FMR Updates

2020 legislative session ends with most bills "staying at home"

by Trevor Russell

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May 19, 2020

On Sunday at midnight, the 2020 Minnesota Legislature wrapped up a legislative session unlike any other. And in the end, most legislation failed to cross the finish line in time. Where does that leave our clean water initiatives? And what happens next? >>

Bake for the river: Kernza in your kitchen

by Peter LaFontaine

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May 19, 2020

For the first time ever, home bakers can get their oven mitts on Kernza flour, a delicious and river-friendly perennial grain. Let us know if you try it out! >>

Our storied river: Call for storytelling submissions

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May 19, 2020

If you have a story about how the Mississippi River changed you, we want to hear it — in your voice. At our Moth-esque virtual gala this fall, we'll showcase tales from diverse voices and varied experiences that dazzle, twist, flood us or still us. Tell us yours by July 24. >>

Hands hold water that flows into a river. A person speaks. Text: Our Storied River

Growing diversity for climate resiliency in Minneapolis riverfront forests

by Alex Roth

update

May 13, 2020

In a gravel-bed nursery that captures stormwater at the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization’s office, we’re growing tree species predicted to do well as Minnesota's climate warms. These bare-root trees will be ready to plant at our habitat restoration sites this fall, where they’ll strengthen the resiliency of our riverfront canopy. >>

A fond farewell to staffer Adam Flett

by Whitney Clark

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May 11, 2020

In his eight years at FMR, Adam Flett managed our 44-mile river adventure for hundreds of paddlers, taught metro residents how to construct rain barrels, pulled invasives and planted for habitat alongside many of you, and always brought good tunes and good humor to our staff events. We wish our stewardship and education program director all the best in his next adventure. >>

Meet FMR's 2020 Youth Empowerment Program assistants

by Ashley O'Neill Prado

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May 8, 2020

Summer program assistants Ayva Sloo and Naomi Nickel share how their Minnesotan roots and last year's Youth Empowerment Program have impacted their career aspirations and connection to local environmental issues. >>

The untold story of our national park's founding

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

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April 29, 2020

You may know that the Mississippi River through the Twin Cities is a national park. But few of us know how our special river became a national park in the first place. We interviewed National Park Superintendent John Anfinson about the development proposal that started the fight to protect our park and the surprising role that this exact same site — the potential home for a new River Learning Center — could play in its future. >>