Calling all cameras: Citizen science for the Twin Cities Coyote and Fox Research Project
A coyote hunts mice in a wintry field. The new Twin Cities Coyote and Fox Research Project seeks your canine sightings like this one. (Photo by Karen Schik for FMR.)
Coyotes and foxes are mostly secretive animals, but sightings of these species are becoming more and more common throughout the Twin Cities Metro Area. Now, a group of researchers and partner organizations (including FMR) are setting out to better understand how these critters use the urban environment, and maybe just dispel some myths along the way. You can help! >>
Art from invasives: An interview with Kim and Emily
FMR volunteers Emily Sauer and Kimberly Boustead, pictured here at one of our volunteer events, spread invasives awareness through art.
FMR volunteers Kimberly Boustead and Emily Sauer remove buckthorn, garlic mustard and more at our stewardship events. And they also use their creativity to spread awareness about how to stop the spread of invasive species. Read more about their favorite river spots, buckthorn berry ink and a new spin on the muscle tee. >>
We're hiring!
FMR is on the lookout for an Agricultural Policy Coordinator. >>
Legislation could protect public wells with clean-water crops
Legislation introduced this month would fund the Working Lands Drinking Water Program. The program will help farmers plant and sell alternative crops that protect drinking water while maintaining farm profitability. As a pilot initiative, it's limited to the state's most vulnerable wellhead areas — places where conservation crops can protect public health. >>
Think spring: Schedule your service and educational programs now
FMR works with many youth and service groups each year. Groups learn about and take care of the river through stenciling outings, cleanups and educational programming. (Photo by Tom Reiter)
Looking forward to warmer weather? We are too! FMR is starting to book spring programs for youth and group outings. If you are interested in a stenciling event, trash cleanup or indoor educational opportunity with FMR staff, we'd love to hear from you soon. >>
How water and agriculture fared in the governor’s budget
On Tuesday, Gov. Walz announced his state budget proposal. We took a look at how our priorities for the river and clean water fared. Our take-away so far? We have some work to do. New investments in environment and agriculture were minor and failed to include full funding for the few initiatives that are essential to achieving Minnesota's clean water goals. >>
Staff transitions: Welcomes and farewells
Clockwise from top left: Bruce Freidson, retired finance director; Sheila Gothmann, new finance director; Sophie Downey, promoted program assistant; Alicia Uzarek, former policy advocate. (Photo credit: Alicia Uzarek by Tom Reiter)
We can now proudly introduce our new finance director, Sheila Gothmann, and congratulate Sophie Downey, promoted program assistant. We also pay tribute to two staff that have moved on — Bruce Freidson, our intrepid finance director who has now retired, and Alicia Uzarek, former policy advocate, who continues important planning work in Minneapolis. >>
House and senate introduce full funding for Forever Green
To get to our clean water goals in Minnesota, we need to plant more perennial and cover crops. But these crops need to be profitable before farm operations can effectively make the change. To address this challenge, two bills were introduced in mid-February in the house and senate that will fully fund the University of Minnesota’s Forever Green Initiative. >>
An Evening Celebrating the Mississippi River
Join us to celebrate the Mississippi in the midst of its fall splendor, Thursday, September 28. From our beautiful venue on the river, we'll toast to you and the recent successes you made possible.
Guests will hear from keynote speaker, Dr. Dorceta Taylor, one of the country's preeminent environmental justice scholars. Dr. Taylor, who says her work is about opening doors for other people by making the environmental movement more diverse, will talk about the intersection of environmental history, politics and justice, and what we can all do to make our special, natural places more inclusive.
Additionally, the evening will feature an entertaining river-themed live auction, the renown Davu Seru Trio, and hearty local fare and refreshments — including a just-for-FMR signature cocktail.
MPR News: Lawmakers push funding boost for Forever Green
Check out Minnesota Public Radio's recent coverage of our coalition's press event on one of our major legislative priorities this session: The University of Minnesota's Forever Green Initiative to research and develop clean-water crops. >>