Climate Peeps Summer Celebration: Cedar Lake Flotilla
The idea is really quite simple:
Planet-loving humans +
Floating in Cedar Lake +
Celebrating summer, water, and being alive =
Novel conversations, connections and mems
But, why?
Because we're feeling inspired to try novel, slightly weird, memorable ways of being in community, building trust, and making meaning together
Because nothing beats being outside + immersed in water + with cool people who share your values
Because the sensation of being fully alive is precious and worth cultivating
Because you never know what new friendships you'll spark when staring at the clouds
How It Works
Pack up. Water, hat, snacks, dranks, floaty of choice. Whatever you need to be comfy.
Show up. Bike is best — there are racks on Cedar Lake Point beach. Bus routes nearby. Parking in the paid lot (usually fills up on nice weekends) and in the nearby neighborhoods.
Float out. Starting at 11am we'll be floating.
Hang out. Connect, talk, laugh, play eye-spy, get your last doses of melanin-producing light, or just stare at the sky.
Q&A
What's a flotilla? In this context, a bunch of floaty vessels all lashed together (via hands or ropes) floating as one island.
Do I need to bring my own flotilla device? Yes! You'll need to secure your own water hammock, SUP, canoe, life jacket, arm floaties — whatever you prefer to float with.
What about rain or unseasonably chilly weather? We'll send an update the day before.
I've never been to one of TC3's events — should I go to this one? That is, unfortunately, not a question we can answer for you. It all depends on what you're comfy with!
What is this group and how did it get started? According to our founding legend (it is actually legend!), around 2023 the wonderful Laurie McGinley started a regular meetup after being inspired by Matt Schmitt’s initial meetups. We’ve been meeting at least monthly ever since.
What is this event like? As for all our events, relaxed, dispersed conversation. We love talking about what we’re working on, what we’re learning, what excites us locally, what challenges us emotionally. We share how we’re electrifying our homes, recent policy news. Job seekers share resources and cheer each other on.
Who is welcome at this event? Anyone with a deep love for our home planet — and a commitment to restoring ecosystem, planetary, and human health.
We each have a deeply personal reason for doing this work — whether becoming a parent, watching winter disappear, or someone we love is struck with climate anxiety. This unspoken reason weaves us together in unspoken but important ways.
Students, job seekers, transplants, lifelong Minnesotans, industry practitioners in transition are all welcome.
No matter how you identify, where you're from, how you dress, whether you know acronyms like MPCA (Minnesota Pollution Control Agency 😉), what disabilities you have — you are explicitly invited and welcome. We would love to have you.
Who are the hosts? What is Twin Cities Climate Collaborative? TC3 is a grassroots team seeking to celebrate, educate, and connect about all the incredible humans, resources, and organizations building an regenerative, decarbonize, equitable future in Minneapolis. Learn more about our work here.