Environmental Stewardship Institute

Environmental Stewardship Institute
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
Reflections on the recent youth & climate change ruling

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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

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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
Riya Stebleton by a garden

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Upcoming Events

Pull garlic mustard at Hampton Woods Wildlife Management Area [FULL]
Thursday, May 8, 2025 - 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Hampton Woods Wildlife Management Area
Pledge to Pull invasive plants at St. Paul Park's Riverside Park [FULL]
Tuesday, May 13, 2025 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Riverside Park, St. Paul Park
Pull garlic mustard at the river gorge sand flats [FULL]
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Mississippi River Gorge sand flats, Minneapolis

See all Upcoming Events