New development could radically change downtown St. Paul's riverfront
One of AECOM's renderings of four proposed skyscrapers for the former site of West Publishing Co. and the Ramsey County jail in downtown St. Paul. (Alternate AECOM proposals do not include the "mast" on the building on the left or west.) (Image from AECOM)
Massive new skyscrapers towering over the St. Paul riverfront are again on the table. The Ramsey County Board is considering three competing redevelopment proposals for the site formerly occupied by the county jail and West Publishing buildings. >>
Why do volunteers hand-collect seed for FMR?
Volunteers collected this yellow coneflower seed by hand. Hand-harvested seeds help us restore prairie remnants at places like Sand Coulee Scientific and Natural Area in Hastings.
What would you be willing to pay for a few teaspoons of prairie seed? Seeds from native prairie remnants that our volunteers collect by hand are priceless. >>
Why we initiated a lawsuit against the State of Minnesota
This week, FMR joined eight other conservation organizations in initiating a lawsuit against the state. It’s an unusual move for FMR, but an important one. Here’s why. >>
Special Places: Stunning river overlooks
From the bluff at River Oaks Park in Cottage Grove, one of the most stunning views of the Mississippi.
As the colors turn, it's an especially good time of year to enjoy sweeping river valley views. This month in our 25 Special Places silver anniversary series, we're profiling a few of our favorite metro promontories. >>
Snapping turtle hatchlings protected from predators
When born, baby snapping turtles are smaller than a half dollar. (Photo by Mike Krivit)
Our wildlife cameras caught baby snapping turtles hatching in peace thanks to our new wildlife nest enclosure at Spring Lake Islands Wildlife Management Area. >>
Several metro cities want to hear from residents about their riverfront
As summer turns to fall, Twin Cities communities throughout the metro are moving fast to wrap up their draft plans for land use and development along their local riverfront.
Hastings and St. Paul Park — two cities with an abundance of high quality riverine habitat — are accepting comments through the end of November and December, respectively. Several other cities want public comments submitted before the end of September. >>
Will St. Paul block future park trails?
Pig's Eye is a favorite spot in our local flyway for pelicans. (Photo by Monica Bryand for Great River Passage.)
A railroad expansion proposal threatens planned community trails that would connect Pig’s Eye and Eagle Lakes in St. Paul’s largest park. >>
Special Places: Cocktails on the river
Come early to City House or Red River Kitchen to grab a seat on the patio. (Photo from Red River Kitchen)
This month in our ongoing special places silver anniversary feature, we suggest a couple of our favorite spots to grab a cocktail (or mocktail) and watch the river flow by. >>
Renderings of new riverfront concert venue, parks and housing in N Mpls released
A rendering of the proposed Upper Harbor Terminal Community Performing Arts Center
After more than two and a half years of community engagement, draft plans for the redevelopment of a mile-long riverfront site in North Minneapolis were revealed mid-August.
The draft calls for a dramatic overhaul of the Upper Harbor Terminal site, aiming to turn the long-closed port into both a regional attraction and a beneficial part of the North Minneapolis community. >>
FMR advocates call on MN to protect our drinking water!
Hat’s off to FMR’s advocates! On August 15, FMR staff hand-delivered 226 comments from River Guardians and other advocates calling on the state to both implement and improve a new state rule to protect our groundwater. >>