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
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
Reconnecting with the river: FMR's 2024 summer youth program

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September 12, 2024
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
ESI Youth Council efforts aid major legislative win

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June 12, 2024
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
The river as teacher: A preview of our paddling-centered summer youth program

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June 1, 2024
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
Thank you to our 2023 volunteers and youth participants!

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December 18, 2023
We're celebrating the accomplishments of our 1,889 volunteers and 1,081 youth participants this year! See some of our favorite photos and highlights. Read more
Volunteer and youth clean up, water plants and save seeds

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Upcoming Events

Tend a restored oak savanna at Davis Farm Park
Saturday, May 16, 2026 - 10:00am to 12:00pm
Along a Mississippi River backchannel, Otsego
Pull invasive plants at Nicollet Island Park
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Nicollet Island, Minneapolis
Pull invasive plant species at Pine Bend Bluffs SNA
Thursday, May 21, 2026 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Pine Bend Bluffs Scientific and Natural Area, Inver Grove Heights

See all Upcoming Events