Originally published in the Park Bugle, March 2026.
Each spring, neighbors gather along Kasota Avenue with gloves on, trash bags in hand, and a shared purpose – caring for one of St. Anthony Park’s most important natural spaces. The annual Kasota Ponds Cleanup returns on Saturday, April 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., continuing a long-standing community tradition led by SAPCC’s Environment Committee.
Volunteers will meet at NAPA Auto Parts, 2530 Kasota Ave, St. Paul, MN 55108, before heading into the wetland area to remove litter and debris. The event is family-friendly, open to all ages, and designed to be welcoming whether it’s your first time or your fifteenth.
Kasota Ponds are three of only four water bodies in St. Anthony Park and provide habitat for turtles, migratory birds, fish, pollinators, and other wildlife. Over the years, volunteers have removed more than 2,200 pounds of trash and recyclables, making a visible and lasting difference in water quality and habitat health.
“This cleanup is one of those days where you can see the impact of neighbors coming together,” said Reyd Jordan, Environment Committee Co-Chair. “A few hours of shared effort goes a long way – not just for the ponds, but for the connections we build with each other.”
This year’s event will also highlight new restoration work underway. SAPCC recently received a buckthorn removal grant from the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization, and volunteers will have the opportunity to learn more about upcoming efforts to restore native vegetation throughout the greater Kasota Ponds area.
Gloves, safety vests, and trash bags are provided, along with refreshments and educational opportunities. Neighbors are encouraged to dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes.
More information and volunteer sign-up details are available at sapcc.org/kasota-ponds.