Updates and Articles

Special Places: Stunning river overlooks

As the colors turn, it's an especially good time of year to enjoy sweeping river valley views. This month in our 25 Special Places silver anniversary series, we're profiling a few of our favorite metro promontories.  >>

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Volunteers on the prairie bluff at River Oaks Park
MPR coverage: Nitrate in drinking water a costly problem for small, rural cities

Recent MPR news coverage examines the costs of nitrate contamination in drinking water in small, rural communities — those least able to afford treatment costs. >>

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FMR overview video

We can't believe FMR turned 25 this year! We hope you enjoy this new video that celebrates our volunteers, our advocates, our impact and the river we all love.

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Can contact lenses end up in your beer? Well, sort of.

Microplastics, tiny bits of plastic pollution, are the subject of recent New York Times and National Public Radio articles that explore the sources and consequences of ubiquitous microplastic pollution.  >>

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Snapping turtle hatchlings protected from predators

Our wildlife cameras caught baby snapping turtles hatching in peace thanks to our new wildlife nest enclosure at Spring Lake Islands Wildlife Management Area. >>

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Baby snapping turtle
Restoring habitat on an urban island

After almost two years of planning, FMR is embarking on our Nicollet Island habitat restoration project designed to enhance wildlife habitat, control erosion and improve water quality.  >>

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FMR is beginning restoration and enhancement of the natural areas on the north half of Nicollet Island. Photo by MWMO.
Welcome, Jen and Ellie!

Meet our new data coordinator Jen Hadley and communications associate Ellie Rogers. >>

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Our new communications department!
Several metro cities want to hear from residents about their riverfront

As summer turns to fall, Twin Cities communities throughout the metro are moving fast to wrap up their draft plans for land use and development along their local riverfront.

Hastings and St. Paul Park — two cities with an abundance of high quality riverine habitat — are accepting comments through the end of November and December, respectively. Several other cities want public comments submitted before the end of September. >> 

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The view from Cottage Grove's River Oaks Park looking towards Hastings to the south.
Will St. Paul block future park trails?

A railroad expansion proposal threatens planned community trails that would connect Pig’s Eye and Eagle Lakes in St. Paul’s largest park.  >>

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Pelicans fly up from Pig's Eye Lake
Special Places: Cocktails on the river

This month in our ongoing special places silver anniversary feature, we suggest a couple of our favorite spots to grab a cocktail (or mocktail) and watch the river flow by. >>

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Riverfront patio

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Upcoming Events

Throughout August 2025
Wabasha Taproom, St. Paul
Thursday, September 4, 2025 - 5:30pm to 6:30pm
Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative, Minneapolis
Sunday, September 7, 2025 - 12:00pm to 4:00pm
34th to 36th Streets & West River Parkway Minneapolis

Our River Campaign:
It all starts here

At the heart of this new campaign is the vision of a healthy Mississippi River.