Updates and Articles

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. >>

Read more
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.

Read more
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.  >>

Read more
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. >>

Read more
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.  >>

Read more
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. >>

Read more
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. >> 

Read more
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.  >>

Read more
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. >>

Read more
Riverfront patio
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

Pages

Upcoming Events

Thursday, May 21, 2026 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Pine Bend Bluffs Scientific and Natural Area, Inver Grove Heights
Saturday, May 23, 2026 - 10:00am to 12:00pm
Mississippi River Gorge 'beach,' Minneapolis
Tuesday, May 26, 2026 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Near the Mississippi River backwaters, St. Paul Park

Join us for Music for the Mississippi River 

Celebrate the Mississippi River and support FMR with Tina Schlieske and Molly Maher, May 30 at Dual Citizen Brewing in St. Paul.