Updates and Articles

Where we work: Applewood Preserve
An old pasture and orchard turned neighborhood preserve holds nearly 30 acres of oak forest, prairie and woodland pond for wildlife in Maplewood. Read more
Applewood prairie and trees
EPA says state needs to clean up drinking water in SE Minnesota
In response to a petition we signed last spring, the federal agency is requiring Minnesota to address the public health crisis created by nitrate pollution. Read more
Drinking water glass
How we're filling in research gaps for the lock and dam study
FMR and our partners are bringing together researchers to dig into crucial questions that the official Army Corps lock and dam disposition study won't be able to answer. Here's what we're focusing on and why. Read more
Four people talk on a boat on the river
A bad idea that won't go away: Diverting the river
Despite its high environmental and economic costs, the literal "pipe dream" of diverting water from the Mississippi River to Arizona, Colorado and other dry states won't disappear. Read more
Outline of U.S. with Mississippi River, plus a pipeline splitting off the river to the Southwest
FMR's new Stewardship & Education Program Director
We're excited that paddler, writer and river-lover Natalie Warren joined our staff in November to lead our Stewardship & Education program. Welcome, Natalie! Read more
Natalie Warren in a canoe on the Mississippi River
Video: How we chose plants in partnership for the restoration at Wakan Tipi
Meet four plants in the restored tallgrass prairie and floodplain at Wakaŋ Tipi in St. Paul, a sacred place to the Dakota. FMR and our partners Wakaŋ Tipi Awaŋyaŋkapi talk about the medicine and habitat these trees and wildflowers provide. Read more
Two people talking near bee balm
What St. Paul's new riverfront rules should include
St. Paul's city council will probably vote on a new critical area ordinance this fall or winter. Here are three provisions we'll be looking for in their next draft. Read more
Sunset from Harriet Island over the river.
Video: How the 'big brown spot' pollutes the Mississippi River
When farm fields are bare, there’s nothing to stop soil, fertilizers and other farm chemicals from washing off into our rivers, lakes and streams. This "big brown spot" in the Midwest is by far the largest source of pollution to the Mississippi. Read more
Map of Midwest with brown over much of the area around the Mississippi River
Minnesota's drought contributes to drinking water crisis downriver
In this Q&A, Matt Rota at Healthy Gulf in Louisiana talks with FMR about the saltwater intrusion in the Mississippi River threatening New Orleans' drinking water supply — and already impacting communities farther south. Read more
Army Corps boats construct a sill to prevent saltwater intrusion
Nectar and ... blood? A surprising source of nutrients for butterflies
Our new pollinator biologist explains the phenomenon of butterfly puddling — sometimes on blood — and how we can make sure these insects get the nutrients and energy they need. Read more

Pages

Upcoming Events

January-February 2024
Multiple locations
Ole Olson prairie, Mississippi River, Minneapolis skyline

Celebrate 30 years of FMR!

For our 30th anniversary, our wish is for you to join us in restoring, protecting and enhancing the Mississippi River.