Caring for the river and one another this spring
We've pulled together ideas about how to celebrate Earth Day all month for supporters like you to act on your values and enjoy moments of positive impact during this tough time. So whether you're up for advocating online, collecting litter or you just need a moment to be still and witness the migrating birds, we look forward to celebrating Earth Month with you — separately, but together. >>
'Our Waters' online watershed lesson
The Mississippi River is the main river in our local watershed. About half of the continental United States drains water into the Mighty Mississippi.
FMR is proud to conduct indoor and outdoor educational programs for approximately 2,000 youth annually. We are now also offering our educational resources online.
What is a watershed and how do humans impact both the land and our water's health? Come explore our waters with these videos, note sheets and activities. >>
Nicollet Island cleanup + celebration! [FULL]
Join FMR and Odell Brewing Company for this island cleanup to "Make it Pretty"! We'll collect trash from the shoreline and from the forested areas of Nicollet Island to prevent pollution and improve water quality in the Mississippi River.
Earth Day and beyond: Spring activities (fingers crossed)
Though we're not sure what will happen in April, we are sure we'll find and share ways to work toward river health (and human health!) this Earth Day.
Most of FMR's spring events take place in May and early June. For the moment, these events are open for registration. Our fingers crossed, we'll be able to get back out there to restore riverfront habitat soon. So please do sign up!
Naturally, we're watching health guidelines carefully. If you register, we may end up emailing you to support independent restoration outings instead, but we'll be sure to send detailed location and training information to help you do the most good. >>
Happy trails, Daurius!
Daurius, all smiles here at the Earth Day cleanup in 2019, helped thousands of youth and volunteers protect and restore our river over his three years as FMR Program Assistant.
In three years, Program Assistant Daurius Mikroberts worked with more than 3,000 youth to help protect our river. As Daurius ends his role at FMR, we know the impact of his efforts will go on. >>
Heading outside? Pick up litter through April — #DIYEarthMonth
First, a note...
In all honesty, we weren't sure if we wanted to promote cleanups during this difficult time. But, our river communities already made this decision! Many of you are already out there, picking up trash and improving the health of our environment and the river.
As you take a break, reconnect with nature and get a little exercise, please remember to follow the Minnesota Department of Health recommendations such as avoiding groups (stay by yourself or with your household), not touching your face and maintaining a safe distance from others.
Conservation insights from intern Phuong Nguyen
Phuong Nguyen, an international student from Vietnam, was FMR's fall/winter 2019 intern. She offers perspectives about conservation from her experience with us. >>
My internship highlight: Planting hundreds of native trees on a tiny metro river island
In this piece by fall-winter 2019 intern Phuong Nguyen, she describes her favorite FMR experience: Canoeing to a small metro Mississippi island to plant 350 native trees. >>
Thank you, River Stewards!
In 2019, volunteers of all ages got their hands dirty with FMR at community volunteer events. Together over 1,400 individuals gave a combined 4,916 hours of service to help protect, enhance and restore the health of the river and our local communities. We're so grateful to our amazing River Stewards! >>
Another banner year for our young river stewards!
A big thank you to all the young river stewards who helped us protect and restore the Mighty Mississippi in 2019 — all 2,482 of you!
Students stenciled educational messages alongside storm drains, collected trash throughout Twin Cities parks and helped not only restore habitat along the river but research the best ways to keep it healthy in the future. Plus, students in our new pilot program for exploring the environmental field. >>