Instagram story viewer> @friendsmissriv> Posts
Friends of the Mississippi River(@friendsmissriv)'s profile avatar HD Profile

Friends of the Mississippi River

@friendsmissriv

5.4K
followers
496
following
Protecting + restoring the Mississippi River and its watershed in the Twin Cities. 🐟💧🌳🚣🏾🐢
POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED
A part of the Mississippi River entirely unique to the Twin Cities 🥾🍁🦅⁠ ⁠ This out-and-back hike in Minneapolis brings you through the *only river gorge on the entire Mississippi River.*⁠ ⁠ The gorge formed over the course of 12,000 years and is now an oasis of steep limestone and sandstone bluffs, rugged ravines and natural springs in the heart of the Twin Cities. ⁠ ⁠ This section of the Winchell Trail, a mostly unpaved footpath, winds between West River Parkway and the river, through the gorge's woodland, oak savanna and floodplain forest down to a sandy beach and the river's edge. ⁠ ⁠ Depending on the season, hikers might find spring ephemeral wildflowers, blooming prairie and migratory birds. No matter when you go, you'll be able to see one of Friends of the Mississippi River's oldest urban habitat restoration projects, three advocacy landmarks downriver, including a lock and dam that could be removed someday, and signs of innovative, herbicide-free invasive buckthorn removal. ⁠ ⁠ At the 🔗 link in our bio, check out our special route guide — a map, tips and stories straight from FMR staff that celebrate and show off this special place.⁠ ⁠ #MississippiRiver #hiking #TwinCities #Outdoors #CleanWater A hiking path along the river in fall. Text: Explore the river: Hike the only gorge on the entire Mississippi River by @friendsmissriv
1
23 days ago
Download
🐝 An encouraging rusty-patched bumble bee update 🐝⁠ ⁠ It's been a very good season for this endangered bumble bee species. In past years, FMR Pollinator Biologist Dr. Julia Leone and her team might see a rusty-patched at a couple of FMR restoration sites, and typically just a single bee. ⁠ ⁠ This year? ⁠ ⁠ "This is the most individual [rusty-patched bumble bees] that we’ve seen in a single season," revealed Julia at a recent FMR staff meeting.⁠ ⁠ Not only have rusty-patched been spotted at four FMR sites, the numbers have been encouraging. Two properties in particular, Houlton and Pine Bend Bluffs, had "a lot of foraging females, these are the workers, out together," explained Julia. This tells us that there is an active nest somewhere near, and its bees are using the resources that FMR is helping to restore and protect.⁠ ⁠ Pretty cool, right?⁠ ⁠ Swipe to see a couple photos from the 2026 monitoring season, then head to the link in our bio to check out the latest FMR pollinator news.⁠ ⁠ #cleanwater #nativeplants #bumblebees #rustypatchedbumblebee #endangeredspecies #habitat #restoration #twincities #mississippiriver⁠ by @friendsmissriv
5
a month ago
Download
The first public comment period on the proposed Tamarack Mine is in the books — and FMR River Guardians ⁠spoke up for clean water. ⁠ ⁠ Collectively, advocates wrote 477 messages for the Minnesota DNR as the agency began to scope out an environmental review for the mining project. FMR then printed these comments and hand-delivered them to the DNR's office.⁠ ⁠ FMR also submitted a letter to the state agency, requesting a thorough review of the mine’s potential impacts on surrounding waters, including in the Mississippi River Watershed: "Minnesotans believe we must protect water for current and future generations. The scope of the EIS for the Tamarack Mine, as it stands, fails to adequately account for the mine’s potential impacts on surface water, groundwater, and wetlands in the mining area and downstream."⁠ ⁠ FMR is proud to be a @waterovernickelcampaign partner, along with @mcea1974, @earthjustice and Mud Enviro. Give them a follow then head to the 🔗 link in our bio to learn more about the public comment period, the coming environmental review and how to get involved and stand up for clean water. ⁠ ⁠ #CleanWater #Minnesota #mining #WaterOverNickel #MississippiRiver #WaterQuality Trevor with a thick stack of printed public comments. Text: Tamarack Mine: River Guardians submit more than 475 comments. by @friendsmissriv
