Research

Friends of the Mississippi River values evidence-based approaches to restoration, water quality solutions and more. Check out this overview of FMR's research and reports, and explore updates on the results of our studies and their impacts below.

Research
St. Paul’s newest islands are living laboratories for climate resilience

update

October 29, 2026
Newly constructed islands are already providing quality habitat in Pigs Eye Lake. These islands are also the site of an FMR experiment that will help us understand how to create and care for climate-resilient floodplain forest. Read more
Aerial view of new islands in Pig's Eye Lake in St. Paul
The results from our multi-year bumble bee research study are in

update

June 15, 2026
How can we improve habitat for bumble bees? That's the question our multi-year research project sought to answer. Read more
Rusty-patched bumble bee on vervain
Check out our stream health report from 2025 monitoring

update

May 19, 2026
Here's what we found out about water quality by sampling tiny aquatic insects in the Rice Creek watershed last year. Read more
2025 SHEP volunteer at stream training, 18 volunteers and field training instructor stand by water with waders and gear.
FMR volunteer monarch monitoring results show restoration successes

update

November 17, 2025
Monarchs have migrated south, and our Pollinator Evaluation Program volunteers have wrapped up their first season of monitoring. Here's what they found. Read more
Monarch on thistle
It's official: FMR is a Monarch Joint Venture partner

update

September 30, 2025
We're excited to connect with others studying monarchs, collaborate on research, and share our own expertise and volunteer-collected findings to protect monarchs for generations to come. Read more
Photos: What our wildlife cameras showed this summer

update

August 26, 2025
Our wildlife camera monitoring program provides data that can help us improve habitat restoration. It also provides some very fun pictures. Read more
Deer peeking at wildlife camera
Just released: Stream health report from 2024 monitoring

update

May 13, 2025
Our volunteers' waders are dry. Our biologist has waded through the data. Here's what we found out about water quality by sampling tiny aquatic insects in the Rice Creek watershed last year. Read more
Two SHEP volunteers wade in stream

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Upcoming Events

'Pour It Forward' with Wabasha Brewing
Wednesday, November 18, 2026 - 5:30pm
Wabasha Taproom, St. Paul
Give to the Max
November 1 - 19, 2026
Online
Winter Salt Awareness Week: Sign the petition, reduce salt at home or watch a webinar
Monday-Friday, January 25-29, 2027
Online

See all Upcoming Events