Updates and Articles

St. Paul continues to dodge new riverfront development rules

September 25, 2023

St. Paul's promising ordinance has been stalled for months, with no explanation from city leaders. Read more

The downtown St. Paul skyline stretches across the top of the frame, with the river and residential housing in the foreground.

Now available: FMR's enhanced Cultural Landscapes lesson

September 20, 2023

Our education program teaches hundreds of youth yearly about watersheds, pollution, ecosystems and more. Recently, we updated our cultural connections curriculum to be more engaging, inclusive and user-friendly for educators. Read more

Advisory council listens to a speaker about their cultural river connection

Rave reviews for locally made Kernza goods, even amid market growing pains

September 14, 2023

It takes more than a tasty product to create a market. Learn about how growers, businesses and consumers can work together to support clean-water crops like Kernza. Read more

A recently baked cinnamon apple Kernza muffin is split apart on a plate. A mug can be seen on the table just behind it.

Reflections on the recent youth & climate change ruling

September 14, 2023

A landmark decision for the first constitutional climate trial in the U.S. is about more than climate change. It's about considering the full impact of our actions today, and the power youth have to fight climate change in the courts — and win. Read more

Two young people hold a sign in the river gorge that reads "Protect our future"

Is Minnesota doing enough to protect our drinking water?

by Trevor Russell

September 13, 2023

A recent headline in the Star Tribune said it all: 'Little action so far on plan to enlist farmers to clean up polluted groundwater in Minnesota.' How did we get here? And what do we do about it? Read more

Person holds a mason jar of clear water in a field of Kernza

Senior Ecologist Karen Schik retires after 23 years with FMR

September 7, 2023

FMR's senior ecologist Karen Schik's hard work helped protect and restore thousands of acres of important river habitat while strengthening community connections. Thank you, Karen! Read more

Karen Schik, smiling for the camera in front of the Mississippi River.

Is the Minneapolis 2040 plan good for the environment? Yes.

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

September 6, 2023

The plan's many environmental policies, including denser housing, are crucial responses to climate change. Here's why. Read more

The Minneapolis skyline, reflective against the orange evening sky with the Mississippi River in the foreground.

ESI guest post: Environmental Racism in the Twin Cities: Pathways to Justice

September 1, 2023

ESI assistant Riya created an interactive website to showcase youth voices and other perspectives on the past, present and future of environmental injustice in the Twin Cities. Read more

Is your SAF sustainable?

September 1, 2023

For any Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to legitimately earn its moniker, reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from flights cannot come at the expense of clean water and healthy habitat. Read more

An illustration of an plane flying over a river and camelina fields.

Latest storm drain mural gives clear message: just water, no waste

August 29, 2023

Our 2023 mural for water quality celebrates the metro river with vibrant color and a clear message. Visit the new mural at the scenic overlook along the Mississippi River Gorge in St. Paul's Highland Park neighborhood. Read more