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

Thank you, 2021 storm drain stenciling volunteers!

Thanks to hundreds of volunteers, we exceeded our storm drain stenciling goals for 2021 despite our second season of COVID-19. Together, neighbors, classrooms, sports teams, girl scouts, churches and local businesses stenciled 1,615 storm drains in the Twin Cities and shared 2,529 flyers with community members to spread the word about why it's so important to keep our storm drains clean.  >>

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FMR's fifth water quality mural celebrates community connections to water

Visit Swede Hollow Park in St. Paul to see our latest storm drain mural! Designed by Thomasina Topbear, this mural celebrates connections to the river and water as the lifeblood of our communities.  >>

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Introducing FMR's Cultural Landscapes lesson

Our education program teaches hundreds of youth each year about watersheds, pollution, ecosystems and more. Now we’re evolving our curriculum to explore cultural connections to place as well. Our new Cultural Landscapes lesson aims to open up space for people to reflect on their relationships with land, water and stewardship.  >>

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Learners outside
How our volunteer and education programs work on climate change

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.  >>

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Thanks to our summer 2021 Environmental Stewardship Institute assistants

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.  >>

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Join us outside!

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

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2021 Environmental Stewardship Institute

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.  >>

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2021 ESI guest post: Balloons and the environment

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

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

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.  >>

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2021 ESI guest post: Pollinator potential

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.  >>

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Upcoming Events

Flexible! Now through mid-October
St. Paul
Three options: August 15, September 17, October 5, 2024
Hidden Falls Regional Park, St. Paul
Thursday, September 26, 2024 - 6:00pm
Nicollet Island Pavilion, Minneapolis