Updates and Articles

St. Croix Watershed Research Station: 3 steps to clean water

Our friends at the St. Croix Watershed Research Station recently published a new ‘Field Notes’ article detailing three ways experts think Minnesota could make measurable progress on improving water quality in Minnesota.  >>

Read more
Renderings of new riverfront concert venue, parks and housing in N Mpls released

After more than two and a half years of community engagement, draft plans for the redevelopment of a mile-long riverfront site in North Minneapolis were revealed mid-August. 

The draft calls for a dramatic overhaul of the Upper Harbor Terminal site, aiming to turn the long-closed port into both a regional attraction and a beneficial part of the North Minneapolis community. >>

Read more
A rendering of the proposed Upper Harbor Terminal Community Performing Arts Center
A small metro-area town has a big drinking water problem 


Emblematic of challenges facing many rural communities, up to 55 percent of the private wells in the town of Coates in Dakota County exceed safe levels for nitrates. This is why we need a strong Groundwater Protection Rule. >>

Read more
FMR advocates call on MN to protect our drinking water!

Hat’s off to FMR’s advocates! On August 15, FMR staff hand-delivered 226 comments from River Guardians and other advocates calling on the state to both implement and improve a new state rule to protect our groundwater. >>

Read more
FMR’s comments on the proposed Groundwater Protection Rule

On August 15, FMR staff submitted comments to Judge Palmer-Denig in support of approving and improving the state’s proposed Groundwater Protection Rule. >>

Read more
Gwen Westerman joins the stellar lineup of 'The River Inspires'

 An Evening Celebrating the Mississippi River - September 20, 2018.

Come be inspired by acclaimed local artists — including Dakota fiber artist, poet and educator Dr. Gwen Westerman — as we celebrate our connection to the Mississippi River at "An Evening Celebrating the Mississippi River," September 20. >>

Read more
Bao Phi, award-winning poet, to be featured at FMR's annual fall event

Don't miss Bao Phi — two-time Minnesota Grand Slam champion and National Poetry Slam finalist — as he shares his poetry and connection to our Big River at our signature annual event, "An Evening Celebrating the River," September 20 in downtown Minneapolis.

This year's theme is "The River Inspires," and spotlights the special connection between the river and our thriving arts community. >>

Read more
Minneapolis-based poet, Bao Phi.
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

Read more
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!

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

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

Read more

Pages

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.