Updates and Articles

Good news, bad news in the fight to stop invasive carp (2019)

by Irene Jones

September 26, 2019

A new deterrent system installed 50 miles north of our border with Iowa is a promising effort to stop invasive carp in Minnesota. But a dozen invasive carp were found in the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers this year, further evidence that these destructive fish are growing in numbers in our state. Can we stop them before it's too late? >>

Candid camera at Spring Lake Islands

by Ellie Rogers

September 20, 2019

We've trained a wildlife camera's eye on our turtle nest protection area in the Spring Lake Islands Wildlife Management Area near Rosemount. The camera's shots will help us find out if the nest enclosure is working to protect hatchlings. But as we dig through our footage, we're turning up some fun shots of more than just turtles. >>

'Once key to industry and transportation, Mississippi River poised for makeover in Minneapolis'

September 16, 2019

The riverfront north of St. Anthony Falls in Minneapolis is changing rapidly. In this Star Tribune feature, Janet Moore quickly covers this transformation through a transportation lens. It’s an excellent overview, and curious readers can learn more about this story here. >>

Locks and dam meetings draw a crowd

by Irene Jones

September 14, 2019

The Army Corps of Engineers is currently considering options to repurpose or maintain the Upper St. Anthony lock. A second part of this same study, beginning next year, will look at removing Lower St. Anthony Falls and the Ford dam. Over 100 people went to the first public input meetings about this study, including us. Missed them? Learn what we learned and weigh in with written comments by October 20. >>

What's it like to walk to the river in North Minneapolis?

by Alicia Uzarek

September 14, 2019

What's it like to walk to the river in Minneapolis? "Inspiring," "harsh" and "beautiful" were all words that neighbors used as we laced up our walking shoes and headed to the river on a warm fall evening. Check out the photos and step-by-step videos to experience what it's like to walk from the North Minneapolis residential area over Dowling and the interstate to Upper Harbor Terminal and the river! >>

Action Alert: Oppose the redevelopment plan for the Upper Harbor Terminal [CLOSED]

September 12, 2019

Minneapolis residents, take action here. >> Read more

MPR: UN study says don’t worry about microplastics in drinking water – much

by Trevor Russell

September 10, 2019

Minnesota Public Radio recently highlighted a World Health Organization study on microplastics in drinking water. The conclusion: “…levels of microplastics in drinking water don't appear to be risky, but that research has been spotty and more is needed into their effects on the environment and health.” >>

Check out our conservation blog!

September 9, 2019

Endangered species, fishers, fields of monarchs — FMR ecologists encounter them all at our 37 habitat restoration sites.

On our new conservation blog, learn more about what our ecologists see in the field, the special places we're working to protect and how we restore habitat. >>

The rusty patched bumblebee: What’s all the buzz about?

by Karen Schik

September 9, 2019

A lone male rusty patched bumblebee found in August at an FMR-restored savanna represents 0.2 percent of the known population worldwide. Necessary not only for native wildflower reproduction, but also for creating seeds and fruits that feed wildlife as diverse as songbirds and bears, our state bee could use your help. >>

FMR presents an evening with American Routes' Nick Spitzer and WCCO's Jearlyn Steele October 2019

by John Czyscon

September 9, 2019

An Evening Celebrating the Mississippi River on October 3 will feature public radio’s producer of "American Routes" Nick Spitzer who will take us on a journey from the headwaters down south to the mouth through music and storytelling. WCCO's Jearlyn Steele returns to the stage as our emcee. >>