FMR Updates

FMR hails bipartisan support for state land conservation funding

by Trevor Russell

February 11, 2021

In a major win for conservation and water quality this legislative session, funding for the state’s flagship land protection program now has bipartisan support. >>

St. Anthony Falls disposition plan could threaten Twin Cities' water supply

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

February 9, 2021

In recent weeks, the Army Corps declared its intention to seek a new owner for the Upper St. Anthony Falls lock — a risky plan that could put the future of our river and the water supply for a million Twin Cities residents — into the hands of a private corporation. Join us in advocating for a path forward that protects the public's interest and creates public access. >>

Research roundup: Is cropland ag carbon sequestration as effective as we want it to be?

by Trevor Russell

February 9, 2021

Storing greenhouse gases in cropland soils is all the rage these days, as Fortune 500 companies, conservation initiatives and even the Biden administration seek to reward farmers for sequestering carbon beneath our feet. But how sound is this approach? We pulled together some of the latest news about no-till farming, cover crops and how effectively these practices sequester carbon. >>

Meet our new youth coordinator

by Laura Mann Hill

February 4, 2021

Longtime youth coordinator Kate Clayton recently stepped down from her position after more than seven years of service to FMR. She leaves a legacy of inspiring many thousands of youth, volunteers and educators, and equipping them with knowledge and skills to enhance and protect our river and watershed. Ashley O'Neill Prado will be promoted to youth coordinator in March. >>

Why insects matter and what you can do about their decline

by Karen Schik

January 29, 2021

In the past few years, news of the decline of insect populations has raised alarm bells. Experts say the world is losing around 1 to 2 percent of its insects each year. By now, most people know pollinators are vital to making about a third of our food supply. But what about all the other insects — does this overall population decrease matter? >>

MRCCA riverfront protections update: You made a difference!

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

January 10, 2021

Minneapolis is the first city with a new ordinance to guide riverfront development and protections, and thanks to our collective advocacy, their ordinance includes provisions for migrating birds. Will St. Paul and other communities follow suit? >>

Education intern creates curriculum connecting people and place

by Laura Mann Hill

January 8, 2021

Elia Engberg, in their senior year of Environmental & Educational Studies at Macalester College, spent eight weeks as FMR's stewardship and education intern this fall. They worked collaboratively with FMR's team to create new curriculum resources that uplift connections between people and place, highlighting culture and identity relationships as essential parts of environmental education. >>