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The River Connects: An Evening Celebrating the Mississippi River

The River Connects: An Evening Celebrating the River

Registration is now open for An Evening Celebrating the Mississippi River, Thursday, October 3, 2019. This year’s event celebrates the myriad ways the river serves as a conduit for community, migration, inspiration and so much more. 

We'll welcome Jearlyn Steele back to the stage as emcee and keynote speaker Nick Spitzer, host of the public radio show American Routes, will take us from the headwaters south to the mouth of the river through music and storytelling. Learn more and reserve your seat today. >>

August 2019

Locks and dam meetings draw a crowd

The Army Corps of Engineers is currently considering options to repurpose or maintain the Upper St. Anthony lock. A second part of this same study, beginning next year, will look at removing Lower St. Anthony Falls and the Ford dam. Over 100 people went to the first public input meetings about this study, including us. Missed them? Learn what we learned and weigh in with written comments by October 20.  >>  

By Irene Jones
September 2019

MPR: UN study says don’t worry about microplastics in drinking water – much

Minnesota Public Radio recently highlighted a World Health Organization study on microplastics in drinking water. The conclusion: “…levels of microplastics in drinking water don't appear to be risky, but that research has been spotty and more is needed into their effects on the environment and health.”  >>
 

By Trevor Russell
September 2019

FMR's ecologists investigate how to suppress buckthorn

As anyone who's joined FMR at a restoration volunteer event knows, buckthorn is particularly difficult to eradicate. This invasive plant often thwarts restoration efforts by returning to sites where it's been pulled and hauled away. What if we could find a way to suppress its regrowth?  >>

By Betsy Daub
September 2019

FMR presents an evening with American Routes' Nick Spitzer and WCCO's Jearlyn Steele

An Evening Celebrating the Mississippi River featuring Nick Spitzer and Jearlyn Steel

Get ready for a journey downriver connecting music and culture of the Mississippi from the headwaters to the mouth. Register for An Evening Celebrating the Mississippi River by September 23!

An Evening Celebrating the Mississippi River on October 3 will feature public radio’s producer of "American Routes" Nick Spitzer who will take us on a journey from the headwaters down south to the mouth through music and storytelling. WCCO's Jearlyn Steele returns to the stage as our emcee.  >>

By John Czyscon
September 2019

"Workhorse" Minnesota River needs our help

The Star Tribune recently highlighted the state's $360 million plan to turn things around for the Minnesota River and cut the river's sediment levels in half. Will it be enough?  >>

By Peter LaFontaine
September 2019

Sitka Salmon Giveback Campaign: $25 for you and $50 for the river

Fishing for seafood off the coast of Alaska in the North Pacific

This fall, Sitka Salmon Shares is giving back to the Big River to show its support for clean water and healthy fish. When you order a 2019 or 2020 seafood share, you will too!  >>

September 2019

Can we just talk about this UHT concert stadium?

A conceptual drawing of a large multistory concert stadium next to the site's industrial structures and the Mississippi River.

Minneapolis city leaders are proceeding as if the concert stadium at Upper Harbor Terminal is a done deal, but it's not. Rather than debating venue names, we need to discuss public subsidies, living-wage jobs, and how the community will benefit from this or any development at this important mile-long riverfront site. >>

By Colleen O'Connor Toberman
August 2019

Ecological restoration: A practice in patience

In the world of ecological restoration, changes don't happen overnight. And sometimes, to create a thriving and diverse habitat for wildlife and for water quality, things get a little messier (or even uglier) before they get better. Take the long view with us and check out these before, during and after photos of a few of our restoration projects. >>

By Alex Roth
August 2019

State research offers fresh look at a troubled Minnesota River

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency recently released a series of reports, studies and plans addressing water contamination in the Minnesota River, the biggest tributary to the Mississippi in our state. It looks like the river is in need of some big changes if we're to meet our state's water quality goals. >>

By Trevor Russell
August 2019

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