Updates and Articles

Thank you for making FMR's fall event our most successful ever

October 10, 2018

A sold-out crowd of members and friends raised over $200,000 at our biggest fall event yet. We've posted videos of inspiring performances by our featured artists, as well as our river playlist and event photos so you can relive the evening. >>

An Evening Celebrating the Mississippi River closing blessing for the Mississippi River

New development could radically change downtown St. Paul's riverfront

by Whitney Clark

October 8, 2018

Massive new skyscrapers towering over the St. Paul riverfront are again on the table. The Ramsey County Board is considering three competing redevelopment proposals for the site formerly occupied by the county jail and West Publishing buildings. >>

St. Paul riverfront development proposal rendering

Why do volunteers hand-collect seed for FMR?

by Karen Schik

October 8, 2018

What would you be willing to pay for a few teaspoons of prairie seed? Seeds from native prairie remnants that our volunteers collect by hand are priceless. >>

Why we initiated a lawsuit against the State of Minnesota

by Trevor Russell

October 3, 2018

This week, FMR joined eight other conservation organizations in initiating a lawsuit against the state. It’s an unusual move for FMR, but an important one. Here’s why. >>

Special Places: Stunning river overlooks

October 2, 2018

As the colors turn, it's an especially good time of year to enjoy sweeping river valley views. This month in our 25 Special Places silver anniversary series, we're profiling a few of our favorite metro promontories. >>

Volunteers on the prairie bluff at River Oaks Park

MPR coverage: Nitrate in drinking water a costly problem for small, rural cities

by Trevor Russell

October 2, 2018

Recent MPR news coverage examines the costs of nitrate contamination in drinking water in small, rural communities — those least able to afford treatment costs. >>

FMR overview video

September 20, 2018

We can't believe FMR turned 25 this year! We hope you enjoy this new video that celebrates our volunteers, our advocates, our impact and the river we all love.

Can contact lenses end up in your beer? Well, sort of.

by Trevor Russell

September 11, 2018

Microplastics, tiny bits of plastic pollution, are the subject of recent New York Times and National Public Radio articles that explore the sources and consequences of ubiquitous microplastic pollution. >>

Snapping turtle hatchlings protected from predators

by Ellie Rogers

September 10, 2018

Our wildlife cameras caught baby snapping turtles hatching in peace thanks to our new wildlife nest enclosure at Spring Lake Islands Wildlife Management Area. >>

Restoring habitat on an urban island

by Alex Roth

September 10, 2018

After almost two years of planning, FMR is embarking on our Nicollet Island habitat restoration project designed to enhance wildlife habitat, control erosion and improve water quality. >>