7th annual bee 5K aims creates Earth Day buzz along Mississippi River

Twin Cities runners, walkers and nature lovers can celebrate Earth Day this weekend at the Great River Coalition’s seventh annual 5K Bee Run and River Cleanup.

Events run from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday in Boom Island Park. Other activities include demonstrations by local bee experts, a costume contest, prizes and music from a DJ.

The course takes 5K competitors along the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.

Online registration can be completed here at rates of $35 per individual or $30 for each member of a team. Participants can also register in person Saturday for $40. There is no cost for children ages 6 and under.

Proceeds will help install pollinator plantings and raise awareness about the importance of bees for food production.

Click here to find out more about the Great River Coalition’s pollinator pathway goals and how you can get involved.

Boom Island Park is also one of 36 cleanup locations listed by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.

No registration is necessary for cleanup efforts, which will go from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Bags and gloves will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The Earth Day Cleanup continues to be the largest volunteer event in Minneapolis, according to the park board. More than 20,000 residents have cleaned up over 160,000 pounds of garbage since 2008.

For those looking for additional ways to get involved, the Minneapolis Parks Foundation lists six local Earth Day events here.