Updates and Articles

A baby dies, a brewery town runs dry — 'Water Pressure' illustrates MN & WI water problems

by sue rich

January 2, 2019

While we're sad to see Josephine Marcotty leave her post as the Star Tribune's long-time environmental reporter, we're grateful for her parting "Water Pressure" series.

If you've been saving up your free, online-access Star Tribune stories, this trio is worth the clicks. >>

Local muralist Liv Novotny to create FMR's third water quality mural

by Amy Kilgore

January 2, 2019

As we look to the new year, FMR is excited to announce the selection of Liv Novotny as the lead artist for our third water quality mural project. Novotny will work with the community to design and install a water quality mural in St. Paul this summer. >>

An examploe of another mural created by Liv Novotny

First buckthorn wreath-making workshop a success

January 1, 2019

For some in the do-it-yourself crowd, wreath-making has become a fun way to create holiday decor. This past December, FMR and two local artists put a unique spin on this DIY theme, hosting an open studio wreath-making event with one big twist… we used invasive buckthorn. >>

Thank you, River Stewards!

by Amy Kilgore

December 14, 2018

In 2018, volunteers of all ages got their hands dirty with FMR at community events. Together over 700 individuals gave a combined 3,082 hours of service to help protect, enhance and restore the health of the river and our local communities. In gratitude, we've gathered some of our favorite photos from this restoration season. >>

FMR joins 186 groups supporting revised farm bill

by Trevor Russell

December 13, 2018

FMR was one of 186 national, state and local organizations to thank Congress for strong conservation provisions in the 2018 Farm Bill and urge its timely passage. >>

Special Places: Staff favorites

by Ellie Rogers

December 13, 2018

There are too many special river places to list — far more than 25 — so we'll close out our 25th-anniversary series with a few of our staff's favorite spots: the places we visit for solitude or critter watching or fishing, places that connect us deeply to the river and inspire us to do this work. >>

Our top 10 river news stories from 2018

December 13, 2018

From possible dam removal to ag pollution to poetry projects and our silver anniversary, 2018 was a big year for the river (and FMR) in the news. >>

Our 2019 Legislative Priority: The Minnesota Water Bill

by Trevor Russell

December 11, 2018

This session, FMR and our coalition partners are teaming up to advance a new way forward for clean water in Minnesota: The Minnesota Water Bill. >>

Looking ahead to the 2019 legislature

by Trevor Russell

December 11, 2018

Minnesota’s 2019 legislative session is about to begin! A new governor and House await, and FMR and our partners have some exciting new priorities. Here's a brief overview of what FMR and our allies will advocate for, who we'll work with, and how you can help. >>

Bird surveys reveal steady increases at FMR prairie restorations

by Karen Schik

December 7, 2018

Our land conservation team not only restores habitat, but monitors that habitat for wildlife data. After years of conducting breeding bird surveys at our prairie restoration sites, we can now see clear trends in increased number of species, especially species of greatest conservation need. >>