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 (FacebookInstagram and Twitter) and sign up for our Mississippi Messages e-newsletter to stay current on our work.

POSTS

ESI guest post: The impact of street salt on our environment
This is a guest post from 2022 ESI fellows Hanna Bjerkness and Harper Glaeser Allen who conducted a survey to find out what their community knew about road salt pollution, then created an infographic to help them learn more. Read more
Hanna, Harper and Naomi
ESI guest post: Invasive species scavenger hunt
This is a guest post from 2022 Environmental Stewardship Institute (ESI) fellows Li Le Kaplow, Jasmine Jara and Sarah Hu who created a scavenger hunt for youth and their families to learn more about invasive species. Read more
ESI guest post: Informational zebra mussel workshop for kids
This is a guest post from 2022 Environmental Stewardship Institute (ESI) fellows Abby Peters, Miranda Micko and Anika Hanson who created an interactive educational opportunity for youth to learn about zebra mussels and their effects on water quality. Read more
Abby Peters,Miranda Micko,  Anika Hanson
ESI guest post: A look at Lythrum salicaria (purple loosestrife)
This is a guest post from 2022 Environmental Stewardship Institute (ESI) fellow Amani Armstrong-Morrow who researched the impacts of purple loosestrife, an invasive plant here in Minnesota, and offered solutions for slowing its spread. Read more
ESI guest post: Touring Lock and Dam No. 1
FMR's Environmental Stewardship Institute fellows toured the Ford Dam to learn about the potential for dam removal. Here's ESI Assistant Ivy Song's recap. Read more
Environmental Stewardship Institute fellows in park
Stream Health Evaluation Program starts its 16th year

Dedicated volunteers have been monitoring stream health in the Rice Creek Watershed District since 2006. Their findings, presented to decision-makers each year, help determine the watershed's future and shape policy to protect streams. Find out more and consider joining us as we get ready for the 2022 season.  >>

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Neighborhood takes the lead on restoration

At James I. Rice Park in Minneapolis, a neighborhood community saw a need for restoration of their beloved park and banded together to make it happen.  >>

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Courtney Cochran to lead art projects in Water Knowledge Network series

Anishinaabe Artist, filmmaker and community organizer Courtney Cochran will create water-based art with youth and adult participants in our Water Knowledge Network workshop series in Minneapolis this summer.  >>

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The ESI Youth Advisory Council's first year

The most recent expansion of our Environmental Stewardship Institute (ESI) is a youth-led council that explores pathways to environmental leadership at FMR and in the larger Twin Cities community through the school year. Here's what the 2022-2023 founding members have been up to, including their first public event earlier this month.  >>

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Apply to be a 2022 ESI mentor

FMR is searching for qualified mentors for our Environmental Stewardship Institute (ESI), our summer program for high school-aged youth. Both STEM and arts professionals are encouraged to apply. >>

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Upcoming Events

Wednesday, December 11, 2024 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Friends of the Mississippi River office in St. Paul
This school year
In your classroom or outside
Saturday, January 18, 2025 - 10:00am to 12:00pm
Rosemount Wildlife Preserve and North 20 Brewing, Rosemount