Updates and Articles

Upper Harbor Terminal - Where do we go from here?

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

March 26, 2019

Despite public opposition, the Minneapolis City Council approved the concept plan for the Upper Harbor Terminal (UHT) site in North Minneapolis. FMR continues to have many concerns and will stay engaged as planning progresses. >>

MPR News: Lawmakers push funding boost for Forever Green

by Trevor Russell

March 13, 2019

Check out Minnesota Public Radio's recent coverage of our coalition's press event on one of our major legislative priorities this session: The University of Minnesota's Forever Green Initiative to research and develop clean-water crops. >>

Environmental Trust Fund restored!

by Trevor Russell

March 12, 2019

On March 5, Gov. Tim Walz signed bipartisan legislation to fix last year’s controversial use of Minnesota’s voter-approved Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund. This is a win for taxpayers and our environment, and restoring the fund was a major priority for FMR this session. Here’s what happened. >>

Welcome Colleen and Tessa, farewell Jeanine!

by Sara DeKok

March 12, 2019

Our office is lively with two new hires: Colleen O'Connor Toberman, our new river corridor director, and Tessa Enroth, new individual gifts officer. Meet them and bid farewell to Jeanine Holden, our former senior development officer and stellar colleague. >>

Minnesota’s coveted native orchids

by Karen Schik

March 11, 2019

Though we certainly don’t live in a tropical climate, our state is home to almost 50 native orchids. If you need a reprieve from the muted winter palette, check out our vivid photos of blooming orchids and learn more about some of Minnesota's loveliest plants. >>

Environment fund to be restored!

March 8, 2019

Great news! We’re thankful legislative leaders and Gov. Tim Walz agreed to a funding fix that gets shovels in the ground as soon as possible for worthy projects while preserving the citizen-driven Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund voters created 30 years ago. >>

Minnesota’s coveted native orchids

by Karen Schik

March 6, 2019

Though we certainly don’t live in a tropical climate, Minnesota is home to almost 50 native orchids. Read more

Calling all cameras: Citizen science for the Twin Cities Coyote and Fox Research Project

by Alex Roth

February 28, 2019

Coyotes and foxes are mostly secretive animals, but sightings of these species are becoming more and more common throughout the Twin Cities Metro Area. Now, a group of researchers and partner organizations (including FMR) are setting out to better understand how these critters use the urban environment, and maybe just dispel some myths along the way. You can help! >>

Action Alert: Tell Minnesota to invest in clean water [CLOSED]

February 25, 2019

FMR is championing a pair of innovative bills that will protect our water, diversify our croplands, and strengthen rural communities. Please join us in asking legislators to support full funding for Forever Green and the Working Lands Drinking Water Protection Program. >>

Legislation could protect public wells with clean-water crops

by Trevor Russell

February 20, 2019

Legislation introduced this month would fund the Working Lands Drinking Water Program. The program will help farmers plant and sell alternative crops that protect drinking water while maintaining farm profitability. As a pilot initiative, it's limited to the state's most vulnerable wellhead areas — places where conservation crops can protect public health. >>