Black Business Network National Night Out 2026

8/04/2026

Volunteers from the Garden Education Volunteer Program and Ramsey Washington Metro Watershed District prepare for a National Night Out

On August 4, Ramsey County Garden Education Volunteers partnered with Ramsey Washington Metro Watershed District (RWMWD) staff to participate in the Black Business Network’s National Night Out event on St. Paul’s East Side. The event was a unique volunteer opportunity, a fun time, and a great example of how community organizations partnering together can benefit all involved.

The Black Business Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to strengthening Black-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals in Minnesota through connection, education, advocacy, resources, and sustainable economic development. It is especially active on the East Side. BBN contacted our organization to ask if we were interested in participating in the National Night Out event. Over 1000 adults and 100 youth were expected. As such, it presented a unique opportunity to engage with a significant part of our community and one that we do not often interact with. As such, we contacted RWMWD and they agreed to partner with us in the event.

Volunteer Judie G helps a booth visitor prepare a pot for a new plant

As it turned out, under the leadership of Communications Specialist Carrie Magnuson, the RWMWD did the lions share of the work in preparing for and coordinating the event plus picked up all costs. Working with RGEV Simba Blood and Sean Uslabar of the Ramsey County Correctional Facility, over 300 Coneflower and Black-Eyed Susan seedlings were provided to be potted at the event as take-home native flowers. With the help of RGEV members, Simba collected pots for the event and Carrie then primed and painted them in different colors to allow participants to personalize their chosen pot with markers and stickers. This step really added to the fun of the event.

The day of the event was beautiful and festive. In addition to the variety of vendors, there was a youth trapeze performance, native dancers, and a wide choice of food options. We had three stations adjacent to each other: one for decorating the pots, one for planting, and one for sharing information about our organizations. Ramsey County Garden Education Volunteers Tara C, Judie G, Signe N, Ed S, and Rob W plus four staff members from RWMWD joined in the fun. In total, we planted with 130 adults and youth. There was plenty of time to discuss native plants, share what our organizations do, or just to get to know the community members participating. It was not uncommon for planters to return with friends later after enlisting them to plant as well or to see kids planting with a parent.

We very much look forward to being asked to participate again next year. Keep an eye out for this volunteer opportunity in 2027!

Story Shared by

Ed S

Youth Activities Project Co-lead

RGEV volunteer