Introducing FMR's Cultural Landscapes lesson
Our new lesson explores cultural connections to place, and we're reshaping our whole curriculum to include more voices and more perspectives. (Photo by Adrian Islam)
Our education program teaches hundreds of youth each year about watersheds, pollution, ecosystems and more. Now we’re evolving our curriculum to explore cultural connections to place as well. Our new Cultural Landscapes lesson aims to open up space for people to reflect on their relationships with land, water and stewardship. >>
Environmental Stewardship Institute alum keeps Hidden Falls Park clean
One key way anglers can help our waters and wildlife is by disposing of fishing line responsibly. As an ESI fellow last year, Jonathan built and installed a PVC fishing line receptacle at Hidden Falls Park and has maintained it ever since.
A summer project turned into a year-round commitment for 2020 ESI Fellow Jonathan Wilson-Thieroff. Read about how he made an impact reducing fishing line waste at this beloved riverfront park. >>
Volunteer spotlight: Randy's dedication at Ole Olson Park
For Randy Miranda, volunteering every week to tend FMR's prairie restoration at Ole Olson Park near his home was a meditative way to give back and get through the pandemic. Here are Randy's reflections on why he volunteers and what we've accomplished together. >>
Join us for Earth Day 2021 and beyond
We're planning a busy spring of trash cleanups, garlic mustard pulls and more. Sign up for spring events today!
We're planning a busy spring of trash cleanups, garlic mustard pulls and more. Sign up for spring events today! >>
Plant woodland shrubs and wildflowers at Weiss Woods [FULL]
This event has reached maximum capacity. Read below for instructions to sign up for the waitlist, and we will contact you if anyone cancels their spot for this event. Or, see our full event calendar to choose a different volunteer opportunity.
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Help track trash as part of the Mississippi River Plastic Pollution Initiative
FMR is proud to be a partner for the 2021 Mississippi River Plastic Pollution Initiative. Led by the Mississippi River Cities & Towns Initiative (MRCTI), the United Nations Environment Programme, National Geographic Society and the University of Georgia, this initiative will quantify and address plastic pollution along the Mississippi.
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Haul buckthorn and pull garlic mustard at Rosemount Preserve [FULL]
This event has reached maximum capacity. Read below for instructions to sign up for the waitlist, and we will contact you if anyone cancels their spot for this event. Or, see our full event calendar to choose a different volunteer opportunity.
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Youth education opportunities
Whether you're a young person, an educator, or a group leader of youth, we want to work with you! (Note: Waders should be worn with a belt for safety.)
FMR offers a variety of free virtual and in-person education and volunteer opportunities for K-12 groups and individual youth in the Twin Cities metro area. >>
Meet our new youth coordinator
Ashley O'Neill Prado (left) will be our new youth coordinator in March, after Kate Clayton (right) steps away from the role. (Kate's photo by Dodd Demas)
Longtime youth coordinator Kate Clayton recently stepped down from her position after more than seven years of service to FMR. She leaves a legacy of inspiring many thousands of youth, volunteers and educators, and equipping them with knowledge and skills to enhance and protect our river and watershed. Ashley O'Neill Prado will be promoted to youth coordinator in March. >>
Education intern creates curriculum connecting people and place
Elia Engberg, in their senior year of Environmental & Educational Studies at Macalester College, spent eight weeks as FMR's stewardship and education intern this fall. They worked collaboratively with FMR's team to create new curriculum resources that uplift connections between people and place, highlighting culture and identity relationships as essential parts of environmental education. >>