FMR ecologist coauthors paper on the importance of replanting after buckthorn removal
When FMR volunteers remove buckthorn, we're making way for native plants to reestablish critical habitat. In a new research paper, following up by planting native plants seems to show another benefit: Buckthorn has a harder time making a comeback. >>
Thank you, 2020 River Stewards!
SuperVolunteer Karen Jenkins helps to restore the prairie triangles at Indian Mounds Park. Karen is one of more than 700 volunteers who joined us this year. (Photo by Dodd Demas for FMR.)
In 2020, volunteers of all ages got their hands dirty with FMR at community volunteer events. Together more than 700 individuals gave a combined 2,674 hours of service to help protect, enhance and restore the health of the river and our local communities despite COVID-19. We're so grateful to our amazing River Stewards! >>
Indian Mounds Regional Park: Restored land in a sacred place
It's hard to overstate the importance of Indian Mounds Regional Park. Situated atop the bluff just east of downtown St. Paul, the park harbors a wealth of cultural, historical and ecological significance. The park is also unique in that it's where three of FMR’s programs — land conservation, stewardship and youth engagement — converge. >>
Thank you, youth river stewards!
This fall, Farmington High School Honors Society masked up and removed buckthorn at Rambling River Park. Metro youth contributed 142 hours to making way for habitat this year.
Despite COVID-19, we engaged hundreds of youth as active stewards and students of the river in 2020. >>
FMR welcomes new program leader Laura Mann Hill
Passionate about connecting people with the river and each other, Laura is a natural fit here at FMR. An educator, artist and activist, she'll work with our stewardship and education staff to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders. >>
Farmington rain barrel pickup + virtual workshop [SOLD OUT]
What's one of the simplest, high-impact ways to save water and help protect our watershed? Using a rain barrel.
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'Make & Take' Rain Barrel Workshop - Just $40!
Register to claim a rain barrel and conversion kit for just $40! Pick up you barrel from the Wellstone Center in St. Paul on August 23, 2022. Learn more and register here >
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A serene image for a rocky 2020: FMR's fourth water quality mural
This summer, local artists worked with students to design our fourth water quality mural at Harriet Island featuring the Mississippi, an iconic bridge, wildlife and more.
Our latest water quality mural is also our first to focus on the Mississippi River. The postcard-like design showcases the river as a serene destination, created by two local artists with input from students. See the mural up close near the pavilion at Harriet Island. >>
Halloween brush haul + lunch at HAFA Farm [FULL - register for waitlsit]
Join us for a Halloween brush haul at the Hmong American Farmers Association (HAFA) Farm. Though we haven't worked at this exact spot before, FMR partners with the DNR to restore the South Branch Vermillion River Aquatic Management Area (AMA), which shares a border with this site.
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2020 Youth Empowerment Program final projects
This year, participants in our Youth Empowerment Program tackled issues of environmental justice, microplastics, climate change and more in their final projects.
This year, participants in our Youth Empowerment Program tackled issues of environmental justice, microplastics, climate change and more. Enjoy a selection of their final projects. >>