Minneapolis should rethink the Above the Falls master plan

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It is hard to overstate the importance of the Mississippi River in the urban form of Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Once a source of energy and an important transport route, the river’s main value now is environmental and aesthetic. With the imminent closing of the Upper locks and the Upper Harbor Terminal–basically the Port of Minneapolis– the city has an incredible opportunity to redevelop 43 acres of riverfront land. More land will be available in the future, and the city has an extensive plan–the Above the Falls Master Plan–for developing the riverfront upriver from the Saint Anthony lock and dam. Continue Reading

TC Weekend | Get into the swing of spring with the Saint Paul Art Crawl and more!

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TC Weekend is back, a sure sign of spring! We’ve selected a few choice events to help you ease into the season. From Earth Day cleanups and One Day in the Twn Cities to literary readings and art showings, there’s plenty on tap to help you get out and about this weekend!Saint Paul Art Crawl, April 25 – 27Lowertown, University Avenue and more in Saint Paul, MN; Go here for location info.4/25 –   6pm – 10pm4/26 – 12pm –   8pm4/27 – 12pm –   5pmEnjoy the work of over a hundred local artists as they open their studios to the public for the weekend. Thousands of visitors from across the Midwest take in this bi-annual art crawl that also features free music, theater performances, art activities and more! Free rides from Metro Transit are available. Continue Reading

9th annual Mississippi Riverfest and Heritage Day set for September 14

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The 9th Annual Riverfest and Heritage Day at Mississippi Regional Park will be a jam-packed event, filled with outdoor adventures, music, games, crafts and more on the banks of the Mississippi River. The big event is on Saturday, September 14, from 1-5 p.m. at Carl Kroening Interpretive Center, 4900 Mississippi Dr. N. Co-hosts are the Lind Bohanon Neighborhood Association and the Three Rivers Park District-Carl Kroening Interpretive Center.Many new attractions for families of all ages have been added to this year’s event to celebrate the river. Come and meet animals live—like the great horned owl—and take your picture with a snake. Make a boat and launch it along the banks of the Mississippi. Borrow a GPS unit for the challenge course. Continue Reading

COMMUNITY VOICES | That was a cloudy day?

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The sky is clouded unlike my mind which is clear and focused. Peeking blue sky taunts the six others joining me on this third evening in June, a Monday. As cold as Minnesota can get, the briskness in the air is abnormal for this late in the spring. Nevertheless each person in our group, a friend or family member, is too excited to notice the cold. None but one has ever been stand up paddle boarding and none but one has ever asked the woman of their dreams for her hand in marriage. Continue Reading

Paddle forward: Canoe journey to document and connect Mississippi River communities

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Starting next month, nine people will put their canoes in the water at Lake Itasca and start a three month long canoe journey down the Mississippi River. The purpose is to make a documentary and to connect communities to the river. Natalie Warren is leading what she calls “a life-changing adventure.” She stopped by The Morning Blend to share her thoughts on the trip she will be embarking on. [Audio below]

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Fertilizer, fishing and Farmer Specht

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Dan Specht, who was taken from us all too soon last week by a haying accident, was the embodiment of the stewardship farmer. His kind, curious nature—housed in a powerfully-built, bear-like body—was complemented nicely by a passion for the land. And he represented what may be our best bet for balancing food production with a healthy ecosystem: the ability to connect the dots near and far. His use of innovative production systems on the northeast Iowa hills overlooking the Mississippi River should be a model for countless farmers who want to leave the landscape better than they found it. Continue Reading