As summer turns to fall, Twin Cities communities throughout the metro are moving fast to wrap up their draft plans for land use and development along their local riverfront.
Hastings and St. Paul Park — two cities with an abundance of high quality riverine habitat — are accepting comments through the end of November and December, respectively. Several other cities want public comments submitted before the end of September. >>
Pig's Eye is a favorite spot in our local flyway for pelicans. (Photo by Monica Bryand for Great River Passage.)
A railroad expansion proposal threatens planned community trails that would connect Pig’s Eye and Eagle Lakes in St. Paul’s largest park. >>
Come early to City House or Red River Kitchen to grab a seat on the patio. (Photo from Red River Kitchen)
This month in our ongoing special places silver anniversary feature, we suggest a couple of our favorite spots to grab a cocktail (or mocktail) and watch the river flow by. >>
Our friends at the St. Croix Watershed Research Station recently published a new ‘Field Notes’ article detailing three ways experts think Minnesota could make measurable progress on improving water quality in Minnesota. >>
A rendering of the proposed Upper Harbor Terminal Community Performing Arts Center
After more than two and a half years of community engagement, draft plans for the redevelopment of a mile-long riverfront site in North Minneapolis were revealed mid-August.
The draft calls for a dramatic overhaul of the Upper Harbor Terminal site, aiming to turn the long-closed port into both a regional attraction and a beneficial part of the North Minneapolis community. >>
Hat’s off to FMR’s advocates! On August 15, FMR staff hand-delivered 226 comments from River Guardians and other advocates calling on the state to both implement and improve a new state rule to protect our groundwater. >>
Come be inspired by acclaimed local artists — including Dakota fiber artist, poet and educator Dr. Gwen Westerman — as we celebrate our connection to the Mississippi River at "An Evening Celebrating the Mississippi River," September 20. >>
A field of showy golden flowers is a common site in late summer, but is goldenrod to blame for our allergies?
Each year, we get questions about whether goldenrod is contributing to our late-summer allergies. The short answer: Most likely not, it's actually ragweed that's to blame.
In fact, goldenrod plays a role in habitat restoration and is sometimes planted by FMR ecologists. >>
Enjoy poetry from renowned local artist Bao Phi (above) at this year's "Evening Celebrating the River." (Photo by Anna Min)
Don't miss Bao Phi — two-time Minnesota Grand Slam champion and National Poetry Slam finalist — as he shares his poetry and connection to our Big River at our signature annual event, "An Evening Celebrating the River," September 20 in downtown Minneapolis.
This year's theme is "The River Inspires," and spotlights the special connection between the river and our thriving arts community. >>
The contrasting colors or purple blazing star and yellow goldenrod are eye-candy for both humans and bees.
A prairie for every season and (metro) location! We list a few of our favorite prairie sites from Elk River to Hastings, including both restored prairies and native remnants. Some of our favorite finds at each site are listed, and a good time to visit. >>