Updates and Articles

3 paddling routes to try, inspired by our 'Paddle, restore and learn' series
November 6, 2025
A trio of free FMR events combined paddling with education and restoration. From a primer on clean-water crops in a former soybean field-turned prairie to a fishing intro on an oxbow lake in Hastings, these outings weren't typical volunteer events. Read more
Kayaker volunteers with paddles on the river shore
Cottage Grove allows riverbed mine proposal to advance
November 6, 2025
The Cottage Grove City Council recently approved the environmental review for a riverbed mine next to Lower Grey Cloud Island. FMR and many others still believe that this mine would have major negative impacts — and it might not be legal. Read more
Mississippi River as seen from Pine Bend Bluffs
Agencies and community members push back against river mining proposal in Cottage Grove
November 6, 2025
A mining company wants to dig for materials beneath the Mississippi River in Cottage Grove. WCCO interviewed FMR's Colleen O'Connor Toberman about pushback from neighbors and government agencies. Read more
Tell Minnesota: Include river-friendly transportation and farming in the new climate plan
October 31, 2025
The current draft isn't bad, some improvements would help ensure clean water for all communities. Read more
Floodwaters encroach on buildings and paths at St. Paul's Harriet Island.
FMR convenes town halls for St. Paul city leaders and advocates
October 24, 2025
St. Paul residents showed up for the river and had a chance to speak directly with city leaders about riverfront priorities. Read more
Town Hall crowd with Mayor Carter
St. Paul closes in on final river rules
October 22, 2025
After years of delays, the St. Paul City Council is poised to vote on a Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area ordinance to guide riverfront development. Residents can join FMR in advocating for the addition of a bird-safe glass requirement. Read more
Downtown St. Paul riverfront
Ripple effects: The government shutdown and MN's national parks
October 16, 2025
Titles should be sentence-case. Skip "Teaser Image" above! But please enter a draft teaser here. You'll get cut off at 250 characters. The # of remaining characters will show below. Skip "Legacy Fields" below. Read more
A sign on a USFWS bathroom door saying it is closed due to the federal shutdown.
What about water quality? 3 takeaways from our time at the SAF Conference
October 14, 2025
Two members of FMR's Water program attended to be a voice for the river and clean water in discussions around Sustainable Aviation Fuel policy. Read more
FMR's Meghan Anderson and Trevor Russell speaking to attendees at the SAF Conference.
Ford Area C: The overlooked toxic waste dump along the river
by Colleen O'Connor Toberman
October 12, 2025
Did you know that Ford Motor Company owns a hazardous waste dump right on the river's edge in the middle of St. Paul? FMR has been a longtime advocate for cleaning up this site. Join us to take action. Read more
Cleanup plan for toxic Ford Area C dump finally moves forward
October 10, 2025
A draft cleanup plan will be released any day now — and advocates will soon have a chance to call for full cleanup of this toxic riverfront site. Tour the dumpsite this fall, sign our petition and get the latest. Read more
Map showing Ford Area C tucked between parks on the riverfront

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Upcoming Events

LGBTQIA2S+ Pride demonstration box tending on Nicollet Island
Tuesday, June 30, 2026 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Nicollet Island prairie, Minneapolis
Lop buckthorn brush and enjoy a supporter social hour at Vermillion Falls Park
Tuesday, July 7 - 4:30 p.m. social hour, 6:00 p.m. volunteer event
Vermillion Falls Park, Hastings
Tend a prairie at Hastings River Flats Park
Tuesday, July 21, 2026 - 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Near the confluence of the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers, Hastings

See all Upcoming Events