Stewardship and education updates
Over a thousand metro residents help restore and learn about the health of our metro Mississippi River through FMR events and outings.
We share upcoming public volunteer events to protect and restore natural areas and riverfront parks on our events calendar. We also offer education and volunteer opportunities for youth and educators.
Here's what our stewardship and outreach staff are currently working on behind the scenes, plus more information from program participants and partners.
Follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) and sign up for our Mississippi Messages e-newsletter to stay current on our work.
December 8, 2021
We are so grateful to our amazing 2021 volunteers! See our video highlights and read more about the positive impact you had on the river this year. >>
December 7, 2021
In 2021, more than 500 youth stenciled storm drains with water quality messages, conducted scientific surveys of pollinators and worms at our project sites, and helped restore land through invasive species removal. >>
November 16, 2021
In a recent article, the founder of the Urban Bird Collective, Monica Bryand, talks about why she's "building a more diverse, inclusive birding community," and our own Stewardship and Education Director Laura Mann Hill reflects on the power of BIPOC events.
Shout out to the collective for signing on to support the MRRRI Act, too! >>
November 8, 2021
Thanks to hundreds of volunteers, we exceeded our storm drain stenciling goals for 2021 despite our second season of COVID-19. Together, neighbors, classrooms, sports teams, girl scouts, churches and local businesses stenciled 1,615 storm drains in the Twin Cities and shared 2,529 flyers with community members to spread the word about why it's so important to keep our storm drains clean. >>
October 11, 2021
Visit Swede Hollow Park in St. Paul to see our latest storm drain mural! Designed by Thomasina Topbear, this mural celebrates connections to the river and water as the lifeblood of our communities. >>
September 10, 2021
Our Stewardship and Education program philosophy is based on the fact that people who learn more about and find their own ways to connect with the places around them will be more likely to protect and steward the environment. Here's how our volunteer and education programs plant the seeds for climate change efforts through each event and partnership. >>
September 7, 2021
Putting on an 8-week program for the next generation of environmental leaders is a lot of work, and this year, former fellows Naomi and Justine stepped up to help us plan and facilitate. Our assistants reflect on how FMR's summer program has evolved and share insights on their experience as environmental leaders in the program. >>
August 20, 2021
Our stewardship and education team is proud to host over 100 events annually. Check out our upcoming public outings or our educational opportunities for youth.