Updates and Articles

Winter oilseeds: Key to clean water and lower emissions

January 1, 2024

These clean-water crops, which stay in the soil through the winter, can benefit the river in numerous ways. Read more

Organic farmer Karen Torjesen holds a hand low to the ground, amidst a recently planted field of winter camelina in November, 2023.

Thank you to our 2023 volunteers and youth participants!

December 18, 2023

We're celebrating the accomplishments of our 1,889 volunteers and 1,081 youth participants this year! See some of our favorite photos and highlights. Read more

Volunteer and youth clean up, water plants and save seeds

River Guardians made a splash advocating for the river in 2023

December 8, 2023

River Guardians set records and advanced every single legislative priority in 2023. Thank you for your advocacy! Here's what we're looking forward to in 2024. Read more

River Guardians at 2023 post-legislative session celebration

Another invasive carp catch record for Minnesota's Mississippi River

December 4, 2023

The Minnesota DNR just announced its largest-ever invasive carp catch in Minnesota waters: a shocking 323 fish. Join us soon for community meetings in St. Paul, Red Wing, Winona and online to learn and discuss what our state should do next. Read more

Where we work: Applewood Preserve

November 28, 2023

An old pasture and orchard turned neighborhood preserve holds nearly 30 acres of oak forest, prairie and woodland pond for wildlife in Maplewood. Read more

EPA says state needs to clean up drinking water in SE Minnesota

November 15, 2023

In response to a petition we signed last spring, the federal agency is requiring Minnesota to address the public health crisis created by nitrate pollution. Read more

How we're filling in research gaps for the lock and dam study

November 13, 2023

FMR and our partners are bringing together researchers to dig into crucial questions that the official Army Corps lock and dam disposition study won't be able to answer. Here's what we're focusing on and why. Read more

Clean Transportation Standard: Lower emissions for MN’s transportation and ag sectors

November 10, 2023

To protect the Mississippi River from the worst of climate change, it’s imperative we find a way to significantly cut emissions from transportation and agriculture. Read more

An electric vehicle plugged in and charging. In the background, a person is walking toward the front door of their home.

A bad idea that won't go away: Diverting the river

November 10, 2023

Despite its high environmental and economic costs, the literal "pipe dream" of diverting water from the Mississippi River to Arizona, Colorado and other dry states won't disappear. Read more

Outline of U.S. with Mississippi River, plus a pipeline splitting off the river to the Southwest

FMR's new Stewardship & Education Program Director

November 7, 2023

We're excited that paddler, writer and river-lover Natalie Warren joined our staff in November to lead our Stewardship & Education program. Welcome, Natalie! Read more