In total, 153 shrubs were planted along the riverbank, which also prevents flooding. They even installed fencing around the shrubs to protect them from wildlife.  

“Seeing this partnership come to life at Creekside Park set the tone for the work we’re looking to accomplish throughout the duration of this partnership,” said John Reutter, president of GF Building Flow Solutions Americas. “As the global leader in Flow Solutions, GF takes immense pride in protecting these critical resources and it’s even more impactful joining forces with Great River Greening and the Minnesota Twins.” 

Now, the teams look forward to making a difference on Oct. 7 at Wood Lake Nature Center, a 150-acre natural area with three miles of trails and boardwalk used for wildlife observation and environmental education. Volunteers will focus on a 31-acre area to plant forbs (flowering plants) into a moist prairie, which is severely lacking in forb diversity. This will help offset the eroding buckthorn, which crowds out native shrubs, posing a threat to the forest’s native layer.

“Sustainability is a hallmark of Target Field, and we know true environmental stewardship means taking action where it’s needed most,” said Nancy O’Brien, Minnesota Twins senior vice president of community engagement. “Protecting Minnesota’s lakes and rivers is essential to our state’s vitality. We’re proud to partner with Great River Greening and GF to serve the communities we share. Together, our efforts will deliver lasting benefits for future generations.”