Updates and Articles

MPR: Wetter weather causing sewage headaches for MN cities

What happens when you add climate change to aging water infrastructure? Sewage goes where it shouldn't. Learn more from this MPR article by Kirsti Marohn with FMR Water Program Director Trevor Russell

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CCX TV helps celebrate our 25th anniversary

Thank you, Eric Nelson of Channel CCX for helping to celebrate our silver anniversary and introducing more people to Friends of the Mississippi River!

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Action alert: It's time. Protect Minnesota's drinking water! [CLOSED]

Speak up for our drinking water by supporting the Groundwater Protection Rule. >>

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What if every MN farm applied fertilizer at the recommended rate?

At best, “perfect” nutrient management on all of Minnesota’s cropland would reduce nitrate pollution by about 10-15 percent, falling far short of the state’s 45 percent reduction goals to protect our groundwater. >>

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Special Places: Mounds Park, Willowbrook and St. Paul's biggest, most mysterious park

This month we venture to St. Paul's East Side for a trio of riverfront parks home to stunning views, rich history and restored habitat. Check out Indian Mounds Park, Willowbrook and Pig's Eye Lake. >>

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Native prairie installed by volunteers at Indian Mounds Park
Skinks and pollinators returning to restored prairie

This summer, a new prairie is taking hold at Houlton Conservation Area, and we're excited to report back on its newest residents. >>

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Prairie skink
Painted turtles and pink lotus flowers help keep our waters from turning green

Ever wondered why so many metro lakes turn green in the summer?

For St. Paul's Lake Como and many others, one main reason is nutrients that come from neighborhood lawns and streets. After it rains, fertilizer, leaves and grass clippings are directed into our local lakes, creeks and rivers via storm drains, in turn feeding algae and excessive plant growth. 

At Como, a pair of murals reminds us of this important connection between our yards, streets, lakes and rivers, and celebrates the community in the process. >>

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Storm drain mural contains music and fish to connect it to como park and hands representing our responsibliity to care for the lake
MPR News: Climate change driving toxic algae blooms

"They're starting earlier, they're lasting longer, and their peaks seem to be getting bigger." >>

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What a 1,000-year rainstorm really means

Heavy rains and flash flooding in Minnesota and Wisconsin have been making headlines. But what is a "100-year" or even a "1,000-year" storm? >>

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Special Places: Lilydale Park & Harriet Island


This month in our special places silver anniversary feature, we recommend checking out the miles-long stretch of riverfront parkland on St. Paul's west bank: Harriet Island and Lilydale Park.

(Yes, this part of St. Paul is on the same side of the river as Minneapolis.)

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Upcoming Events

Tuesday, July 30, 2024 - 5:30pm to 8:00pm
Rotary Pavilion at Levee Park, Hastings
Saturday, August 3, 2024 - 9:00am to 2:00pm
Mississippi River Gorge, Minneapolis
New date: Saturday, August 10, 2024 - 5:00pm to 8:00pm
Hidden Falls Regional Park, St. Paul