Updates and Articles

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

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! >>

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

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.

How the Inflation Reduction Act could impact the Mississippi River

August 14, 2022

By now, you've seen the headlines: A stunning compromise on the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 will invest nearly $370 billion in new spending on climate change and energy security programs over the next 10 years. What does this mean for the river? Read more

How heat waves fuel toxic algae blooms in Minnesota waters

by Shaymus McLaughlin

August 12, 2022

Harmful blue-green algae blooms can shut down popular beaches, sicken animals and negatively impact water quality. >>

'Very excited about the prospects for this': Clean-water crops take center stage

by Shaymus McLaughlin

August 11, 2022

A bipartisan group of state lawmakers, agriculture officials and business partners gets a firsthand look at the development of continuous living cover crops.

A bipartisan group of state lawmakers, agriculture officials and business partners gets a firsthand look at the development of continuous living cover crops. >>