Updates and Articles

The untold story of our national park's founding

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

April 29, 2020

You may know that the Mississippi River through the Twin Cities is a national park. But few of us know how our special river became a national park in the first place. We interviewed National Park Superintendent John Anfinson about the development proposal that started the fight to protect our park and the surprising role that this exact same site — the potential home for a new River Learning Center — could play in its future. >>

Become a community scientist

by Ellie Rogers

April 28, 2020

Scientists sometimes turn to the public to collect observations and data on flora and fauna. If you’re heading outside, why not take note of the wildlife and blooms you see? Here are a few of our favorite projects that call for community scientists. >>

Action Alert: Don't cut funds for Minnesota's environment and environmental jobs [CLOSED]

April 27, 2020

Funding from Minnesota's voter-approved Environmental Trust Fund is at risk this session. Ask your Senator to pass an Environment Trust Fund bill to keep important environmental projects up and running across the state before the clock runs out. >>

This is not the time to bench MN's Environmental Trust Fund

by Trevor Russell

April 27, 2020

It’s frustratingly familiar territory with a scary new twist: A recent attempt to raid the 2020 Environment Trust Fund threatens to cancel the entire $64M allocation this year — hurting all the research and habitat restoration projects and jobs it supports throughout the state. Let’s dive in. >>

FMR board member featured in 'Architecture MN'

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

April 24, 2020

We're happy to see FMR board member Paul Bauknight interviewed for the most recent issue of Architecture MN magazine.

Bauknight, a registered architect and designer, discusses his excitement for a new riverfront park in North Minneapolis, and how building trust with community members is crucial to any design process. >>

Still on the table this legislative session: Bonding for clean water and our river corridor

by Trevor Russell

April 13, 2020

While uncertainty reigns supreme this legislative session, $300 million or more in clean water investments and a few pivotal river corridor projects remain in play as the governor and legislators approach a May 18th adjournment deadline. >>

Caring for the river and one another this spring (2020)

April 13, 2020

We've pulled together ideas about how to celebrate Earth Day all month for supporters like you to act on your values and enjoy moments of positive impact during this tough time. So whether you're up for advocating online, collecting litter or you just need a moment to be still and witness the migrating birds, we look forward to celebrating Earth Month with you — separately, but together. >>

Picking up trash on a local walk (solo and wearing gloves)

New Pig's Eye Lake islands on the way!

by Alex Roth

April 13, 2020

From road work to new buildings, construction projects are a constant for most Twin Cities residents. Soon, a new type of project is coming to St. Paul: seven small islands within Pig's Eye Lake.

We look forward to their benefits for wildlife, reduced erosion and climate change research. >>

FMR welcomes Julia Olmstead to its board of directors

by Whitney Clark

April 13, 2020

We're very excited to announce the appointment of one of Minnesota's leading experts in the field of perennial agriculture, Julia Olmstead, to our board of directors. >>