Stewardship & Education

Over a thousand metro residents help restore and learn about the health of our metro Mississippi River through FMR events and outings.

We share upcoming public volunteer events to protect and restore natural areas and riverfront parks on our events calendar. We also offer education and volunteer opportunities for youth and educators.

Here's what our stewardship and outreach staff are currently working on behind the scenes, plus more information from program participants and partners.

Follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) and sign up for our Mississippi Messages e-newsletter to stay current on our work.

POSTS

How our volunteer and education programs work on climate change

by Ashley O'Neill Prado, by Laura Mann Hill, by Sophie Downey

September 10, 2021

Our Stewardship and Education program philosophy is based on the fact that people who learn more about and find their own ways to connect with the places around them will be more likely to protect and steward the environment. Here's how our volunteer and education programs plant the seeds for climate change efforts through each event and partnership. >>

Thanks to our summer 2021 Environmental Stewardship Institute assistants

by Laura Mann Hill

September 7, 2021

Putting on an 8-week program for the next generation of environmental leaders is a lot of work, and this year, former fellows Naomi and Justine stepped up to help us plan and facilitate. Our assistants reflect on how FMR's summer program has evolved and share insights on their experience as environmental leaders in the program. >>

Join us outside!

August 20, 2021

Our stewardship and education team is proud to host over 100 events annually. Check out our upcoming public outings or our educational opportunities for youth.

2021 Environmental Stewardship Institute

by Ashley O'Neill Prado, by Laura Mann Hill, by Sophie Downey

August 1, 2021

FMR's third year of the Environmental Stewardship Institute, themed Resilient Waters: Building Community and Connection, wrapped up with spectacular projects from our high school-aged fellows — everything from comic books to interactive websites on topics ranging from composting to pollinators. >>

2021 ESI guest post: Balloons and the environment

July 30, 2021

Environmental Stewardship Institute fellow Brenda drew a cautionary tale to show the impact stray balloons can have on wildlife. >>

2021 ESI guest post: Biodiversity loss in urban areas with a focus on the Twin Cities

July 30, 2021

Summer Environmental Stewardship Institute fellow Holly researched the reasons for biodiversity loss in the Twin Cities and gave solutions for city planners and individuals with environmental justice in mind. She offered up Bridal Veil Open Space in Minneapolis as an example of restored biodiversity in an urban area. >>

2021 ESI guest post: Pollinator potential

July 30, 2021

Environmental Stewardship Institute fellow Fiona researched the potential for pollinator habitat to grow alongside solar farms, as well as her own potential future in the field. >>

2021 ESI guest post: The benefits of composting and how to do it

July 30, 2021

Summer Environmental Stewardship Institute fellow Lydia set up organics recycling at her church and put her design skills to work creating an infographic to explain how and why to compost. >>

2021 ESI guest post: A comic on the symbiotic relationship between the coyote and American badger

July 30, 2021

Summer Environmental Stewardship Institute fellow Mateo's comic imagines those in conflict over water resources learning from Native knowledge around the cooperative hunting strategies of coyotes and badgers. >>

2021 ESI guest post: A marginalized river — The Hatgyi Dam on the Salween in Myanmar

July 30, 2021

ESI fellow Cho Wah Paw shares her final project, a stereoscope showing the human rights issues and biological and cultural diversity at risk due to the proposed hydropower Hatgyi Dam on the Salween River in Southeast Asia. >>