Updates and Articles

Cleanup plan for toxic Ford Area C dump finally moves forward
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
Volunteers monitor small insects to gain big insights into water quality
FMR’s Stream Health Evaluation Program has delivered vital scientific data for nearly two decades. Read more
Person monitors stream
Slideshow: A preview of FMR's river-inspired, juried art exhibition
FMR's first-ever juried art exhibition, "Our River: Mississippi Muse," will open in early December. Artist and FMR Board Member Jake Keeler talks about the show and offers an early look at some of the artwork. Read more
Art for the River logo + five artworks featured in this article
Thank you for joining us for Meander on the Mississippi!
Meander on the Mississippi attendees took a boat ride through the river gorge and Lock and Dam 1 in St. Paul while learning about the possibility of dam removal at the third Our River event. Check out our photos and a recap of the program. Read more
Dr. Anfinson talks to participants
A brief history of the Ford Area C dumpsite
While many articles look back at the life of Twin Cities Ford Assembly Plant, not many focus on Area C. In fact, most stories about the Ford plant don't even mention it. Here's a basic timeline of this floodplain dumpsite to lend historical context. Read more
Ford site on the river
It's official: FMR is a Monarch Joint Venture partner
We're excited to connect with others studying monarchs, collaborate on research, and share our own expertise and volunteer-collected findings to protect monarchs for generations to come. Read more
Where we work: Southwest Park Ponding Basin
At a neighborhood park in Hastings, FMR is working with the city to turn a former landfill into a thriving prairie with multiple pollinator gardens. Read more
Green field
What we like (and what we're not sure about) in MN's latest Nutrient Reduction Strategy draft
This is the state’s flagship plan to address the stubborn, long-running nitrate and phosphorus pollution issues plaguing many of Minnesota’s waters. Read more
A shallow pond surrounded by agricultural land.
Exploring the environmental field: FMR's 2025 summer youth program
Our 22 summer high-school fellows met a variety of professionals working in the field and got a taste of different careers. Their capstone projects included a zine, a documentary, cleanup events and more. See what they created. Read more
ESI fellows by canoes
Welcome to our new Grassroots Organizing Coordinator (and farewell to Maddie!)
Meet Jenna, our new River Guardians advocacy program leader, and celebrate our outgoing coordinator's achievements. Read more
Jenna Hawkes by river

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Upcoming Events

August 27 - September 7, 2026
State Fairgrounds, St. Paul
This school year
In your classroom or outside
Thursday, September 10, 2026 - 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Near the Mississippi River backwaters, St. Paul Park

Take Me to the River 

Celebrate the Mississippi River and choose your own adventure while supporting FMR at our reimagined fall fundraiser on Thursday, Sept. 24.