Produced for FMR by award-winning local filmmaker John Kaul and narrated by Minnesota Public Radio’s Steve Seel, this 30-minute documentary tells the story of how one man’s vision — combined with smart citizen advocacy and effective political leadership — created the Mississippi River’s first and only national park right here in the Twin Cities. This designation, championed at the federal level by Sen. David Durenberger and Rep. Bruce Vento, sparked the local river renaissance we enjoy today — a river that is thriving with fish and bald eagles, a river increasingly connected to our communities via parks and trails, a river seen as an asset instead of a convenient dumping ground.

As we face new challenges like agricultural pollution, development pressure and habitat degradation, this story also reminds us of the powerful, long-term impact citizen-based stewardship and advocacy can have on the natural wonders we love.

Learn the full story in “Rebirth: The Mississippi’s National Park,” airing on TPT-MN Thursday, June 29, at 9 a.m., 3 p.m. or 9 p.m. (also at 3 a.m. for the night owls). 

Be sure to check the channel guide to find out the channel number with your provider. Or watch now at FMR.org/rebirth or via the PBS Anywhere app.