FMR's Mission, Vision and Core Values

Our Mission

Friends of the Mississippi River engages people to protect, restore and enhance the Mississippi River and its watershed in the Twin Cities region.

Our Vision

Friends of the Mississippi River envisions a river that is recognized and celebrated for its intrinsic values. Imagine with us a river where the water is clear and clean and safe to swim in, where fish and wildlife are healthy and abundant, and where scenic bluffs and cultural treasures are protected.

This is a river where residents and visitors can escape the rush of daily life to find solitude in a hidden backwater, mystery beside ancient mounds, and the wonder of paddling past towering bluffs.

Here you can catch fish that are healthy to eat. You can stroll through oak savannas and sand prairies alive with the diversity of our natural heritage. Here historic sites speak to the timeless connection between people and the river.

Envision a river accessible to all and a community that actively embraces this river ethic and welcomes its role as the Mississippi River's steward for current and future generations.

Core Values

Equity: The Mississippi River belongs to all of us and its gifts should flow equally to everyone in our community. We strive to be culturally competent, welcoming and inclusive of all people and are committed to using our resources and influence to redress structural inequality where it intersects with the health and vitality of the Mississippi River. (See our full equity statement.)

Stewardship: We believe all of us are accountable for the health of the Mississippi River, its creatures and the communities that live along its banks and rely upon its waters.

Sustainability: We believe that our society must meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Leadership: Through thoughtful and decisive action, we inspire and engage others to protect the Mississippi River.

Collaboration: We cannot succeed alone. We work with others because our outcomes are better and more lasting when driven by strong and diverse partnerships.

Expertise: We pursue our mission with professionalism, bringing to bear deep understanding, creativity and technical proficiency.

Integrity: We do what is right for the Mississippi River. Our decisions and actions are clearly and proudly aligned with our mission and values.

 

Learn more:

FMR annual reports

Our strategic plan 

FMR News

November 30, 2022
by Colleen O'Connor Toberman
September 6, 2023

Every dollar has a ripple effect of impacts on the river.

Gifts large and small benefit the health of the Mississippi River.

Check out our beautiful annual report to see what your support makes possible.

Upcoming Events

Saturday, April 20, 2024 - 9:30am to 12:00pm
West River Parkway and 36th Street/44th Street, Minneapolis
Applications due Friday, May 3 by 5 p.m.
Virtual and in-person
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Hampton Woods Wildlife Management Area