Updates and Articles

Thank you, 2020 River Stewards!

by Sophie Downey

December 8, 2020

In 2020, volunteers of all ages got their hands dirty with FMR at community volunteer events. Together more than 700 individuals gave a combined 2,674 hours of service to help protect, enhance and restore the health of the river and our local communities despite COVID-19. We're so grateful to our amazing River Stewards! >>

Our 2021 legislative priorities

by Trevor Russell

December 7, 2020

With elections in the books and a revised state budget forecast, it’s time for us to look ahead to the 2021 legislative session in Minnesota. Here’s what's in store for the river and our environment, and how you can get involved as a River Guardian. >>

Which words work?

December 6, 2020

FMR has long worked for solutions to the Mississippi's agricultural pollution problem. But a common lexicon is yet to develop in this emerging arena. As an FMR member, we'd love to know what words work for you. >>

Nitrate fertilizer: Expensive, not just deadly

by Peter LaFontaine

December 4, 2020

Pollution from nitrate fertilizers causes severe health problems — for the river and for people — that cost us dearly, as detailed in a new report focused on Wisconsin water supplies. >>

Traveling murals call for a better Upper Harbor Terminal development

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

December 1, 2020

Three large murals have been traveling around North Minneapolis yards this fall to raise awareness of the Upper Harbor Terminal redevelopment project. Lead artist and community organizer Sebastian Rivera recently shared his concerns about the proposed development and his hope for a better UHT. >>

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. >>