Environmental Stewardship Institute

ESI Youth Council efforts aid major legislative win

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

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

Thank you to our 2023 volunteers and youth participants!

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

Reflections on the recent youth & climate change ruling

September 14, 2023

A landmark decision for the first constitutional climate trial in the U.S. is about more than climate change. It's about considering the full impact of our actions today, and the power youth have to fight climate change in the courts — and win. Read more

Two young people hold a sign in the river gorge that reads "Protect our future"

ESI guest post: Environmental Racism in the Twin Cities: Pathways to Justice

September 1, 2023

ESI assistant Riya created an interactive website to showcase youth voices and other perspectives on the past, present and future of environmental injustice in the Twin Cities. Read more

Thank you, summer 2023 interns!

August 29, 2023

Our summer interns supported FMR's conservation and education work, from bird, plant and monarch surveys to summer youth program facilitation. Here are their reflections and highlights. Read more