VOLUNTEERS ARE PRICELESS
Get Involved with Friends of Pool 2
Taking time to support a cause like Friends of Pool 2 is a win–win situation for both you and your community. Whether you lend a hand for an afternoon or take on a larger project, your efforts directly help protect, enhance, and celebrate the incredible resource that is Pool 2 of the Mississippi River. From water safety initiatives to shoreline restoration and environmental education, every action—big or small—creates a lasting impact.
BOAT SHOW VOLUNTEERS
Our presence at the Minneapolis Boat Show is a way for us to reach a large audience of recreational water lovers. FOP2 provides your ticket so once your time in the booth is done, you can enjoy exploring the show.
RIVER CLEAN UP MANAGERS
Help organize local cleanup sites, coordinate volunteers, and ensure safety and sustainability for each event. Together, we can make Pool 2 a safer, cleaner, and more welcoming place for everyone.
NATIVE SEED MIX PLANTINGS
Building on the success of our 2021 pilot project, FOP2 continues to support native seed mix plantings along the riverbanks and islands of Pool 2. Planting begins in April 2025 with completion by Memorial Day.
LIFE JACKET STATIONS
Friends of Pool 2 has several life jacket loaner stations that need to maintained throughout the summer. Volunteers are always needed to make sure there are jackets for all ages and sizes.
EVENT PLANNING MANAGER
We are looking for friends to support the work of the Board of Directors in planning and executing events. As our organization continues to expand, we are always looking for talent that can assist us with our mission.
Mississippi River Island 828 Enhancement Project (Summer 2025–2026)
Pool 2 remains an underutilized treasure for paddlers, anglers, and explorers. Island 828, located at River Mile 828, has long been a favorite stop for recreation but has suffered from neglect and difficult navigation channels in recent years. This enhancement project aims to restore the island’s natural beauty and make it a safe, welcoming rest stop for paddlers and campers—part of a larger vision to establish a connected Pool 2 Water Trail System.
Objectives:
Expand use of Island 828 for day-use and overnight camping.
Improve and maintain paddler-friendly access routes.
Restore beach areas and remove debris and abandoned fire pits.
Install new fire rings and selectively reopen overgrown trails.
Strengthen ties to local paddling groups and increase membership engagement.
How to get involved:
We’re recruiting volunteers for site cleanup days, trail restoration, and light construction (fire ring installation, signage, etc.). Donations to help offset project costs are always appreciated. Volunteers and Board Members will provide on-site leadership, and we invite community members of all skill levels to participate.
Check back on this page or follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates throughout Summer 2025 and 2026. Together, we can protect the beauty and recreation potential of Pool 2 for generations to come.