Celebrating Work for Water!
A Confluence of Stewards
Thursday, October 15, 2026
6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Walker Art Center, Skyline Room
725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Parking and transportation
Join us as we celebrate Minnesota Water Stewards, art, and all the work for water over the last year! Attendees can explore the beautiful Walker Art Center and sculpture garden, learn about Steward projects, and get to know others who are working to improve the health of our waters. Our keynote speaker will be local artist and activist Andrea Jenkins. Andrea will share some of her writing that explores the Mississippi River, its history, and the role of water in our lives.
Buckthorn Removal: This year, in partnership with the Walker Art Center, and the MN Department of Natural Resources, we are offering a volunteer opportunity prior to the evening reception. In the afternoon from 1:00-4:30pm, we will host buckthorn removal at Wolsfeld Woods Scientific and Natural Area. Anyone is welcome to attend this portion, however space is limited, so be sure to register. The buckthorn removal will take place entirely outside, so please dress for the weather. Equipment and snacks will be supplied. More details provided upon registration.
Stewards, partner staff, program supporters, and anyone interested in improving our shared waters are welcome to attend either or both portions of the day. These events are free, but for planning purposes, please register below!
The event at a glance:
- Afternoon buckthorn removal at Wolsfeld Woods SNA (1-4:30pm)
- Evening reception at Walker Art Center featuring:
- Action Step project displays (6:00pm)
- Program featuring keynote speaker Andrea Jenkins (6:45pm)
- Certification of new Water Stewards
- Prize drawings for Stewards who reported volunteer hours this year
- Tour of Hydricosmic Litanies exhibit following the program (7:30pm)
- Time to explore the Walker Art Center (open until 9pm)
- Cash bar
Our Keynote Speaker
Andrea Jenkins is an acclaimed poet, performance artist, writer, and former Minneapolis City Council member who served as City Council President from 2022 to 2024. Her work explores themes of race, gender identity, equity, history, and community, blending personal narrative with cultural and civic reflection. Jenkins made history as the first Black openly transgender woman elected to public office in the United States.
She is the author of multiple poetry collections, including Tributaries: Poems Exploring Black History and The T Is Not Silent, and curated the Transgender Oral History Project at the University of Minnesota. Commissioned by the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization, River Songs: The Wonderment of This Tributary continues her exploration of place, identity, and the enduring relationship between people and the landscapes they call home.
Thank you to our event partners
Virtual Confluence Event Tuesday, October 20
Join us for a virtual Confluence celebration Tuesday evening! Whether you live outside the metro, are busy during the in-person event, or simply want another chance to share about your Action Step and celebrate water, all are welcome! This virtual event will feature guest speakers, a lightning round of Action Steps, and the certification of this year's Steward cohort. Grab a beverage and snack and log on for an evening of water appreciation. We look forward to celebrating together!
Tuesday, October 20, 6:00-7:00 pm
Zoom link sent upon registration
Register for virtual event:
