Updates and Articles

Viruses, floods and an economic shoving match: All in a day's work on the farm

by Peter LaFontaine

February 10, 2020

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. >>

What matters to our River Guardians in 2020

February 10, 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. >>

Spotting rare, native ladybugs

by Karen Schik

February 10, 2020

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? >>

River Sustainers are foundational to the health of the river

February 10, 2020

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. >>

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

The tail of the prairie skink: A story of loss and restoration

by Alex Roth

February 9, 2020

The prairie skink can lose and regrow its tail. Through our restoration work, we're hoping to create a story of regrowth for its favorite habitat: prairies near streams. >>

FMR welcomes Nou Yang to its board of directors

February 8, 2020

Meet Nou Yang of the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation. We're excited that her wealth of experience building and sustaining youth programs can help shape ours. She loves Minnehaha Falls, often runs by the river, and wants to protect it for future generations. >>

Upper Harbor Terminal project draws media attention

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

February 4, 2020

Recent news articles in MinnPost and the Star Tribune highlight several concerns being raised about the city of Minneapolis' Upper Harbor Terminal project, including state funding controversy, a rushed planning process, and violations of open meeting law. FMR board member Paul Bauknight and staff member Colleen O'Connor Toberman are interviewed. >>

Seen any foxes?

February 1, 2020

A few months ago, we asked if you'd seen a coyote or fox (or their tracks!) in your Twin Cities metro backyard. Thanks to your responses, we've been able to pass along helpful info to the Twin Cities Coyote and Fox Project for their research. We’re now putting out an additional call specifically for foxes. >>

Ford Area C (video)

January 30, 2020

In this video, we take you to Ford Area C, Ford's toxic riverfront dumpsite in St. Paul. You’ll see the Mississippi lapping at the dumpsite’s edge. What pollution remains there? How much is leaching into our river? We still don’t know enough. >>

Who ate the sardines? A wildlife camera mystery

by Karen Schik

January 24, 2020

Ever wonder what goes on in the woods at night? One of our wildlife cameras recently gave us some clues. But we will need some more detective work to determine exactly who ate our sardine bait. >>