Updates and Articles

FMR's 2023 annual report now available
January 30, 2024
Our annual report features some of our favorite stories of the year's accomplishments — a joyful collection of photos and reflections, and a celebration of the impact we've had on the river we love. Thank you for powering this work! Read more
Sunset over Grey Cloud Dunes and river, plus text: 2023 Annual Report
The Atlantic takes on Minneapolis 2040
January 29, 2024
Because of our advocacy for climate-smart dense urban development, national magazine The Atlantic reached out to FMR Land Use & Planning Director Colleen O'Connor Toberman to get our perspective on Minneapolis 2040. Read more
Minneapolis skyline at night
Can pockets of habitat tip the scales in degraded wetlands?
January 25, 2024
Invasive reed canary grass forms dense monocultures in many wetlands across the Upper Midwest, but we're experimenting with ways to give native wetland plants a better foothold. Read more
Vermillion River flows through reed canary grass
Just released: Read the landmark new report 'Putting Down Roots'
January 19, 2024
The report, which measures the environmental impact of crops that provide continuous living cover, was produced by FMR, Ecotone Analytics and the Forever Green Partnership. Read more
A hand prods at the bare dirt, prepping for a seed planting. Text says "Putting Down Roots: Analyzing the economic and environmental benefits of continuous living cover for MN’s farmers, water and climate"
Long-awaited DNR carp action plan released
January 18, 2024
The DNR has pulled together a roadmap for prevention and management of invasive carp. Is it enough? Read more
Person holds big grass carp in boat
Five things we learned from stream monitoring in 2023
January 16, 2024
Three teams of volunteers pulled hundreds of samples from streams in 2023, detailing insects and crustaceans present — a key to analyzing stream health over time. Here are five takeaways from our work. Read more
Person in waders samples a stream
How does FMR evaluate development plans?
January 11, 2024
What do we consider "good" development? FMR keeps tabs on riverfront development proposals and community response to them. Here's an overview of our process and the criteria we use to evaluate potential big changes to our river and its banks. Read more
Mississippi riverfront in Minneapolis with buildings, bridge and Pillsbury Flour sign
Media shines spotlight on FMR staff and creative solutions for vexing river issues
January 11, 2024
Whether clean-water crops, carp or buckthorn, the expertise of FMR staff has been on full display. Read more
FMR staff, camelina, carp, buckthorn
More than 3,000 pollinators — and other interesting findings from our 2023 monitoring
January 9, 2024
How much more often did pollinators visit native flowers than non-native flowers? And why are cuckoo bees a good sign? Find out more about our 2023 pollinator surveys, plus new opportunities to get involved in monitoring efforts. Read more
Annika, Julia, a monarch, black and gold bumble bee, red-belted bumble bee
Press release: ‘A win-win’ — Report finds new crops could boost farmer profits while protecting MN’s waters
January 5, 2024
Our first-of-its-kind analysis presents unused winter cropland as an untapped opportunity and force for clean water in Minnesota. Read more
Hand holding jar of water in field of 'living cover' crops.

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Upcoming Events

Tend the oak woodlands at the Hastings Sand Coulee SNA [FULL]
Thursday, May 9, 2024 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Hastings Sand Coulee Scientific and Natural Area
Pledge to pull garlic mustard at Pine Bend Bluffs SNA [FULL]
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Pine Bend Bluffs SNA, Inver Grove Heights
Apply to be a 2024 ESI mentor for the summer
Applications due Wednesday, May 15 by 5 p.m.
Virtual and in-person

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