Stewardship & Education

Over a thousand metro residents help restore and learn about the health of our metro Mississippi River through FMR events and outings.

We share upcoming public volunteer events to protect and restore natural areas and riverfront parks on our events calendar. We also offer education and volunteer opportunities for youth and educators.

Here's what our stewardship and outreach staff are currently working on behind the scenes, plus more information from program participants and partners.

Follow us on social media (FacebookInstagram and Twitter) and sign up for our Mississippi Messages e-newsletter to stay current on our work.

POSTS

From ESI fellow to FMR staff: Naomi's river story
Naomi developed her relationship with the Mississippi River in part through her experience with the Environmental Stewardship Institute. Now she helps lead this program for youth. Read more
Naomi in kayak with ESI
Welcome to two new Stewardship & Education staff
A new program director and our first-ever Climate Impact Corps member are joining the team this fall. We're also bidding a fond farewell to Ivy Song, our event assistant. Read more
Jacob and Kassidy
Reconnecting with the river: FMR's 2024 summer youth program
On weekly paddles and outings, our Environmental Stewardship Institute fellows got to know more about metro waters and the communities working to steward them. Check out photos, reflections and capstone projects from this year's cohort. Read more
ESI fellows smile in canoes
This election season, join us to support the lottery-backed environment fund
Thousands of environmental projects throughout Minnesota depend on our vote this fall. As we approach the 2024 general election, here's how you can support this critical fund as an organization or individual. Read more
A loon on the Mississippi River
'This can be home': Carrie's river story
Carrie Pomeroy volunteered with her children at FMR events more than a decade before becoming our volunteer program manager. Here's how the Mississippi River Gorge convinced her the Twin Cities could be home. Read more
Carrie by the river on the sand flats
ESI Youth Council efforts aid major legislative win
It was a big year for our high school youth council: advocacy, community engagement, planning, paddling and more. Check out this collection of reflections and photos from the council members. Read more
ESI council members stand in front of the state Capitol
We're hiring: Stewardship & Education Program Director
As we thank our prior director, we're looking for applicants by the end of July to manage this dynamic department. Read more
People canoeing on river, plus text: FMR is hiring! Stewardship & Education Program Director
The river as teacher: A preview of our paddling-centered summer youth program
We're intentionally developing our ESI summer programming to better help youth know, feel and care for the Mississippi River. Here's how we hope to facilitate deeper connections. Read more
ESI members in canoe on the river
Welcome Alex, our new Stewardship & Education Program Associate
Alex will lead our storm drain stenciling and stream health evaluation initiatives. Read more
Alexandra Jabbarpour by the river
From the Mekong to the Mississippi: Sovatha’s river story
"As a young refugee encountering the Mississippi for the first time, I would never have imagined in a million years that in the future I would come full circle, working to care for the river that welcomed me." Read more
Sovatha Oum in field gear at FMR site

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Upcoming Events

Wednesday, December 11, 2024 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Friends of the Mississippi River office in St. Paul
This school year
In your classroom or outside
Saturday, January 18, 2025 - 10:00am to 12:00pm
Rosemount Wildlife Preserve and North 20 Brewing, Rosemount