Updates and Articles

Habitat in the city: the power of the single yard

by Betsy Daub

November 6, 2018

Native plants are for the birds! A recent study shows chickadee populations decline in residential yards filled with non-native plants, meaning even your backyard can provide crucial habitat. >>

McKnight celebrates FMR's water quality work

October 29, 2018

Thanks to McKnight Foundation President Kate Wolford for highlighting the work we do at FMR to shift the way we farm in Minnesota to better protect the Mississippi River. >>

Our MinnPost commentary on the Environmental Trust Fund Raid

by Trevor Russell

October 24, 2018

MinnPost recently published a commentary by FMR Executive Director Whitney Clark and Fresh Energy Executive Director Michael Noble on why we initiated a lawsuit against the State of Minnesota. >>

Climate change may supercharge farm pollution

by Trevor Russell

October 18, 2018

Climate change is predicted to increase nitrate pollution from cropland in the corn belt by as much as 24% over today’s levels. >>

Everything you need to know about fall yard care

by Trevor Russell

October 11, 2018

Our friends over at the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization recently posted a great article featuring tips for fall yard care.

Check out their blog post to learn why what’s good for your yard is good for our waters! >>

Mpls. Park Board & Graco near settlement over East Bank Trail

by Alicia Uzarek

October 10, 2018

The Minneapolis Park Board and Graco Inc. are nearing a settlement on a long-time lawsuit over the East Bank Trail between Graco and the Mississippi River near Hall's Island. >>

A map showing the former Scherer Brothers site and the parcel Graco may purchase from the park board.

Thank you for making FMR's fall event our most successful ever

October 10, 2018

A sold-out crowd of members and friends raised over $200,000 at our biggest fall event yet. We've posted videos of inspiring performances by our featured artists, as well as our river playlist and event photos so you can relive the evening. >>

An Evening Celebrating the Mississippi River closing blessing for the Mississippi River

New development could radically change downtown St. Paul's riverfront

by Whitney Clark

October 8, 2018

Massive new skyscrapers towering over the St. Paul riverfront are again on the table. The Ramsey County Board is considering three competing redevelopment proposals for the site formerly occupied by the county jail and West Publishing buildings. >>

St. Paul riverfront development proposal rendering

Why do volunteers hand-collect seed for FMR?

by Karen Schik

October 8, 2018

What would you be willing to pay for a few teaspoons of prairie seed? Seeds from native prairie remnants that our volunteers collect by hand are priceless. >>

Why we initiated a lawsuit against the State of Minnesota

by Trevor Russell

October 3, 2018

This week, FMR joined eight other conservation organizations in initiating a lawsuit against the state. It’s an unusual move for FMR, but an important one. Here’s why. >>