Updates and Articles

How we choose sites to protect and restore
September 1, 2022
Our Land Conservation program has protected and restored more than three dozen sites near the metro Mississippi River. Here's how we decide where to focus our efforts. Read more
View of river through prairie in autumn
ESI guest post: PFAS in Minnesota and impacts on east metro drinking water
August 31, 2022
This is a guest post from 2022 Environmental Stewardship Institute (ESI) fellow Alecia Jendro who researched the history of 3M's PFAS disposal in the East Metro, the resulting health and environmental impacts, and what's being done about it now. Read more
Making clean-water crops a reality on the landscape
August 30, 2022
These emerging crops can help heal the river while also supporting farmers and rural communities. Read more
A side-by-side showing a field of green Kernza on the left, and a bare, brown field of soybeans on the right. Both photos were taken on the same day.
Goldenrod or ragweed: Which causes allergies and which benefits pollinators?
August 29, 2022
Don't blame the wrong plant for that runny nose and itchy eyes. Read more
A close-up of a goldenrod plant in bloom.
ESI guest post: The nitrogen cycle and how it affects different organisms
August 25, 2022
This is a guest post from 2022 Environmental Stewardship Institute (ESI) fellow Spencer who created a video exploring the nitrogen cycle and the health of aquariums and how that compares to the Mississippi River. Read more
Spencer
What do you dream for the river?
by John Briel
August 19, 2022

The theme for our fall gala this year is The River Dreams. Get a preview of our speakers and their dreams for the river, then tell us yours!  >>

Read more
The River Dreams, speakers, and river images
ESI guest post: Agriculture and the Upper Mississippi
August 19, 2022
This is a guest post from 2022 Environmental Stewardship Institute (ESI) fellows Joseph and Peter who researched the impact of agriculture on water quality and what we can do about pollution from excess fertilizers. Read more
ESI guest post: What is the Upper Harbor Terminal Project?
August 19, 2022
This is a guest post from 2022 Environmental Stewardship Institute (ESI) fellow Lucy Keenan who created an infographic explaining the redevelopment project at North Minneapolis's Upper Harbor Terminal. Read more
Video: Top 8 runoff pollutants in our metro waterways
August 18, 2022
Read more
2022 Gulf dead zone smaller than last year, would still cover entire Twin Cities metro
by Shaymus McLaughlin
August 16, 2022
The life-smothering "dead zone" in the Gulf of Mexico is smaller than scientists had forecast earlier in 2022, but remains significantly large. Read more
A white fishing boat along the shore of the Mississippi River in Louisiana.The water and sky are both a dark blue.

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Upcoming Events

Pledge to Pull invasive plants at St. Paul Park's Riverside Park [FULL]
Tuesday, May 13, 2025 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Riverside Park, St. Paul Park
Pull garlic mustard at the river gorge sand flats [FULL]
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Mississippi River Gorge sand flats, Minneapolis
Partner concert: 'A Celebration of the Mississippi River'
Thursday, May 15, 2025 - 7:30pm
DeLaSalle High School, near Nicollet Island, Minneapolis

See all Upcoming Events

Our River Campaign:
It all starts here

At the heart of this new campaign is the vision of a healthy Mississippi River.

Support the Our River Campaign