In celebration of our 30th anniversary, we pause to reflect on the individuals who have been instrumental in shaping our journey. Over the past three decades, we have been guided by those who believe in the power of community engagement and environmental stewardship—values that continue to drive us forward. 

Today, we recognize two individuals whose early involvement laid the foundation for our organization: U.S. Senator Norm Coleman and Ellen Brown. Their dedication helped transform a visionary idea into the impactful organization we are today—one that continues to grow and make a profound impact on our environment. 

A Shared Vision: The Beginning of a Legacy  

Ellen Brown’s involvement with Greening began over 30 years ago when she authored a foundation-funded evaluation of various riverfront renewal projects that were being discussed. One idea from the report revisited a vision from 10 years prior of reforesting the industrial areas along St. Paul’s riverfront. At the same time, newly elected St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman shared his vision for revitalizing the riverfront, energizing local business leaders to recognize the inherent value of the Mississippi, beyond its role as a transportation corridor.

Together, they championed Greening the Great River Park, a project aimed at transforming the area into something vibrant, sustainable, and deeply connected to the community. Their collaboration laid the groundwork for what would eventually become Great River Greening and engage volunteers in its restoration efforts. 

A Conversation with Our Co-Chairs 

We recently spoke with Ellen and Senator Coleman to learn what this milestone means to them and the lasting impact of their work with Great River Greening. For both, this celebration is not just about reflecting on the past but about celebrating the spirit of collaboration and community engagement that has been at the heart of everything we do. 

“It’s amazing to see how much the organization has grown over the years,” Ellen remarked. “I’m so proud to have been part of the spark that started it all. This anniversary is about recognizing the strides we’ve made in Minnesota and the power of working together with communities to protect and restore our environment.” 

She added, “Just look at what a community can do when we work together. And by ‘community,’ I mean thousands of individuals motivated by a shared vision. We’ve seen firsthand how, together, we can accomplish amazing, important restoration work. It’s inspiring.” 

Senator Coleman echoed her sentiment. “The project wasn’t just about beautifying the city,” he shared. “It was about getting people to be a part of something bigger than themselves. We needed people to roll up their sleeves and be a part of the solution.” 

Environmental stewardship has always been at the heart of our work. “It’s not just about the physical transformation,” Coleman added. “It’s about engaging people and getting them to understand that they are an essential part of this work. When people feel connected to their community and environment, that’s when real change happens.” 

For Coleman, the riverfront was always more than just land—it was unifying force for the community. “The Mississippi River is the heart of St. Paul. It’s our greatest gift. Our vision was to harness the power of the river to revitalize the city—and that vision still drives us today.” 

The initial project, spanning from 1995-1999, engaged more than 7,000 volunteers and saw the planting of more than 31,000 native trees and shrubs, 25,000 wildflowers, and 50 acres of prairie. “We planted way more than we promised,” Ellen joked. “And we promised without really having a clue how we were going to pull it off. But thanks to the truly terrific staff of the project, starting with Rob Buffler, project manager (later first executive director of Great River Greening), and Kathy Dougherty, assistant director and volunteer coordinator, we figured it out—almost tree by tree.” 

That early enthusiasm sparked something much bigger. In 1999, the initial project incorporated as a 501(c)(3) and officially became Great River Greening. While the Mississippi River remains central to our mission, our impact now extends well beyond its shores. Since then, we’ve restored over 50,000 acres across the state and aim to match that achievement in the next five years. 

Looking Ahead 

As we reflect on the past 30 years, we also look ahead to the future. We’re excited to continue building on the foundation they helped create, and further our mission to protect and restore Minnesota’s natural spaces, one project at a time. 

Thank you, Ellen and Senator Coleman, for your dedication and for being a part of this incredible journey. Your leadership and vision have shaped the future of Great River Greening, and we are honored to celebrate this milestone with you. 

Learn more about how you can get involved and help us continue our work for a greener future at www.greatrivergreening.org.