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. >>
A call for justice, equity and inclusion in our 2020 special session
At FMR, we believe that the Mississippi River belongs to all of us. As long as people of color live in fear of police violence and are made to feel unwelcome or unsafe in public spaces, the river does not belong to them. That must change. And we need to support this change during Minnesota's special session. Learn more and take action >>
Say 'Yes!' to Dakota County parks and natural areas
If you live in Dakota County or use and value its parks, you now have the opportunity (through July 3) to advocate for protecting and restoring additional parks, natural areas and greenways. Learn about and give the county a thumbs-up for their draft conservation plan. >>
Local storytelling legend Loren Niemi on the power of stories and how the river changed him
Selected storytellers for our Moth-esque fall gala will have the opportunity to workshop with Loren Niemi — a National Storytelling Network Lifetime Achievement Award winner — to hone their stories and presentation. They'll also receive an honorarium. Interested? Submit your story by July 24.
We're thrilled to engage noted local storyteller Loren Niemi in planning and curating Our Storied River: An Evening Celebrating the Mississippi River this fall. In a recent interview, we learned more about his life as a storyteller, how the river has changed him, and how he plans to work with our story-sharers. (Will you be one of them?) >>
Minneapolis park board cuts ties with Minneapolis Police
In recognition of our commitment to public spaces that are safe and welcoming to all, we applaud the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board's recent decisions to reduce its relationship with the Minneapolis Police Department. Read more, including our letter of support. >>
In support of justice for George Floyd: Ways you can help
As we listen to Black voices, it's clear that statements of support are only the start of the work we need to do to make sure our public spaces are safe and welcoming to all people. This work is crucial to our vision for the river and its communities. And right now, our communities are overwhelmed with need. Here are some ways you can help. >>
Position Announcement: Stewardship & Education Program Director
Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) is a leading and growing nonprofit organization working to protect, restore and enhance the Mississippi River and its watershed in the Twin Cities region. Our goals are to: improve water quality; conserve important lands; engage people in learning about and taking action to protect and enhance the river; inspire widespread commitment to this natural wonder flowing through our community; and protect our river's unique scenic, natural, cultural and recreational qualities.
Justice for George Floyd
Illustration of George Floyd by Andrés Guzman.
We are deeply saddened and outraged by the brutal killing of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, at the hands of the Minneapolis Police. We stand in solidarity with those who seek justice for his murder.
As long as people of color live in fear of police violence, environmental justice is not possible. And as long as people of color are made unwelcome or unsafe, we cannot have truly public spaces.
Read more, including ways you can help. >>
We're hiring!
FMR is on the lookout for a Stewardship & Education Program Director. >>
2020 legislative session ends with most bills "staying at home"
On Sunday at midnight, the 2020 Minnesota Legislature wrapped up a legislative session unlike any other. And in the end, most legislation failed to cross the finish line in time. Where does that leave our clean water initiatives? And what happens next? >>