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 has been working intensely to re-establish a tight-night well networked neighborhood of residents who know and care for one another. The neighborhood’s community gardens are a key part of that work — as a gathering space to commune, celebrate and work together. 

 and MPR, Folwell neighborhood association leaders are expanding their relationship-building work to include the Mississippi River. 

The Folwell neighborhood is separated from the Mississippi river by an interstate highway and a sprawling industrial site. On the evening of Thursday, Aug. 22, an event was held in 

 — an outdoor community garden within the neighborhood. The gathering, titled Let the Water Speak, was dedicated to telling stories of the water and raising consciousness of the river in the lives of the people who live closest to it.

Community members, including poets and storytellers, shared their stories and art — singing songs and playing instruments throughout the evening.

You can read more about Let the Water Speak in 

 about the event by Danielle Tietjen for her online project 

Watch scenes from the event in these videos created by 

Environmental News

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Social Issues

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Outside in MN

Melissa Townsend

Author

The Folwell neighborhood is separated from the Mississippi River by an interstate highway and a sprawling industrial site. On the evening of Aug. 22, an event was held in “The Story Garden,” dedicated to sharing stories and raising consciousness of the river among the people who live near its banks.

The Folwell neighborhood is separated from the Mississippi River by an interstate highway and a sprawling industrial site. On the evening of Aug. 22, an event was held in "The Story Garden," dedicated to sharing stories and raising consciousness of the river among the people who live near its banks.

'Let the Water Speak': Sharing stories, building relationships in the Folwell neighborhood

A man on a stage with a microphone speaks to a crowd

'Let the Water Speak': Sharing stories, building relationships in the Folwell neighborhood

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