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
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
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

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Upcoming Events

LGBTQIA2S+ Pride demonstration box tending on Nicollet Island
Tuesday, June 30, 2026 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Nicollet Island prairie, Minneapolis
Lop buckthorn brush and enjoy a supporter social hour at Vermillion Falls Park
Tuesday, July 7 - 4:30 p.m. social hour, 6:00 p.m. volunteer event
Vermillion Falls Park, Hastings
Partner event: Bumble bee field day
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 - 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Spring Lake Park Reserve, Rosemount

See all Upcoming Events