Caring for the river and one another this Earth Month
We've pulled together ideas about how to celebrate Earth Day all month for supporters like you to act on your values and enjoy moments of positive impact during this tough time. So whether you're up for advocating online, collecting litter or you just need a moment to be still and witness the migrating birds, we look forward to celebrating Earth Month with you — separately, but together. >>
Area C: The overlooked Ford site
Did you know that Ford Motor Company owns a hazardous waste dump right on the river's edge in the middle of St. Paul? FMR has been a longtime advocate to clean up this site. As the process ramps up in the coming months, we'll need you to join us in taking action. >>
We're working remotely. Stay safe and be well!
Herons building their nest at a metro Mississippi River rookery. Photo by Steven Cronin.
Friends of the Mississippi River staff are working remotely, events are canceled through at least late-April, and we will continue to follow official guidelines to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.
More importantly, we wish everyone peace and wellness in these uncertain times. Let's support one another, in whatever ways we can, through this public health emergency. >>
The flood forecast
A waterlogged 2019 makes for a floody 2020. Here's what Minnesota is gearing up for as the spring melt approaches. >>
Counting critters at Pine Bend Bluffs, our longest-running restoration
Over the last 20 years at Pine Bend Bluffs, we've converted a buckthorn forest to oak savanna and a Siberian elm canopy to prairie. Now we're monitoring the site to see how wildlife is responding. Since we restore lands largely to benefit animals (and plants), documenting critters is a valuable measure of success. And survey says: We've been pretty successful. >>
The abundant prairie: A William H. Houlton Conservation Area wildlife update
In just its second year, the restoration project at Houlton is yielding impressive wildlife gains: from 16 bumblebees in the first year to 575 now, from 15 kinds of butterflies to 25. These results show progress toward the thriving habitat we hoped to create. >>
KSTP TV: Ford site cleanup ‘top priority’ for neighbors [video]
Our river corridor director Colleen O'Connor Toberman gave KSTP reporters a tour of Ford Area C to explain why so many in the metro area are calling for thorough cleanup of the toxic riverfront dump site. >>
Area C community meeting draws crowds and questions
At a recent community meeting, 150 residents gathered to hear about the history and future of Area C, the Ford Motor Company's hazardous waste pile sitting on the floodplain in St. Paul. Out of the many questions raised, one in particular didn't have a clear answer: Will anyone make Ford clean up its mess on the Mississippi River? >>
Happy trails, Daurius!
Daurius, all smiles here at the Earth Day cleanup in 2019, helped thousands of youth and volunteers protect and restore our river over his three years as FMR Program Assistant.
In three years, Program Assistant Daurius Mikroberts worked with more than 3,000 youth to help protect our river. As Daurius ends his role at FMR, we know the impact of his efforts will go on. >>
