Our 2018 legislative priorities
Minnesotans from across the state gathered in the Capitol rotunda to support clean water during the 2017 Water Action Day.
Budget uncertainty, election-year politics and a sometimes-heated debate on environment and conservation issues should make for a fascinating legislative session. Here are our priorities for the 2018 session, which kicks off Tuesday, February 20.
Nature notes: Turtles on the go under the ice
For reasons yet to be understood, painted turtles remain active but out of sight under winter ice. (Photo from gorthx on Flickr/Creative Commons)
For reasons not yet understood, many turtles stay active under the winter ice. Learn more about their mysterious habits and about a local FMR turtle protection project in this month's Nature Notes. >>
If you build it, will they come? Investigating whether restored habitat means more wildlife.
Bird surveys and wildlife cameras (one of which captured this red fox on film) have long provided a glimpse of how wildlife use our restoration sites. But recently we've been greatly expanding our monitoring to include amphibians, reptiles, pollinators and other insects.
Since the creation of our land conservation program over 20 years ago, FMR has protected, restored or enhanced over a thousand acres of prairie, forest, wetland and other types of wildlife and pollinator habitat in the metro area. But does increasing native habitat result in the return of native animals?
Learn about bird surveys, wildlife cams and our work with local high schools to find out. >>
Media coverage of our lawsuit against the state
As articles about our lawsuit roll in, we'll be sure to post them here. First up, the Star Tribune. >>
Claim your day: FMR is scheduling summer group outings
A group of students from Neighborhood House summer programs stencil storm drains in a St. Paul neighborhood.
If you're looking for a service outing that's educational, active, outdoors and provides a tangible community benefit, consider storm drain stenciling in St. Paul with FMR.
Reservations for outings, as well as classroom presentations and litter cleanups, are now being taken for summer and fall 2018. >>
Forum reveals where leading gubernatorial candidates stand on environmental issues
Joining in from 10 different locations across the state, about 3,000 Minnesotans participated in the Our New Environment Forum with six leading gubernatorial candidates. Check out the video to see where each stands on the environmental and conservation issues important to you! >>
Position announcement: Administrative Assistant [Filled]
FMR is on the lookout for an organized and detail-oriented person with a genuine commitment to protecting the environmental and cultural resources of the Mississippi River. In addition to managing day-to-day administrative tasks, the Administrative Assistant will also be responsible for board of directors administration, some reception work, and assisting with membership data entry. >>
Celebrating 25 years: 25 special river places and stories
Local station CCX helped FMR celebrate our silver anniversary year.
FMR is turning 25! Throughout our silver anniversary, we're celebrating Twin Citians' connection to the metro Mississippi. Allow us to introduce the new River Story Map and 25 Special Places Map. >>
FMR welcomes two new directors
Adam Flett, FMR's stewardship and education program director and Betsy Daub, conservation director.
We are proud to announce Betsy Daub as our new director of land conservation, and Adam Flett as the director of our stewardship and outreach programming! >>
Former FMR board chair Tina Smith goes to Washington!
Congratulations, Sen. Smith! (Above: Sen. Tina Smith in center, FMR Executive Director Whitney Clark on left, board member Deanna Weiner on right.)
A little cheer rippled through the FMR office as former Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith went to Washington to be sworn in as U.S. Senator Smith.
Sen. Smith previously served as chair of the FMR Board of Directors and is currently a member of the FMR Council of Advisors. >>