Updates and Articles

The ESI Youth Advisory Council's first year

by Naomi Nickel

April 13, 2022

The most recent expansion of our Environmental Stewardship Institute (ESI) is a youth-led council that explores pathways to environmental leadership at FMR and in the larger Twin Cities community through the school year. Here's what the 2022-2023 founding members have been up to, including their first public event earlier this month. >>

Will Minnesota get the lead out this session?

by Trevor Russell

April 12, 2022

Numerous bills addressing lead pollution and lead in drinking water are moving forward at the Legislature this session. Here's how Minnesota could get the lead out of schools, drinking water pipes and more. >>

Take action: It's time to renew lottery money for the environment [CLOSED]

by Trevor Russell

April 11, 2022

Since 1991, lottery money for the environment has provided approximately $875 million to nearly 1,800 projects around the state. But nothing lasts forever. Act now to keep the dedication of lottery proceeds to environmental projects from expiring. >>

St. Paul riverfront roundup: Five projects to watch

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

April 11, 2022

St. Paul has a lot of projects in the works along its 26 miles of Mississippi River shoreline. Check out the plans for new visitor and cultural centers, recreational improvements and more that will celebrate and improve St. Paul's connection to the river. >>

Justice for Amir Locke

April 7, 2022

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The recent decision not to charge the Minneapolis police officer who killed Amir Locke underscores the need for systemic change and legislative action. Here's one thing you can do. >>

Clean-water crop measures move forward at the Legislature

by Peter LaFontaine

April 7, 2022

This year, both the House and the Senate have put forward measures regarding FMR's top legislative priority: clean-water crops. Though the proposed funding levels are pretty different, here's why we're still hopeful. >>

How can we reduce buckthorn and preserve native plants? The results are in!

by Karen Schik

March 25, 2022

In 2018, we started a three-year research project at Hampton Woods Wildlife Management Area to find out which methods of buckthorn control best protect and encourage native plants. And now the results are in! >>

Action alert: Oppose bills that would undermine aquifers and the MN Environmental Rights Act

by Trevor Russell

March 14, 2022

A pair of bills have been introduced in the Legislature that could undermine local aquifer levels and undercut one of Minnesota’s bedrock environmental laws: the Minnesota Environmental Rights Act. >>

Meet five new FMR restoration sites

March 13, 2022

Our ecologists actively restore and maintain habitat at more than 30 sites across the metro region. But we're always looking for additional projects that can support wildlife, protect our water and increase climate resilience. In 2021, we added five new restoration projects totaling 273 acres to our restoration portfolio. >>

Bipartisan momentum builds for clean-water crops

by Peter LaFontaine

March 11, 2022

Two bills proposing investments in clean-water crops are already making their way through important committees at the Legislature with support from both sides of the aisle. >>