As noted in a recent MPR News story, Minnesota farm operators will no longer be allowed to apply nitrogen fertilizer in the fall or on frozen ground above Minnesota’s most vulnerable aquifers. While that means cleaner drinking water for many Minnesotans, this rule alone won't solve our nitrate pollution problems. >>
Latest News

The Star Tribune recently covered a report that underscores the connection between water quality and the need to alter what we plant in Minnesota's farm fields. But this report wasn't issued by the usual suspects — now the state is actively calling for profitable clean-water crops. >>

Our summer intern Michaela Hackbarth reflects on the gray catbird's call, how field work requires great people skills, and the expansive feeling at FMR habitat restoration sites. >>

How are wild canids adapting to urban areas? Help researchers find out more this fall and winter, get a project update from the first field season, and learn how to identify and differentiate gray foxes, red foxes and coyotes with our guide, so you can record your sightings. >>

The Star Tribune recently covered the island-building project at Pig's Eye Lake in East Side St. Paul's riverfront park. As our executive director Whitney Clark stated in the article, FMR supports the project overall, and would also like to see project planners "really consider including climate-adaptive species and use this opportunity to understand more about habitat restoration in the era of climate change." >>

Audrey, a summer Youth Empowerment Program participant, wanted to make the threat of microplastics in freshwater visible through art. She crafted her seagull sculpture using plastic she found during just half an hour at a Lake Superior beach. >>

Curran, a Youth Empowerment Program participant, used data and mapping skills to visualize environmental injustice across Minneapolis and St. Paul. >>

Metro-area cities and townships are beginning to adopt new baseline riverfront protections. Is your city is on the list of communities writing their ordinances this fall? Find out how you can shape river rules based on your community's values and priorities. One example: Minneapolis might require bird-safe measures for new riverfront construction, since migrating songbirds are especially vulnerable to collisions in cities on the Mississippi flyway. >>

Thanks to advocacy by FMR and its partners, new monitoring wells have been installed at Ford Area C. These wells will provide a better understanding of any hazards posed by this dumpsite on the floodplain. >>

We're thrilled to partner with Miss Shannan Paul to emcee An Evening Celebrating the Mississippi River: Our Storied River on October 1. Her infectious personality and knack for comedic social commentary are sure to keep you — our virtual guests — entertained. You won't want to miss it! >>