Board proclaims April 21-27 as Volunteer Week at Mississippi River cleanup event
The board of commissioners proclaimed April 21-27 as Volunteer Week in Ramsey County. The proclamation was made during the Mighty Mississippi River Cleanup Challenge.
Dedicated people volunteer thousands of hours in Ramsey County every year. In 2024, the board especially recognized the work of Parks & Recreation-based programs including dog park stewards, rain gauge network, bird banding and Tamarack Nature Center volunteers. These volunteers strengthen our community by supporting park operations, habitat restoration and year-round programming.
Dog park stewards volunteer approximately 2,600 hours annually supporting four dog parks. Members of the rain gauge network volunteer approximately 2,800 hours each year reporting daily precipitation in support of soil and water conservation. Volunteers at Tamarack Nature Center annually contribute approximately 4,000 hours in support of conservation and environmental education including gardening, maple tree sap to syrup, day camps and winter recreation. Amber Burnette, a dedicated volunteer, spent countless hours over a six year period bird banding with the Parks & Recreation department leading to the documented return of bird species to the area.
Volunteers gathered on Saturday, April 20 at Battle Creek Regional Park to remove trash from the park and support the cleanliness of the Mississippi River. Approximately 40 volunteers removed 45 bags of trash from areas near the pavilion, playground, dog park and trails.
Ramsey County benefits greatly from our community members who contribute their time, skills, passion and expertise through a wide range of volunteer positions. Learn more about volunteer opportunities at ramseycounty.us/Volunteer.
Commissioner Xiong read the proclamation with Director of Soil & Water Conservation District Ann White Eagle Director and Director of Operations - Parks & Trails Kris Lenkowski offering remarks.