The 2019 Legislative Session kicked on in January with Governor Walz presiding over the only divided state legislature in the nation.
This led to some core disagreements, missed deadlines and an assorted bag of victories and compromises for Minnesota's environment and the Mississippi River.
Here’s a brief summary of the major items we were tracking, and how each turned out. >>
A Mississippi Dunes park in Cottage Grove could create access to the river throughout the seasons. (Illustration by Kimberly Boustead and Emily Sauer)
The City of Cottage Grove has the opportunity to turn an old golf course into open space for wildlife and a recreational park for residents and visitors in an area lacking in river access. Here are our top reasons why we should protect this special place from development. >>
Join us Thursday, June 13 for a summer worknight at a stunning site with expansive blufftop views of the Mississippi River valley. Together we'll tend to volunteer-planted pollinator patches — small gardens that provide much-needed concentrated habitat and resources for local birds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators while beautifying the park.
RSVP soon as we expect this event to reach capacity. >>
SuperVolunteers Allan and Stacy show off their true colors in front of the river.
If you've been to an FMR event, you've likely encountered a SuperVolunteer proudly clad in their identifying T-shirt. To join their ranks, volunteers need to participate in four or more hands-on restoration events (or contribute 20+ hours) throughout the year.
There are plenty of upcoming events in need of helping hands for you to earn 2018 SuperVolunteer status! >>
Year after year, a snowy landscape greens with new life, and our frozen river flows again. Our spring writing submissions beautifully convey ways the changing river landscape can inspire. From a vantage point on the Franklin Avenue bridge in Minneapolis to rolling along the river's entire course, we hope you enjoy reading all. >>
The Twin Cities is home to a rare trophy trout stream known for these not-so-brown trout. (Photo by Latham Jenkins, Circumerro Stock.)
In a cold prairie river just 20 or so minutes south of St. Paul, large brown trout gather in the shadow of red-twig dogwoods, willows and other stream-side plants. Learn more about these wily and beautiful reminders of the importance of protecting our local waters, and how you can help protect them. (Hint: Volunteer at our Vermillion watershed events on 5/23 and 6/22!) >>
Match your passion with your expertise and volunteer to serve on the FMR Finance Committee. >>
Indian Mounds Park is home to one of the most photographed river views in the metro area. The iconic overlook is also home to a restoration project providing much-needed habitat and biodiversity while protecting the bluff, the views and local water quality.
Join us at this iconic park Tuesday, June 18, 6 p.m. But RSVP soon as we expect this event to reach capacity. >>
Looking to do some good for the Mississippi River, but need a flexible schedule? FMR offers complete do-it-yourself St. Paul storm drain stenciling kits for groups of two to 20, spring through fall.
Learn more in this video with FMR stenciling coordinator Daurius Mikroberts as he walks you through the kit's ingredients, or learn more on our stenciling kits page.
