This article was written by Jen Fuller, Seasonal Naturalist Program Lead for Environmental Educator Interns, North Mississippi Regional Park
Summer is finally sizzling here in Minnesota. Global climate change has ushered in hotter temperatures and more extreme heat waves. According to NASA, “extreme levels of heat stress have more than doubled over the past 40 years.” They also mention that heat waves actually cause more fatalities than any other natural weather event.
Something called the “urban heat island effect” means these impacts are much worse in cities due to a lack of vegetation. Materials like cement and roofing retain heat and release it over the span of several hours, raising nighttime temperatures and preventing much needed relief from extreme heat. The Metropolitan Council mentions that temperatures in urban areas lacking tree cover can be as much as 15°F hotter than areas with more vegetation.
Tree cover and shade is an equity issue. Disparities in the planning, development and maintenance of neighborhoods can have a big impact on heat safety. Historic land use is part of the issue: Industrial areas don’t tend to have many trees. So is historic disinvestment in communities: areas that were redlined tend to have less tree cover than areas that were not.
Growing Shade, a mapping tool made by The Nature Conservancy, Tree Trust and the Metropolitan Council, says that the City of Minneapolis has an average of 28% tree cover. 45% is considered ideal. Camden averaged 28.7% canopy cover in 2021. According to the tool, average temperatures on hot summer days in Camden can be 94.5°F compared to 92.1°F in nearby areas. The map shows the spatial distribution of tree cover and public health, with darker blocks indicating places to prioritize for increased vegetation management.
Shade trees can be a crucial tool for fighting rising indoor temperatures, too. To combat the impacts of the urban heat island, the City, in partnership with Tree Trust, offers trees for $30 each to businesses, non-profit organizations and residents. The residential program opens March 2023, but there are still trees available for other groups this year.
Public parks are an excellent place to beat the heat this summer. The cooling impacts of parks also extend into surrounding neighborhoods. Additionally, water produces a cooling microclimate, absorbing some of this excess heat, helping cities stay cool. What better place to take advantage of this natural resource than chilling out by the Mighty Mississippi? The North Mississippi Regional Park boasts 6 miles of paved walking and bike paths through forest and prairie, and shady trails near the river. Kroening Nature Center offers an air-conditioned building to explore. And don’t forget the splash pad up near the playground!
Other nearby indoor public spaces with A/C: Folwell Recreation Center, Webber Community Center + pool, Webber Park Library, North Regional Library. Full Hennepin County map.
July public programs (free and all ages unless otherwise noted)
Fishing in the Neighborhood · Tues. July 12 – 1:30-3:30 p.m. or 4-6 p.m. Join the DNR for a fishing clinic! Beginner anglers welcome tolearn about the sport of fishing. Activity #133640 or #133641.
Field Day: Down in the Dirt · Thurs. July 14, 1-3 p.m.. Get your hands dirty and learn what ingredients are needed to make a soil of your very own. Activity #127043.
Noticing Nature Hike · Thurs. July 14, 7-8 p.m. Tap into your senses as you explore the park with a naturalist guide. Reset your mind and body, tune into the rhythm of the season, and practice noticing nature. Activity #127094.
Hike: Prairie Blooms · Sat. July 16, 4-5 p.m. Tour our restored prairie with a naturalist to see what flowers are in bloom! Activity #127048.
Nature Art: Wildflower Sun Catchers · Sun. July 17, 1-2:30 p.m. Use your creativity to craft a design made from wildflowers! All materials included. $5, ages 18+. Activity #127055.
Bird Watching: Watching Backyard Birds · Tues. July 19, 9-10:30 a.m. Learn to identify some distinguishing characteristics of bird species that spend the summer in Minnesota. Activity #131271.
Outdoors: Plants for Pollinators · Thurs. July 21, 1:30-3 p.m.Join a naturalist on a hike through the park to see examples of pollinator habitat and discover ways to help support pollinators while searching for them in action. Ages 18+. Activity #131272.
Nature Art: Sun Catchers · Thurs. July 21, 6:30-8 p.m. Use your creativity to craft a unique design. All materials included. $5, activity #127053.
Bird Watching: Insect Eaters · Sat. July 23, 9-10:30 a.m. Join a naturalist guide to search for eager insectivores darting above the prairie and swooping along the water. Binoculars available. Activity #127029.
Summer Strider Cup · Sat. July 23, 10:30-noon. Bring your bike to the park for a summertime circuit acrossthe prairie, along the river and through the woods around the nature center! Make pit stops at nature stations as you go for fun discovery activities. Activity #127106.
Nature Date Night · Sat. July 23, 6-8pm. Bring a date out for an evening of fun in nature! Enjoy relaxing around the campfire during a naturalist-led campfire cooking project. $5, ages 18+. Activity #127056.
Wild Nature Challenge · Thurs. July 28, 5:30-7:30pm. Practice your wilderness skills in the park through naturechallenges! It’s like an escape room in nature. Activity #127090.