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.

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

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

Thank you, summer 2023 interns!

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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

Annika in prairie, Ivy working on art, Riya by flowers, Brandon ice fishing, Holly in autumn woods

ESI guest post: Invasive zebra mussels

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August 24, 2023

ESI fellows Alaia, Camille and Amani looked into invasive zebra mussels and control methods. Read more

ESI guest post: Water pollution teach-in and cleanup

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August 24, 2023

ESI fellows Kaia Frazier, Alecia Jendro and Seri Sanches took action on water pollution by hosting a cleanup and creating educational materials. Read more