Updates and Articles

River Guardians' impact in 2021

Watch the thank-you video we recorded (complete with outtakes at the end) to celebrate the successes of our River Guardians. These advocates took action in 2021 to champion a federal funding program to protect the Mississippi, advocate for more parkland in Cottage Grove and protect Minneapolis' drinking water.  >>

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Thank you, 2021 river stewards!

We are so grateful to our amazing 2021 volunteers! See our video highlights and read more about the positive impact you had on the river this year.  >>

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Thank you, 2021 youth river stewards!

In 2021, more than 500 youth stenciled storm drains with water quality messages, conducted scientific surveys of pollinators and worms at our project sites, and helped restore land through invasive species removal.  >>

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Dam removal brings "river giants" back to Minnesota waterways

A recent Star Tribune article celebrated the return of paddlefish, sturgeon and other river species as a result of dam removal projects across the state. Could this kind of restoration be possible for the metro Mississippi?  >>

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Climate change, climate justice and FMR's Land Conservation program

Land protection and restoration for ecological diversity can keep urban areas cooler and more resilient in the face of climate change. Learn more about how our Land Conservation program fights climate change and its impacts.  >>

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Endangered species found at Maplewood sites under development consideration
When we learned that Ramsey County was considering developing open space that we believe provides essential habitat, FMR requested a natural resources inventory. The report confirms: Endangered and rare birds depend on this grassland. Read more
Thank you, Urban Bird Collective!

In a recent article, the founder of the Urban Bird Collective, Monica Bryand, talks about why she's "building a more diverse, inclusive birding community," and our own Stewardship and Education Director Laura Mann Hill reflects on the power of BIPOC events.

Shout out to the collective for signing on to support the MRRRI Act, too!  >>

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A short field guide to metro wildlife

Whether it's the return of grassland birds to a once-homogenous cropland we've restored to prairie, or the adaptive behaviors of urban foxes and coyotes, the well-being of Minnesota's wildlife can serve as a window into our ecosystems as we strive to be better stewards of the land. Get to know a few of the critters who find habitat in FMR restoration sites.  >>

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Lilydale considers new blufftop development

A challenging property on Lilydale's river bluffs is the site of a new redevelopment proposal under consideration. Our concern: Will the building disrupt the river's scenery?  >>

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Upper Harbor Terminal redevelopment plan faces first lawsuit

The Minneapolis City Council recently approved the controversial Upper Harbor Terminal redevelopment plan for the North Minneapolis riverfront. Community members have filed a lawsuit alleging that the project's environmental review was inadequate (and we agree).  >>

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Upcoming Events

Wednesday, June 4, 2025 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Camel's Hump Park and Open Space, Cottage Grove
Thursday, June 5, 2025 - 9:00am to 12:00pm
Southwest Park Ponding Basin, Hastings
Saturday, June 7, 2025 - 9:00am to 11:00am
William H. Houlton Conservation Area, Elk River

Our River Campaign:
It all starts here

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