FMR Updates

Wall Street Journal: The world’s appetite is threatening the Mississippi River

by Trevor Russell

July 9, 2019

Early this month, the Wall Street Journal published a fascinating overview of the agricultural runoff challenges facing the length of the Mississippi River. And satellite images of the Upper Midwest in the Washington Post illustrate how this wet spring spells trouble for farmers and for the river. >>

by Trevor Russell

July 9, 2019

New research from Cornell University suggests that methane emissions from fertilizer production facilities may be 100 times greater than industry estimates. In fact, it might be greater than the U.S. EPA’s estimate for all national industrial processes combined. >>

A good sign for habitat: Hastings high schoolers make their mark in the park

by Ellie Rogers

June 11, 2019

Vermillion River Linear Park is a 60-acre prairie in the heart of Hastings that FMR has worked with students for years to restore. These high school students wanted to make sure passersby knew about the boon to wildlife and water quality right in their backyard. >>

Rain, rain, go away: river flooding continues

by Peter LaFontaine

June 11, 2019

Tired of all of the rainstorms yet? This year has been a historically wet and flood-prone year, impacting cities, towns and farms across the Midwest. In this news roundup, find out what's happening and why it matters. >>

Welcome, Peter — our new agricultural policy manager

by Trevor Russell

June 11, 2019

Bringing a decade of experience in environmental advocacy and campaign management, Peter LaFontaine will coordinate our agricultural clean-water advocacy efforts in our newest position at FMR. >>

New podcast features FMR ecologist and invasive earthworms

by Alex Roth

June 11, 2019

Three Rivers Park District's new podcast, The Wandering Naturalist, covers fun Minnesota ecology topics from tracking owls to maple syruping. In this episode, FMR ecologist Alex Roth joined the conversation about the effects of invasive buckthorn and earthworms on Minnesota's wildflowers. >>

Stormwater mural celebrates water at Lake Phalen

by Kate Clayton

June 5, 2019

On the bridge near the pavilion at Lake Phalen, if you look down, you’ll see a new mural. On June 1 at WaterFest, lead artist Liv Novotny and assistant artist Violeta Rotstein led volunteers to paint this beautiful reminder that all roads lead to our waters. >>