Updates and Articles

by Whitney Clark

January 9, 2018

We are proud to announce Betsy Daub as our new director of land conservation, and Adam Flett as the director of our stewardship and outreach programming! >>

Test for contaminated drinking water? Brown County says ‘no’

by Trevor Russell

January 9, 2018

Bowing to pressure from ag groups, the Brown County Board of Commissioners in south-central Minnesota recently declined a free state program offering free private well testing for drinking water contamination. >>

As the Journal in New Ulm put it: “turning down free well-testing is like refusing to go to the doctor because he might tell you you’re sick. It’s not a wise policy.”

Former FMR board chair Tina Smith goes to Washington!

January 8, 2018

A little cheer rippled through the FMR office as former Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith went to Washington to be sworn in as U.S. Senator Smith.

Sen. Smith previously served as chair of the FMR Board of Directors and is currently a member of the FMR Council of Advisors. >>

Nature notes: Who goes there?

by Karen Schik

January 5, 2018

What animals traveled through our yards and landscapes under the cover of night or even right under our noses? A primer on reading tracks in the snow. >>

Goldenrod vs. ragweed: Which causes allergies and which benefits pollinators?

December 29, 2017

Each year, we get questions about whether goldenrod contributes to our late-summer allergies. The short answer: Most likely not, it's usually ragweed to blame. In fact, some goldenrod species are good for habitat restoration. Read more

A field of showy golden flowers is a common site in late summer, but is goldenrod to blame for our allergies?

FMR River Guardians rock their first official year!

by Alicia Uzarek

December 15, 2017

River Guardians speak up for the river.

We're incredibly grateful and delighted to report that our community of river advocates more than doubled in 2017!

River Guardians helped to save River Heights Park in Inver Grove Heights, rein in water quality rollbacks at the Capitol, worked for improved public access to the riverfront in North and Northeast Minneapolis and much more. Check out the 2017 best-of photos! >>

Nature Notes: Snowshoeing grouse?

by Karen Schik

December 11, 2017

In this month's Nature Notes: Oh, the surprising things that ruffed grouse have in common with snowshoe hares and aspen trees. >>

It’s time to put our waters on a low-salt diet

by Trevor Russell

December 7, 2017

Just 1 teaspoon of salt is enough to permanently pollute 5 gallons of water. Chloride. (salt) pollution to Minnesota’s waters has made headlines for all the wrong reasons, and it's time for all of us to do our part. Here are some short term and long term long-term solutions to ponder and this winter approaches. >>

Help us identify the river views we need to protect

December 7, 2017

Upper Mississippi River from Pine Bend SNA

Now through spring 2018, the 25 metro-area cities and towns in our local national park, the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, are working to identify scenic river views worth protecting. Once each city has determined its list, they must work to protect these views according to new state rules that protect the metro river corridor. Let's help our cities compile the best list possible!

Check out the views submitted so far, and then tell us about yours or help by contributing a needed photo. >>

Thank you FMR river volunteers — all 3,401 of you!

by Amy Kilgore

December 7, 2017

Year after year we are blown away by the hardworking, enthusiastic volunteers we are so lucky to work with. The river thanks you and so do we! Join us for a look back at the best photos from our 2017 stewardship events. >>

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