2020 Youth Empowerment Program final projects
This year, participants in our Youth Empowerment Program tackled issues of environmental justice, microplastics, climate change and more in their final projects.
This year, participants in our Youth Empowerment Program tackled issues of environmental justice, microplastics, climate change and more. Enjoy a selection of their final projects. >>
In support of justice for George Floyd: Ways you can help
As we listen to Black voices, it's clear that statements of support are only the start of the work we need to do to make sure our public spaces are safe and welcoming to all people. This work is crucial to our vision for the river and its communities. And right now, our communities are overwhelmed with need. Here are some ways you can help. >>
Spring Lake Park: Take the survey by May 31!
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. >>
Earth Day and beyond: Spring activities (fingers crossed)
Though we're not sure what will happen in April, we are sure we'll find and share ways to work toward river health (and human health!) this Earth Day.
Most of FMR's spring events take place in May and early June. For the moment, these events are open for registration. Our fingers crossed, we'll be able to get back out there to restore riverfront habitat soon. So please do sign up!
Naturally, we're watching health guidelines carefully. If you register, we may end up emailing you to support independent restoration outings instead, but we'll be sure to send detailed location and training information to help you do the most good. >>
Thank you, River Guardians!
Thank you, River Guardians! We deeply appreciate you advocating for clean water and sustainable and equitable development along the river this past year. >>
Thank you, River Guardians!
Thank you, River Guardians! We deeply appreciate you advocating for clean water and sustainable and equitable development along the river this past year. >
Thank you, River Stewards!
In 2019, volunteers of all ages got their hands dirty with FMR at community volunteer events. Together over 1,400 individuals gave a combined 4,916 hours of service to help protect, enhance and restore the health of the river and our local communities. We're so grateful to our amazing River Stewards! >>
Volunteers create piles for habitat in the Minneapolis river gorge
Facing a steep climb up tall stairs, FMR staff and River Gorge Stewards opted for a creative way to dispose of invasive buckthorn at a recent volunteer event along the river: create habitat piles. >>
FMR graduates its first Youth Empowerment Program participants
Naomi Nickel, one of the participants in the Youth Empowerment Program, removes invasive species on a rainy day at Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary. The program features a mix of hands-on experiences, guest speakers, discussions and projects to help students learn more and build skills in the environmental field.
Through canoe trips, guest speakers, pollinator surveys and more this summer, we worked with high-school aged youth from the metro area to explore career possibilities and build skills in the environmental field. Learn more about our new Youth Empowerment Program and see these leaders' capstone projects (which included monarchs, jars of river water, and even a baby painted turtle). >>
Water Action Day 2019 a success! ...Despite the snowstorm
Despite the sudden spring blizzard, over 450 Minnesotans from across the state joined us at the Capitol for a day of action and advocacy. Together, they attended trainings on a range of issues, met individually with almost a quarter of the Minnesota Legislature, participated in the first Water Town Hall and rallied for clean water. >>