We had an incredible time welcoming you to Spark-Y’s Open House!
The energy, curiosity, and conversations made the day unforgettable — and the photo highlights say it all.
Here’s a peek at what our amazing teams have been up to:
🌳 Forestry
Hands-on tree planting, watering, and maintenance in Hennepin County
Training with ISA-certified arborists Chad & Rachel Giblin of Trees & Me
Career guidance and mentorship to launch futures in tree care & arboriculture
Nature-focused field trips, from tree nurseries to local reserves
🌿 Sustainable Landscapes
Removing invasive species and planting native species across Minneapolis
Caring for boulevards and roundabouts — from mulching to watering
Learning excursions to the MN Arboretum & a water treatment plant
Supported by grants from BWSR, AGRI, and MWMO
🐟 Sustainability Internship & Education
Urban Ag Lab aquaponics: planting seeds, testing water, feeding fish, harvesting produce
Hands-on environmental education: pollinators, rain gardens, germination, water cycle
STEAM creativity: 3D-printed pollinators, DIY rain gauges, “Build Your Own” aquaponics kits
Professional development & Blackboard learning to grow future leaders
🏫 Sustainable Education & HQ Upgrades
Designing hands-on high school CTE curriculum for MPS students
Piloting Spark-Y Certification: Sustainable Food Systems
Building an outdoor classroom at Prairie Seeds Academy
Revitalizing Spark-Y HQ: new Learning Kitchen & refreshed spaces
Writing grants to keep growing our mission
💡 Guests could also explore 4 hands-on stations:
spark-y.org/kitchen | spark-y.org/aquatic | spark-y.org/markerspace | spark-y.org/timberframe-aquaponics
From all of us at Spark-Y — thank you for showing up, asking great questions, and celebrating hands-on sustainability with us. Let’s keep building a greener, more resilient future together. 🌱