Updates and Articles

January 8, 2020

Perennial crops like Kernza, under development through the University of Minnesota Forever Green Initiative, hold promise for soil and water health, as well as farm profit. Read more

The head of a Kernza grain in a field; behind it is a tour group gathered to learn about the crop.

Winter insects and spiders

by Karen Schik

January 6, 2020

Warm winter days are a great time to see tiny creatures wandering the top of the snowpack. >>

FMR Water Program 2019 highlights

by Trevor Russell

January 3, 2020

From pushing through a snowstorm to lobby our legislators to expanding our programs to address a major threat to the health of our river, agricultural pollution, FMR staff, members and River Guardians have a lot to be proud of from 2019! >>

My internship highlight: Planting hundreds of native trees on a tiny metro river island

January 1, 2020

In this piece by fall-winter 2019 intern Phuong Nguyen, she describes her favorite FMR experience: Canoeing to a small metro Mississippi island to plant 350 native trees. >>

Star Tribune highlights Upper Harbor dissent

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

December 19, 2019

The Star Tribune recently highlighted community dissent regarding the 1-mile riverfront redevelopment of Upper Harbor Terminal: a once-in-a-lifetime project that could dramatically impact North Minneapolis residents. >>

Buckthorn: How can a shrub be so harmful?

December 17, 2019

European buckthorn is a tall understory shrub brought to North America in the early 1800s as an ornamental shrub. But this woody plant escaped from yards and landscaped areas long ago, spreading rapidly in forests and other natural areas ever since. Read more

'Tis the season ... to remove buckthorn?

by Alex Roth

December 16, 2019

As the snow begins to fall, you'll notice some buckthorn leaves remain green. Find out about the benefits of late-fall and winter removal of this invasive plant. Read more

Will we see more bird-friendly glass in the future?

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

December 13, 2019

Bird-safe building design is important in urban areas along major flyways like the Twin Cities. From bird deaths at the local U.S. Bank Stadium to new bird-safe guidelines in New York City, here's a summary of the latest news. >>

Thank you, River Guardians!

by Sophie Downey

December 11, 2019

Thank you, River Guardians! We deeply appreciate you advocating for clean water and sustainable and equitable development along the river this past year. >>

Thank you, River Guardians!

by Sophie Downey

December 11, 2019

Thank you, River Guardians! We deeply appreciate you advocating for clean water and sustainable and equitable development along the river this past year. >