Local muralist Liv Novotny to create FMR's third water quality mural
An example of a mural that artist Liv Novotny created for another local nonprofit organization. Novotny will design and install a water quality mural for FMR in St. Paul this summer. (Photo used with permission.)
As we look to the new year, FMR is excited to announce the selection of Liv Novotny as the lead artist for our third water quality mural project. Novotny will work with the community to design and install a water quality mural in St. Paul this summer. >>
Thank you, River Stewards!
FMR Super Volunteer Allan Tokuda tends native prairie at Ole Olson Park in North Minneapolis. Over 700 people volunteered at FMR projects like this in 2018, contributing more than 3,000 hours to habitat creation, restoration and stewardship. (Photo by Tom Reiter for FMR)
In 2018, volunteers of all ages got their hands dirty with FMR at community events. Together over 700 individuals gave a combined 3,082 hours of service to help protect, enhance and restore the health of the river and our local communities. In gratitude, we've gathered some of our favorite photos from this restoration season. >>
FMR joins 186 groups supporting revised farm bill
FMR was one of 186 national, state and local organizations to thank Congress for strong conservation provisions in the 2018 Farm Bill and urge its timely passage. >>
Special Places: Staff favorites
Grey Cloud Island near Cottage Grove is FMR Administrative Assistant Raynette Prince's favorite river place. (Photo by Tom Bell for FMR.)
There are too many special river places to list — far more than 25 — so we'll close out our 25th-anniversary series with a few of our staff's favorite spots: the places we visit for solitude or critter watching or fishing, places that connect us deeply to the river and inspire us to do this work. >>
Our top 10 river news stories from 2018
From possible dam removal to ag pollution to poetry projects and our silver anniversary, 2018 was a big year for the river (and FMR) in the news. >>
Looking ahead to the 2019 legislature
Minnesota’s 2019 legislative session is about to begin! A new governor and House await, and FMR and our partners have some exciting new priorities. Here's a brief overview of what FMR and our allies will advocate for, who we'll work with, and how you can help. >>
Bird surveys reveal steady increases at FMR prairie restorations
Henslow's sparrow is one of the many bird species our FMR breeding bird surveys found on prairie restoration sites. ("Henslow's sparrow" by Jim Hudgins/USFWS. CC BY 2.0)
Our land conservation team not only restores habitat, but monitors that habitat for wildlife data. After years of conducting breeding bird surveys at our prairie restoration sites, we can now see clear trends in increased number of species, especially species of greatest conservation need. >>
There's still time to weigh in on local river planning
View of the High Bridge from Cherokee Park in St. Paul.
Several Twin Cities communities have completed their draft plans for land use and development along their local riverfront, but a number are still seeking public comments in the coming months. Find out where your your community stands. >>
Special Places: Confluences where great rivers merge
The confluence of the Mississippi River (bottom) and the Wild and Scenic St. Croix River (top) near Hastings shows a stark contrast in water quality. (Photo courtesy of United States Geological Survey)
For our special places feature this month, we highlight the confluences of the Minnesota and the St. Croix with the Mississippi, two tributaries that make our river mighty. >>
Young river stewards hit it out of the park once again
Andersen United Community School students have removed garlic mustard from the Minneapolis gorge for the past three years. This year, they beat the FMR record for amount of plants removed at one event. In two hours, 82 students removed 23 bags of garlic mustard.
A giant thank you to the hundreds of young river stewards who helped us protect and restore the mighty Mississippi this year. >>