Great River Greening has a rich history rooted in community engagement and environmental restoration. It started in 1995 with a community-driven project along the Mississippi River in St. Paul called “Greening the Great River,” which planted 35,000 trees along the Saint Paul Mississippi River Valley.

In 1999, the initiative became an independent nonprofit organization, securing its 501(c)(3) status as Great River Greening. Since then, it has restored thousands of acres in over 400 natural areas across Minnesota, continuing its commitment to environmental stewardship.