Updates and Articles

Riverfront polluter Northern Metals violates laws... again

After polluting on the North Minneapolis riverfront for years, Northern Metals was given a second chance to build a new facility in Becker. However, before that facility was even fully open, a large pile of cars caught fire and burned for five days. We spoke to KSTP News about Northern Metals' history of violations and community harm. >>

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KSTP TV: Ford site cleanup ‘top priority’ for neighbors [video]

Our river corridor director Colleen O'Connor Toberman gave KSTP reporters a tour of Ford Area C to explain why so many in the metro area are calling for thorough cleanup of the toxic riverfront dump site.  >>

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Area C community meeting draws crowds and questions

At a recent community meeting, 150 residents gathered to hear about the history and future of Area C, the Ford Motor Company's hazardous waste pile sitting on the floodplain in St. Paul. Out of the many questions raised, one in particular didn't have a clear answer: Will anyone make Ford clean up its mess on the Mississippi River? >>

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Intern with our conservation team!
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Why rivers flood

Community water supplies at risk. Sediment and pollutants washing downstream. Catastrophic floods right around the corner — A recent Star Tribune article reminds us of the growing threat high flows and erosion pose for the Minnesota River — and the toll that takes on our waters and communities.  >>

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Happy trails, Daurius!

In three years, Program Assistant Daurius Mikroberts worked with more than 3,000 youth to help protect our river. As Daurius ends his role at FMR, we know the impact of his efforts will go on. >>

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Daurius Mikroberts gives a thumbs up
Viruses, floods and an economic shoving match: All in a day's work on the farm

What does coronavirus have to do with the economic prospects of rural communities in 2020? In our endlessly entangled global market, it turns out that a public health crisis on the other side of the planet can have shockwaves felt here in Minnesota. We see this as yet another sign that it's time to shift our agricultural practices, for both the river and our farming communities. >>

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What matters to our River Guardians in 2020

Thank you for taking our Legislative Priorities Survey! See which issues our River Guardians value and what they had to say about what Minnesota can do for our river this session. >>

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Spotting rare, native ladybugs

Lady beetles (also called ladybugs) are one of the most common insects we encounter in summer. They may be the first insects toddlers can identify, easily recognizable because of their bright red color and contrasting black spots. But almost all of the ladybugs you're likely to see aren't native. What happened to our 50 native species?  >>

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River Sustainers are foundational to the health of the river

Fred Bertschinger provides "perpetual support" to FMR as a River Sustainer. Ongoing, recurring monthly contributions make up the crucial foundation of support we rely on in our work to protect the health of the Mississippi River. Here's how.  >>

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Aerial view of the Mississippi River and its watershed in summer, Fred Bertschinger, and Ole Olson prairie

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Upcoming Events

Saturday, September 27, 2025 - 10:30am to 1:00pm OR 2:30pm to 5:00pm
Magnolia Blossom Paddle Boat, St. Paul
Wednesday, October 1, 2025 - 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area, Cottage Grove
Saturday, October 4, 2025 - 9:00am to 12:00pm
Pine Bend Bluffs Natural Area at the Flint Hills Resources property, Inver Grove Heights

Our River Campaign:
It all starts here

At the heart of this new campaign is the vision of a healthy Mississippi River.