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
The ESI Youth Advisory Council's first year

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The most recent expansion of our Environmental Stewardship Institute (ESI) is a youth-led council that explores pathways to environmental leadership at FMR and in the larger Twin Cities community through the school year. Here's what the 2022-2023 founding members have been up to, including their first public event earlier this month.  >>

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Apply for the 2026 Environmental Stewardship Institute (ESI)

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Apply for FMR's Environmental Stewardship Institute for high school-aged youth. Read more
Join ESI with photos of ESI on river, in woods, on a tour
Apply to be a 2022 ESI mentor

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FMR is searching for qualified mentors for our Environmental Stewardship Institute (ESI), our summer program for high school-aged youth. Both STEM and arts professionals are encouraged to apply. >>

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Thanks to our summer 2021 Environmental Stewardship Institute assistants

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Putting on an 8-week program for the next generation of environmental leaders is a lot of work, and this year, former fellows Naomi and Justine stepped up to help us plan and facilitate. Our assistants reflect on how FMR's summer program has evolved and share insights on their experience as environmental leaders in the program.  >>

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2021 Environmental Stewardship Institute

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FMR's third year of the Environmental Stewardship Institute, themed Resilient Waters: Building Community and Connection, wrapped up with spectacular projects from our high school-aged fellows — everything from comic books to interactive websites on topics ranging from composting to pollinators.  >>

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2021 ESI guest post: Balloons and the environment

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Environmental Stewardship Institute fellow Brenda drew a cautionary tale to show the impact stray balloons can have on wildlife.  >>

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2021 ESI guest post: Biodiversity loss in urban areas with a focus on the Twin Cities

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Summer Environmental Stewardship Institute fellow Holly researched the reasons for biodiversity loss in the Twin Cities and gave solutions for city planners and individuals with environmental justice in mind. She offered up Bridal Veil Open Space in Minneapolis as an example of restored biodiversity in an urban area.  >>

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Upcoming Events

August 1 through October 15, 2026
Throughout St. Paul
Tuesday, August 11, 2026 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
River Oaks Park, Cottage Grove
Wednesday, August 12, 2026 - 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Cargill Building, University of Minnesota Saint Paul campus