FMR Updates

We're working remotely. Stay safe and be well!

March 16, 2020

Friends of the Mississippi River staff are working remotely, events are canceled through at least May, 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. >>

A heron passes nest building material to its mate

The flood forecast

by Peter LaFontaine

March 11, 2020

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

by Karen Schik

March 9, 2020

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

by Alex Roth

February 28, 2020

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]

February 24, 2020

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. >>

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

February 21, 2020

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!

by Adam Flett

February 11, 2020

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. >>