Updates and Articles

Thank you, 2021 youth river stewards!

by Ashley O'Neill Prado

December 7, 2021

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. >>

Dam removal brings "river giants" back to Minnesota waterways

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

December 6, 2021

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? >>

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

by Alex Roth

December 1, 2021

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. >>

Endangered species found at Maplewood sites under development consideration

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

November 18, 2021

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!

November 16, 2021

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! >>

A short field guide to metro wildlife

by Casey Ek

November 12, 2021

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. >>

Lilydale considers new blufftop development

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

November 11, 2021

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? >>

Upper Harbor Terminal redevelopment plan faces first lawsuit

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

November 9, 2021

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). >>

Thank you, 2021 storm drain stenciling volunteers!

by Ashley O'Neill Prado

November 8, 2021

Thanks to hundreds of volunteers, we exceeded our storm drain stenciling goals for 2021 despite our second season of COVID-19. Together, neighbors, classrooms, sports teams, girl scouts, churches and local businesses stenciled 1,615 storm drains in the Twin Cities and shared 2,529 flyers with community members to spread the word about why it's so important to keep our storm drains clean. >>

Can we make Minnesota's drinking water lead-free?

by Trevor Russell

November 2, 2021

Everyone deserves clean, safe drinking water. Unfortunately, though lead was banned for plumbing in 1986, existing lead pipes remain a threat in Minnesota. FMR is working with our partners to advance three emerging opportunities to fund lead service line replacement. >>