Environmental Stewardship Institute

While many high schools offer green teams or eco clubs, young people rarely have the opportunity to explore their career options in the environmental field. FMR established the Environmental Stewardship Institute (ESI) in 2019 to address the gap between environmental education and career pathways.

Through an immersive, interdisciplinary program on local river issues and professional development, ESI fosters a diverse next generation of environmental leaders.

See what we've been up to below, or learn more on our general ESI program page.

Environmental Stewardship Institute
ESI Youth Council explores the future of rivers, hydropower and dams

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October 15, 2026
This year our Environmental Stewardship Institute Youth Council will focus on one of the biggest questions facing the metro Mississippi River: What should we do with our aging locks and dams? Read more
ESI summer program participants stand on the banks of the river looking at the Ford dam
FMR's 2026 ESI summer program highlights

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September 8, 2026
Our high school summer program explored the river and the work it takes to keep it healthy. Participants' capstone projects included an animated video, a painted triptych, native planting models and more. See what they created. Read more
ESI participants at Harriet Island
Sneak preview: Children's book celebrates caring for the river

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June 15, 2026
Our Environmental Stewardship Institute Youth Council drafted a picture book this year that follows an adventurous mouse from storm drain to river to community cleanup. Here's a peek into their process and the design. Read more
Mouse riding a paper heron on an urban river
Thanks to our 2025-2026 Stewardship and Education Intern!

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June 8, 2026
Tamya was our School-year Stewardship and Education intern this past year, supporting our youth council, restoration events and more. Read more
Tamya McDonald in prairie
Latest storm drain mural connects streets to the river

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January 12, 2026
High school youth in our Environmental Stewardship Institute Council collaborated with artist Jesús Ramírez on this year's storm drain mural at Harriet Island. Read more
ESI council members and artist pose by storm drain mural sketch
Exploring the environmental field: FMR's 2025 summer youth program

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September 11, 2025
Our 22 summer high-school fellows met a variety of professionals working in the field and got a taste of different careers. Their capstone projects included a zine, a documentary, cleanup events and more. See what they created. Read more
ESI fellows by canoes
From ESI fellow to FMR staff: Naomi's river story

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November 12, 2024
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

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Upcoming Events

A toast to FMR with Wabasha Brewing
Sunday, November 1, noon-8 p.m.
Wabasha Brewing Taproom, St. Paul
Election 2026: Voting guide
Now through Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026
Your polling place
'Pour It Forward' with Wabasha Brewing
Wednesday, November 18, 2026 - 5:30pm
Wabasha Taproom, St. Paul

See all Upcoming Events