FMR Updates

River Guardians' impact in 2021

update

December 8, 2021

Watch the thank-you video we recorded (complete with outtakes at the end) to celebrate the successes of our River Guardians. These advocates took action in 2021 to champion a federal funding program to protect the Mississippi, advocate for more parkland in Cottage Grove and protect Minneapolis' drinking water. >>

Thank you, 2021 river stewards!

by Sophie Downey

update

December 8, 2021

We are so grateful to our amazing 2021 volunteers! See our video highlights and read more about the positive impact you had on the river this year. >>

Thank you, 2021 youth river stewards!

by Ashley O'Neill Prado

update

December 7, 2021

In 2021, more than 500 youth stenciled storm drains with water quality messages, conducted scientific surveys of pollinators and worms at our project sites, and helped restore land through invasive species removal. >>

Climate change, climate justice and FMR's Land Conservation program

by Alex Roth

update

December 1, 2021

Land protection and restoration for ecological diversity can keep urban areas cooler and more resilient in the face of climate change. Learn more about how our Land Conservation program fights climate change and its impacts. >>

A short field guide to metro wildlife

by Casey Ek

update

November 12, 2021

Whether it's the return of grassland birds to a once-homogenous cropland we've restored to prairie, or the adaptive behaviors of urban foxes and coyotes, the well-being of Minnesota's wildlife can serve as a window into our ecosystems as we strive to be better stewards of the land. Get to know a few of the critters who find habitat in FMR restoration sites. >>

Lilydale considers new blufftop development

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

update

November 11, 2021

A challenging property on Lilydale's river bluffs is the site of a new redevelopment proposal under consideration. Our concern: Will the building disrupt the river's scenery? >>

Thank you, 2021 storm drain stenciling volunteers!

by Ashley O'Neill Prado

update

November 8, 2021

Thanks to hundreds of volunteers, we exceeded our storm drain stenciling goals for 2021 despite our second season of COVID-19. Together, neighbors, classrooms, sports teams, girl scouts, churches and local businesses stenciled 1,615 storm drains in the Twin Cities and shared 2,529 flyers with community members to spread the word about why it's so important to keep our storm drains clean. >>