Updates and Articles

Got scat? The next phase of the coyote and fox project

by Alex Roth

March 19, 2023

How are wild canids adapting to urban areas? FMR supporters have been helping researchers find out. Hear about how to get involved in two new community science initiatives with the Twin Cities Coyote and Fox Project. Read more

Coyote standing atop inactive railroad tracks.

How River Guardians helped us reach a clean-water crops milestone

March 15, 2023

The official launch of this market development grant program is the culmination of a yearlong effort. Read more

Two packets of food snacks made with clean-water crops sit on a table in the foreground. In the blurred background, you can make out warehouse shelves and individuals talking.

Farewell Sophie Downey!

March 8, 2023

After five years of service, FMR's outreach and volunteer coordinator Sophie Downey is moving on. Sophie's hard work brought thousands of metro residents to natural areas to help restore habitat and strengthen community connections. Yay, volunteers! Read more

Sophie Downey smiling for the camera while standing in front of the Mississippi River.

Where we work: Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area

February 16, 2023

A 220-acre protected riverfront stretch in Cottage Grove, Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area offers vast views of the river valley and is home to a rare dry prairie that supports an immense diversity of plants, birds and other wildlife. Read more

Volunteers walk up hill at Grey Cloud Dunes

A tribute to Dave Durenberger

January 26, 2023

Today, we lost a dear friend, not only to Friends of the Mississippi River but all of Minnesota: environmental and public health champion, David Durenberger. Read more

David Durenberger, in a suit and speaking behind a microphone at Water Action Day at the Minnesota Capitol rotunda in 2018.

St. Paul's new bird-safe, river-oriented development rules move ahead

January 26, 2023

We think the city's proposed Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area development guidelines are the best we've seen. Read more

Thanks to Hugh, our fall Land Conservation intern

January 11, 2023

Hugh supported bird and plant surveys, analyzed data, sorted native prairie seeds and helped lead volunteer stewardship events. We're grateful to him for his service! Read more

River Guardians' top questions, concerns about the future of the locks and dams

January 10, 2023

River Guardians submitted more than 170 comments about the future of the locks and dams. Here are the most frequent questions and topics. Read more

A kayaker paddles away from Lock and Dam 1 on a sunny June day in 2022.

5 key issues regarding the future of the locks and dams

January 9, 2023

Here are the big questions and concerns we asked the Army Corps to consider as it weighs the future of the locks and dams. Read more

A collection of kayakers, seen from far above, approaches Lock and Dam 1 on the Mississippi River during a June event.

The scoping comment period for two Twin Cities locks and dams is over. Now what?

January 6, 2023

Maybe you took a lock and dam tour with us this summer and weighed in on the future of two Minneapolis locks and dams this fall. What's next in the process? Read more