Upper Harbor Terminal - Where do we go from here?
The Minneapolis City Council approved a rough plan for this city-owned barge terminal and mile-long stretch of riverfront in North Minneapolis in early March. However, a series of amendments promise opportunities for substantial community engagement before plans are finalized. (Photo by Tom Reiter for FMR.)
Despite public opposition, the Minneapolis City Council approved the concept plan for the Upper Harbor Terminal (UHT) site in North Minneapolis. FMR continues to have many concerns and will stay engaged as planning progresses. >>
Environmental Trust Fund restored!
On March 5, Gov. Tim Walz signed bipartisan legislation to fix last year’s controversial use of Minnesota’s voter-approved Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund. This is a win for taxpayers and our environment, and restoring the fund was a major priority for FMR this session. Here’s what happened. >>
Welcome Colleen and Tessa, farewell Jeanine!
Welcome to our newest staff: Colleen O'Connor Toberman, River Corridor Director, and Tessa Enroth, individual gifts officer
Our office is lively with two new hires: Colleen O'Connor Toberman, our new river corridor director, and Tessa Enroth, new individual gifts officer. Meet them and bid farewell to Jeanine Holden, our former senior development officer and stellar colleague. >>
Celebrate Earth Day with FMR
Volunteers collect litter and recyclables along the Mississippi River Gorge in celebration of Earth Day at the annual cleanup event.
Join us as we clean up the Mississippi River Gorge to celebrate Earth Day. Or sign up to get your hands dirty at one of our many other spring restoration events! >>
Minnesota’s coveted native orchids
Minnesota has almost 50 native orchids. You can find some wild orchids in our metro area.
Though we certainly don’t live in a tropical climate, our state is home to almost 50 native orchids. If you need a reprieve from the muted winter palette, check out our vivid photos of blooming orchids and learn more about some of Minnesota's loveliest plants. >>
Art from invasives: An interview with Kim and Emily
FMR volunteers Emily Sauer and Kimberly Boustead, pictured here at one of our volunteer events, spread invasives awareness through art.
FMR volunteers Kimberly Boustead and Emily Sauer remove buckthorn, garlic mustard and more at our stewardship events. And they also use their creativity to spread awareness about how to stop the spread of invasive species. Read more about their favorite river spots, buckthorn berry ink and a new spin on the muscle tee. >>
We're hiring!
FMR is on the lookout for an Agricultural Policy Coordinator. >>
Legislation could protect public wells with clean-water crops
Legislation introduced this month would fund the Working Lands Drinking Water Program. The program will help farmers plant and sell alternative crops that protect drinking water while maintaining farm profitability. As a pilot initiative, it's limited to the state's most vulnerable wellhead areas — places where conservation crops can protect public health. >>
Think spring: Schedule your service and educational programs now
FMR works with many youth and service groups each year. Groups learn about and take care of the river through stenciling outings, cleanups and educational programming. (Photo by Tom Reiter)
Looking forward to warmer weather? We are too! FMR is starting to book spring programs for youth and group outings. If you are interested in a stenciling event, trash cleanup or indoor educational opportunity with FMR staff, we'd love to hear from you soon. >>
An Evening Celebrating the Mississippi River
Join us to celebrate the Mississippi in the midst of its fall splendor, Thursday, September 28. From our beautiful venue on the river, we'll toast to you and the recent successes you made possible.
Guests will hear from keynote speaker, Dr. Dorceta Taylor, one of the country's preeminent environmental justice scholars. Dr. Taylor, who says her work is about opening doors for other people by making the environmental movement more diverse, will talk about the intersection of environmental history, politics and justice, and what we can all do to make our special, natural places more inclusive.
Additionally, the evening will feature an entertaining river-themed live auction, the renown Davu Seru Trio, and hearty local fare and refreshments — including a just-for-FMR signature cocktail.