River Learning Center

River Guardians' impacts in 2022

December 8, 2022

In 2022, 1,225 River Guardians sent 2,974 letters to 166 decision-makers, significantly impacting our work towards a healthier, more resilient river community. Read more

River Learning Center: Latest design is better, but we still have questions

October 6, 2022

FMR had raised the alarm about initial design concepts that were grossly oversized for this unique riverfront site. Project planners listened to feedback and made significant changes, but questions linger. Read more

An overhead view of boats in the harbor at Watergate Marina.

Can St. Paul's River Learning Center project get back on track?

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

July 7, 2022

We've long supported the goal of creating a River Learning Center in St. Paul's Crosby Farm Regional Park. Recent design concepts for the center, however, seemed to disregard community input and riverfront development regulations. Here's how we've responded and what we hope to see happen next. >>

Where FMR's priorities stand at the Legislature

by Trevor Russell

April 14, 2022

FMR entered this unique 2022 legislative session with a slate of clear priorities. After a week-long break, lawmakers are heading back to the state capitol for the final legislative push. Now is a great time to take stock and take action. >>

St. Paul riverfront roundup: Five projects to watch

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

April 11, 2022

St. Paul has a lot of projects in the works along its 26 miles of Mississippi River shoreline. Check out the plans for new visitor and cultural centers, recreational improvements and more that will celebrate and improve St. Paul's connection to the river. >>

Pioneer Press highlights St. Paul riverfront projects

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

March 25, 2021

From northern Minnesota to New Orleans, no city has more miles of Mississippi riverfront than St. Paul. A recent Pioneer Press article highlighted some of the major new projects that will enhance community connection to the river. >>

The untold story of our national park's founding

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

April 29, 2020

You may know that the Mississippi River through the Twin Cities is a national park. But few of us know how our special river became a national park in the first place. We interviewed National Park Superintendent John Anfinson about the development proposal that started the fight to protect our park and the surprising role that this exact same site — the potential home for a new River Learning Center — could play in its future. >>