Updates and Articles

Lessons from the Dust Bowl: A cleaner Mississippi is rooted in a new farming paradigm

by Peter LaFontaine

November 1, 2019

Our agricultural practices caused disastrous dust storms like this one in Kansas in 1935. Generations later, the way we farm has again led to grave challenges — unsafe drinking water and the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico. What can the Dust Bowl teach us about how to move forward? >>

Volunteers create piles for habitat in the Minneapolis river gorge

by Sophie Downey

October 31, 2019

Facing a steep climb up tall stairs, FMR staff and River Gorge Stewards opted for a creative way to dispose of invasive buckthorn at a recent volunteer event along the river: create habitat piles. >>

Have you seen a metro fox or coyote recently?

by Karen Schik

October 29, 2019

If you live in the Twin Cities Metro area and have seen gray fox, red fox or coyotes or their tracks, we could use your help! >>

Water Gremlin: How lead sinkers harm people too

by Trevor Russell

October 29, 2019

The state’s sudden closure of the troubled Water Gremlin facility (known for producing lead fishing sinkers and battery terminals) casts new light on a little-discussed risk of lead products: “take-home lead.” >>

Rusty patched bumblebee buzzworthy in the Star Tribune

October 24, 2019

This summer we found the Minnesota state bee at one of our restoration sites. Why is that newsworthy? >>

Leading scientists to UN: Slash nitrogen waste — or else!

by Peter LaFontaine

October 23, 2019

We're not the only region working to stem nitrogen pollution. Scientists are calling on the United Nations to focus on this serious issue worldwide. >>

Why Upper Harbor Terminal matters

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

October 21, 2019

FMR continues to work with neighbors, community partners, and Minneapolis leaders around the redevelopment of Upper Harbor Terminal (UHT), and we continue to raise concerns with the city's concept plan. This is a natural outgrowth of our history in the area and our vision for a river for all. But we're often asked why we're so committed to and involved in the future of this particular site. Here's why UHT matters and what you can do. >>

Lead shot takes the spotlight as FMR petitions state

by Trevor Russell

October 16, 2019

As fall hunting season arrives, lead shot and tackle is once again in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Why? Because lead rounds can kill twice. >>

Star Tribune highlights link between pheasant decline and farming

by Trevor Russell

October 14, 2019

How we farm impacts the Mississippi River — and bird populations. We can help them both. >>

Mosquitoes, monarchs and memories: An FMR ecology intern's reflections

by Betsy Daub

October 10, 2019

Daurius Mikroberts, one of FMR's 2019 summer ecology interns, reflects on a summer monitoring birds, pollinators, turtles and native plants at FMR restoration sites. Despite the mosquitoes, Daurius says the internship was "one of the best ways I’ve ever spent a summer." >>