Ever wondered why so many metro lakes turn green in the summer?

For St. Paul's Lake Como and many others, one main reason is nutrients that come from neighborhood lawns and streets. After it rains, fertilizer, leaves and grass clippings are directed into our local lakes, creeks and rivers via storm drains, in turn feeding algae and excessive plant growth. 

At Como, a pair of murals reminds us of this important connection between our yards, streets, lakes and rivers, and celebrates the community in the process. >>

Heavy rains and flash flooding in Minnesota and Wisconsin have been making headlines. But what is a "100-year" or even a "1,000-year" storm? >>

A new state rule aimed at reducing groundwater contamination by farm fertilizers could be delayed by a legislative move made formal on Monday, June 11. But Gov. Mark Dayton is calling the move unconstitutional and has instructed the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to proceed as planned. 

At this time, public hearings about the new and much-needed water protection rule are still on the calendar, including one in Farmington, Monday, July 16. Expect a River Guardians Action Alert this July as well. >> 

So far this spring, FMR volunteers of all ages have removed truckloads of invasive species, planted hundreds of native wildflowers and trees, stenciled hundreds of storm drains and even "bombed" a prairie-in-progress (we mean seed-bombed, of course). 

And we're not even halfway through the outdoor events and outings season!​ >>