Updates and Articles

May 28, 2020

We are deeply saddened and outraged by the brutal killing of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, at the hands of the Minneapolis Police. We stand in solidarity with those who seek justice for his murder.

As long as people of color live in fear of police violence, environmental justice is not possible. And as long as people of color are made unwelcome or unsafe, we cannot have truly public spaces.

Read more, including ways you can help. >>

Minneapolis parks are getting the wrong kind of blooms

by Peter LaFontaine

May 22, 2020

The Parks Department is warning of potentially toxic algae blooms in some of Minneapolis's most-loved lakes. Here's what you need to know. >>

2020 legislative session ends with most bills "staying at home"

by Trevor Russell

May 19, 2020

On Sunday at midnight, the 2020 Minnesota Legislature wrapped up a legislative session unlike any other. And in the end, most legislation failed to cross the finish line in time. Where does that leave our clean water initiatives? And what happens next? >>

How clean water and the Mississippi River fared in the bonding bills

by Trevor Russell

May 19, 2020

FMR's top clean water and Mississippi River bonding priorities failed to cross the finish line as the clock ran out on the legislative session. >>

How the Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund fared this session

by Trevor Russell

May 19, 2020

After FMR advocates and coalition partners stopped an attempted raid, the House and Senate passed relatively "clean" Environmental Trust Fund bills, but the clock ran out on final negotiations and no final vote was taken. >>

Bake for the river: Kernza in your kitchen

by Peter LaFontaine

May 19, 2020

For the first time ever, home bakers can get their oven mitts on Kernza flour, a delicious and river-friendly perennial grain. Let us know if you try it out! >>

Spring Lake Park: Take the survey by May 31!

May 19, 2020

Weigh in for the importance of preserving and restoring natural areas (home to animals such as this fisher) while also serving the needs and interests of the most people at this important Dakota County riverfront park. Read more

Our storied river: Call for storytelling submissions

May 19, 2020

If you have a story about how the Mississippi River changed you, we want to hear it — in your voice. At our Moth-esque virtual gala this fall, we'll showcase tales from diverse voices and varied experiences that dazzle, twist, flood us or still us. Tell us yours by July 24. >>

Hands hold water that flows into a river. A person speaks. Text: Our Storied River

A new future for the downtown Minneapolis riverfront

May 14, 2020

What could be next for the locks and dams in downtown Minneapolis? We spoke with the Star Tribune about opportunities to get creative about our riverfront's future. >>

Growing diversity for climate resiliency in Minneapolis riverfront forests

by Alex Roth

May 13, 2020

In a gravel-bed nursery that captures stormwater at the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization’s office, we’re growing tree species predicted to do well as Minnesota's climate warms. These bare-root trees will be ready to plant at our habitat restoration sites this fall, where they’ll strengthen the resiliency of our riverfront canopy. >>