30 ways you can help the river
As our river and our community face enormous challenges — habitat loss, water pollution and constant development pressure — individual actions can seem like just a drop in the bucket. But a different water metaphor is apt here instead.
At the headwaters of the Mississippi, Lake Itasca spills into a slight creek you can hop across on stones. The river’s might amasses over miles as more and more streams join and contribute their waters.
Through this gathering, the river gains its power. Just like the river, we have the power to make positive changes for our water and our communities when we come together.
5 ways you can protect habitat and wildlife
- Garden for pollinators
- Make your windows bird-safe
- Be a mindful dog owner
- Become a community scientist
- Steward the places you love
5 ways you can reduce lesser-known water pollutants
- Avoid contributing to microplastic pollution
- Eat clean-water crops
- Adopt your street's storm drain
- Don't flush pills
- Use a car wash
5 ways you can educate yourself and your community about the river
- Learn about the Dakota and Indigenous history and presence here
- Stencil storm drains with a clean-water reminder
- Encourage pride in our national park
- Get involved in community or state decision-making
- Visit and explore the river together
5 ways you can improve water quality from home
- Plant native plants
- Reduce fertilizer use and leave the leaves
- Rig up a rain barrel
- Prevent runoff
- Use less deicing salt this winter
5 ways you can care for the river while enjoying it
- Know the guidelines before you explore new parks and places
- Respect the plants and animals around you
- Stop the spread of invasive species
- Pick up litter as you go
- Get the lead out of shot and tackle
5 ways you can join FMR to help the river
- Volunteer
- Become a member
- Learn
- Advocate as a River Guardian
- Connect with us! Follow, like, share and subscribe