Partnerships are the foundation of Great River Greening’s work, and this is especially evident in our partnership with REI. REI has a specific interest in volunteerism and dedication to outdoor stewardship, which is at the core of Great River Greening’s volunteer program and mission.Our partnership developed years ago with REI and has grown to be a cornerstone support of our volunteer program. It started with the restoration at Eagle Creek Aquatic Management Area in 2008.Last year, the REI stores supported our fall volunteer season, helping to promote eight events throughout the metro area. With REI’s help, last year alone Greening engaged 2,000 volunteers.

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"Great River Greening has been an excellent partner over the years, offering high quality volunteer projects with real impacts that are restoring our natural areas."-Matt Poppleton, REI Outdoor Programs & Outreach

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This year’s partnership will allow us to create the foundation for a well-designed, professional statewide volunteer program so that we can be even more effective. $25,000 in REI funding will support several strategies, allowing us to expand the base, nurture repeat volunteers, develop volunteer leaders, and turn committed volunteers into donors.Already this fall, REI is helping us to mobilize REI members and others to improve local treasures in our community, like the new Spring Lake Regional Park in Inver Grove Heights.

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"Great River Greening has shown over the years to be highly effective in organizing volunteers and restoring natural areas. These natural areas are essential for an active healthy community, and this type of work could not be done without dedicated volunteers. REI supports both the work of Great River Greening and the volunteers that contribute their time and energy to these projects."-Matt Poppleton, REI Outdoor Programs & Outreach

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