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
ESI guest post: Traditional Ecological Knowledge

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August 24, 2023
ESI fellow Emilia turned to two restoration specialists and stewards to learn more about Traditional Ecological Knowledge. Read more
Emilia Gusdal
ESI guest post: A sustainable agriculture zine

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August 24, 2023
ESI fellow Lucy dug in at two organic farms to research sustainable agriculture and create this info zine. Read more
Lucy
ESI guest post: Line 3 and Line 5 — effects on Indigenous people, native food and water

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August 24, 2023
What are the potential impacts of these pipelines? ESI fellow Norijah investigated through interviews and research. Read more
Norijah
ESI guest post: Microplastics in the environment

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August 24, 2023
What are microplastics and what can we do about them? ESI fellow Ishaan Goyal researched this problem and its solutions. Read more
Ishaan Goyal
ESI guest post: Blue jay appreciation poem

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August 24, 2023
Amarii wrote a poem including facts about the beloved blue jay. Read more
Amarii by the water
Final projects from our 2023 ESI summer intensive fellows

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July 27, 2023
Our summer youth fellows created capstone projects they were passionate about, ranging from a river cleanup volunteer event to a zine about sustainable agriculture. Read more
ESI group picture in the woods
Metropolitan Council consults FMR's youth council for 2050 plan

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June 7, 2023
The Environmental Stewardship Institute's Youth Council presented to the Met Council their findings on park access and connection, habitat conservation and community gardens. Hear their recommendations. Read more
ESI group in front of infographic posters

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Upcoming Events

Keep 'em Clean: Stencil St. Paul storm drains with FMR
August 1 through October 15, 2026
Throughout St. Paul
Tend a bluff prairie at River Oaks Park [WAITLIST]
Tuesday, August 11, 2026 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
River Oaks Park, Cottage Grove
Forever Green Field Tour
Wednesday, August 12, 2026 - 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Cargill Building, University of Minnesota Saint Paul campus

See all Upcoming Events