FMR Updates

Save River Heights Park... again.

by Alicia Uzarek

article

April 9, 2018

Just eight months ago, FMR teamed up with neighbors to help save River Heights Park in Inver Grove Heights.

Now the park is on the chopping block once again. And the neighbors and FMR are back in action. >>

What's the best way to control buckthorn and protect native plants? FMR investigates.

by Karen Schik

article

April 5, 2018

What pops to mind when you think of restoring a forest? Perhaps people planting trees? ...How about bobcat-like machines busily eating up small trees and spitting out the splinters?

If you'd visited Hampton Woods this spring, this is exactly the scene you would have come across. The machines were forestry mowers, consuming invasive European buckthorn.

Not only were the mowers benefiting the long-term health of the forest, but they're part of a new FMR research project to compare and contrast the effectiveness of different methods to both control buckthorn and support the growth of native plants and habitat. >>

A native ladyslipper plant, a mowed stretch of forest, a glossy buckthorn plant and a bobcat/forestry mower

A warm goodbye to longtime office manager Michele Bevis!

by sue rich

article

March 20, 2018

While FMR is known for our work at the Capitol and in the communities, forests and prairies along the river, we'd be lost without a strong home base. And that's exactly what Michele Bevis, our office manager, has provided for over 10 years.

So it is with deep gratitude that we say goodbye to Michele as she embarks on her next phase: one relaxing yet adventurous retirement. >>

Michele Bevis ready to help a paddler come in off the river at an FMR event.

A new environmental learning center at Watergate Marina?

update

March 15, 2018

If all goes well at the state Capitol this session, the City of Saint Paul could begin designing a new environmental learning center on the river at Watergate Marina as early as July. >>

The results are in! Highlights from FMR's 2018 member survey

article

March 15, 2018

FMR's 2018 Member Survey results are in — check out the highlights! Thank you to the nearly 300 members who completed the survey. We'll use your ideas and input to shape our work in the years ahead.

See the survey results. Or, if you're not one already, become an FMR member.

Environmental groups release statement on draft groundwater protection rule

update

March 15, 2018

FMR joined eight other conservation organizations in a statement on the state's proposed groundwater protection rule. >>

Special Places: The Central Mpls. riverfront

article

March 6, 2018

To celebrate our 25th year, each month in 2018 FMR staff will profile places along the metro Mississippi River that are near and dear to us, places that connect to FMR but that we also enjoy in our own downtime. By the end of our silver year, we'll have built a map of 25 special river places for you and yours to learn about, visit and enjoy.

This month: Minneapolis’ Central riverfront.

Venture along with us to a few downtown Minneapolis riverfront icons — Nicollet Island, the Stone Arch Bridge and the Mill District. Many of you have been here before, but along the way, we'll be sure to point out lesser-known spots and facts and the scoop on changes to come. >>