Updates and Articles

Proposed federal river initiative in the news from headwaters to the gulf
May 16, 2022

As the story of the Mississippi as one of "America's Most Endangered Rivers" spread, dozens of journalists shined a spotlight on a potential solution: a proposed federal program to fund Mississippi River restoration and resilience projects from the headwaters to the gulf. >>

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New York Times spotlights U of M's clean-water crops
by Shaymus McLaughlin
May 10, 2022

The New York Times, as part of its series on "Visionaries" across the country, wrote about the University of Minnesota’s Dr. Donald Wyse and his leading work to develop new, commercially viable clean-water crops.  >>

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A person's boots standing in the middle of green crops.
Meet our new staff!
May 6, 2022

Thanks to our supporters and funders, we've expanded! We're excited to introduce five new staff members.  >>

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FMR staff photo by the river
FMR welcomes Dr. Kate Knuth and Aubre Parsons to our board of directors
May 6, 2022

We're thrilled to welcome two new members to our board of directors this spring.  >>

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Dr. Kate Knuth and Aubre Parsons
Join us for lock and dam focus group tours
by Colleen O'Connor Toberman
May 1, 2022
Learn more about the big study that will consider the future of two locks and dams in the heart of the Twin Cities. Read more
A photo showing the river almost emptied to the river bottom as part of a draw down by the Army Corps.
What we accomplished together in 2021: FMR's annual report
May 1, 2022

Celebrate the impactful work you made possible in our 2021 digital annual report.  >>

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River gorge in fall
Where we work: Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary / Wakáŋ Tipi
April 29, 2022
Beside riverfront railroads and beneath blufftop Dakota burial mounds, this St. Paul natural area is a sacred place. We're partnering with Native-led Lower Phalen Creek Project to restore its habitat with culturally important practices and plants. Read more
Mississippi named one of the 'most endangered rivers' in the US
April 20, 2022

As covered by MPR News, WCCO and other media outlets, the Mississippi River made the list of "America’s Most Endangered Rivers" this week. But a proposed federal program — championed by Friends of the Mississippi River and many others — has the potential to turn that designation around.  >>

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Action Alert: Support our top state legislative priority, funding for clean-water crops [CLOSED]
April 19, 2022

FMR's top two priorities for the 2022 legislative session are each included in the wide-ranging agriculture omnibus packages. The Minnesota House and Senate will vote on these packages soon — please take a moment to send a quick message in support of these programs. >>

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Where we work: Ole Olson Park
April 15, 2022
This former railyard is now a restored prairie on the Mississippi River in North Minneapolis. Along with the pollinator demonstration garden, Ole Olson Park adds vital habitat to our urban corridor and a beautiful riverfront spot for residents. Read more

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Upcoming Events

Plant native shrubs and plants at the Dakota Conservation Area [WAITLIST]
Tuesday, September 29, 2026 - 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Along the Vermillion River, Hastings
Monitor monarchs with FMR's Pollinator Evaluation Program [FULL FOR 2026]
Apply now for spring through summer program
Sites in Elk River, Hastings or Inver Grove Heights
Lop sumac at Grey Cloud Dunes SNA
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 - 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area, Cottage Grove

See all Upcoming Events

Take Me to the River 

Celebrate the Mississippi River and choose your own adventure while supporting FMR at our reimagined fall fundraiser on Thursday, Sept. 24.

 

Claim your spot by Sept. 10.