Updates and Articles

New riverfront memorial offers healing, calls for justice

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

November 15, 2020

A new Memorial to Survivors of Sexual Violence, the nation's first, stands near the Mississippi River in Boom Island Park. Project leaders told us that the public location offers healing and recognition to victim-survivors while calling all of us to seek justice and create a better future. >>

Action Alert: Minneapolis needs bird-safe riverfront buildings! [CLOSED]

November 12, 2020

Minneapolis is about to adopt a new Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area ordinance to guide riverfront development for years to come. With your help, we can add a requirement for bird-safe buildings along the river's crucial migratory flyway >>.

Indian Mounds Regional Park: Restored land in a sacred place

by Alex Roth

November 10, 2020

It's hard to overstate the importance of Indian Mounds Regional Park. Situated atop the bluff just east of downtown St. Paul, the park harbors a wealth of cultural, historical and ecological significance. The park is also unique in that it's where three of FMR’s programs — land conservation, stewardship and youth engagement — converge. >>

What the 2020 election results mean for the Mississippi River

by Trevor Russell

November 10, 2020

How will our recent elections impact the Mississippi River? Here's our preliminary take. >>

Democracy prevails in the great FMR Kernza bake-off!

by Peter LaFontaine

November 6, 2020

The votes are in! Get tips and recipes from our star baker and from our guest judge, award-winning chef Beth Dooley. Find out who won. >>

Thank you, youth river stewards!

by Ashley O'Neill Prado

November 3, 2020

Despite COVID-19, we engaged hundreds of youth as active stewards and students of the river in 2020. >>

Four youth volunteers stand in a wooded area holding a large buckthorn branch.

How water gets from our river to the tap (and back)

by Peter LaFontaine

November 2, 2020

Do you know where your drinking water comes from? And what happens when you flush your toilet? We've plumbed the depths for the best podcasts and articles that can answer all your questions on public water systems in the Twin Cities. >>

Climate change means crops won't grow like they used to

by Peter LaFontaine

November 1, 2020

A new study projects 30% reduction in profits for farmers in 50 years due to flooding, drought, rising temps and other impacts of climate change. Fortunately, cover crops, perennial grains and other innovations can weather climate change *and* reduce agricultural runoff for our river. >>

Minnesota approves historic bonding bill

by Trevor Russell

October 16, 2020

On October 15, the Minnesota Legislature achieved a breakthrough for the state’s economy and public health with the passage of a $1.8 billion bonding bill that includes more than $302 million for water infrastructure supported by FMR as part of the Fix the Pipes MN alliance. Sadly, it also includes a project we strongly oppose: the Upper Harbor Terminal concert venue in Minneapolis. >>

FMR welcomes new program leader Laura Mann Hill

by Whitney Clark

October 14, 2020

Passionate about connecting people with the river and each other, Laura is a natural fit here at FMR. An educator, artist and activist, she'll work with our stewardship and education staff to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders. >>