Updates and Articles

Thank you for joining us at Art for the River!
December 2, 2025
Over 100 guests joined us for the opening reception of Our River: Mississippi Muse at the F-O-K Studio’s third-floor gallery. This is FMR's first juried art exhibition, featuring 18 river-inspired pieces. Read more
Two attendees look at artwork
Winter tips: How to safely salt your sidewalk and protect the river
December 1, 2025
Minnesota uses a lot of road and sidewalk salt, and our waters are paying the price. Check out our winter maintenance and salting tips, and sign our petition to support smart salting measures. Read more
A pile of deicing salt piled along a sidewalk in winter.
FMR volunteer monarch monitoring results show restoration successes
November 17, 2025
Monarchs have migrated south, and our Pollinator Evaluation Program volunteers have wrapped up their first season of monitoring. Here's what they found. Read more
Monarch on thistle
Keeping the river front of mind in Minnesota's climate change plan
November 11, 2025
We’ve already seen improvements to the state's climate change plan as a direct result of our feedback, setting up stronger river protections for the years ahead. Read more
A view from above of the Upper Mississippi National Wildlife and Fish Refuge
Where we work: Harmon Park Reserve and Salem Hills Park
November 10, 2025
Four miles of trails wind through this pair of Inver Grove Heights parks that feature cropland turned prairie, acres of restored savanna, towering oak, maple and basswood trees and a pond that draws wildlife to its waters. Read more
Aerial view of trail, water, forest
3 paddling routes to try, inspired by our 'Paddle, restore and learn' series
November 6, 2025
A trio of free FMR events combined paddling with education and restoration. From a primer on clean-water crops in a former soybean field-turned prairie to a fishing intro on an oxbow lake in Hastings, these outings weren't typical volunteer events. Read more
Kayaker volunteers with paddles on the river shore
Cottage Grove allows riverbed mine proposal to advance
November 6, 2025
The Cottage Grove City Council recently approved the environmental review for a riverbed mine next to Lower Grey Cloud Island. FMR and many others still believe that this mine would have major negative impacts — and it might not be legal. Read more
Mississippi River as seen from Pine Bend Bluffs
Agencies and community members push back against river mining proposal in Cottage Grove
November 6, 2025
A mining company wants to dig for materials beneath the Mississippi River in Cottage Grove. WCCO interviewed FMR's Colleen O'Connor Toberman about pushback from neighbors and government agencies. Read more
Tell Minnesota: Include river-friendly transportation and farming in the new climate plan
October 31, 2025
The current draft isn't bad, some improvements would help ensure clean water for all communities. Read more
Floodwaters encroach on buildings and paths at St. Paul's Harriet Island.
FMR convenes town halls for St. Paul city leaders and advocates
October 24, 2025
St. Paul residents showed up for the river and had a chance to speak directly with city leaders about riverfront priorities. Read more
Town Hall crowd with Mayor Carter

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Upcoming Events

Winter Salt Awareness Week: Sign the petition or attend a webinar
Monday-Friday, January 26-30, 2026
Online
Brush haul and bonfire at Rosemount Preserve and North 20 Brewing, Rosemount [WAITLIST]
Saturday, January 31, 2026 - 10:00am to 12:00pm
Rosemount Wildlife Preserve and North 20 Brewing, Rosemount
Show Some Love for the River
Saturday, February 7, 2026 - 10:00am to 12:00pm
FMR's office, near Harriet Island in St. Paul

See all Upcoming Events