0
a month ago
Download
🍂 You should leave the leaves.⁠ 🍂 🍂 Except when you shouldn't.⁠ 🍂 🍂 🍂 Is that clear?⁠ ⁠ Here's the deal: Fallen leaves are important for insects and pollinators, and can be a real boost for soil. ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ If you can keep a layer of leaf litter in your garden bed or another natural area where it won't blow away, that's great! Let those nutrient-packed leaves protect overwintering bugs and then break down and reinvigorate the soil. ⁠ ⁠ On the other hand, loose leaves that end up in rivers, lakes and streams — often through storm drains — can really hurt water quality. Excess nutrients in the water can spur algae growth, reduce oxygen levels and hurt aquatic habitat. So if you see leaves piling up near a storm drain, for example, sweep them up to help protect water quality.⁠ ⁠ Which means the answer to whether you should leave the leaves is: It really depends where they are.⁠ ⁠ We've got a whole lot more about this at the 🔗 link in our bio, including ⁠a list of 5 tips for river-friendly fall yardwork.⁠ ⁠ #Fall #Autumn #MississippiRiver #CleanWater #WaterQuality #TwinCities Pile of fallen leaves in front of person with rake. Text: Fall yard cleanup: Should you leave the leaves? by @friendsmissriv
0
3 days ago
Download
☁️ ☁️ ☁️ Have you ever seen foam on the surface of the river? ☁️ ☁️ ☁️⁠ ⁠ There's something jarring about the sight. It can look like someone dumped soap in the water, or like there's a questionable chemical reaction happening — like something is really wrong.⁠ ⁠ What's actually going on? Usually, nothing worth worrying about.⁠ ⁠ Spates of river foam are almost always caused by organic matter breaking down in the water — like aquatic plants, fallen leaves or animal waste. ⁠ ⁠ As these things decompose they release oils, which then float to the top, break the surface of the water and allow air to mix in. This mixing leads to bubbles and foam. The appearance of foam can also be more common in the fall, when organic matter like buds or leaf litter are more likely to end up in the water. ⁠ ⁠ This natural foam breaks apart on its own and disappears over time. ⁠ ⁠ (Don't play with it or touch it, though. Even naturally occurring foam can contain bacteria or viruses.)⁠ ⁠ Occasionally there might be something else going on, like a leak or dumping or some other human-made, inorganic material entering the river and causing foam to form. ⁠ ⁠ But usually, foam on the river isn't a major concern.⁠ ⁠ Read more about why foam appears and what it might mean at the 🔗 link in our bio. ⁠ ⁠ #MississippiRiver #CleanWater #Fall #TwinCities Lots of white foam on the surface of the river. Text: Foam on the Mississippi River: What’s (usually) behind it by @friendsmissriv
1
9 days ago
Download
We're reaching peak time for a fall hike in the Twin Cities 🍂⁠ ⁠ As the last pops of color begin to fade, there's still time to get outside and take in the inspirational sights of the prairie. ⁠ ⁠ There are plenty of opportunities in and around the Twin Cities metro (including many protected or restored thanks to FMR supporters).⁠ ⁠ At the link in our bio, read about 7 local prairie wonderlands in the area that are absolutely worth a visit in the next few weeks.⁠ ⁠ #TwinCities #Nature #Prairie #OnlyInMN #grasslands #MississippiRiver #MinnesotaNews #Wildflowers ⁠ Purple and yellow flowers in a prairie. Text: Explore the river. 7 prairie wonderlands to visit this fall. by @friendsmissriv
0
11 days ago
Download
A new stewardship model: FMR provides technical guidance — committed neighbors lead the work 🧤🪏🌱⁠ ⁠ Over the last several years, a handful of neighborhood groups in Minneapolis reached out to FMR, asking us to work with them to protect and improve a beloved natural space. It's turned into a new approach, one that we've now taken at four restoration sites.⁠ ⁠ Initially, we set goals and ensue that everyone who should be is at the decision-making table. Once we've gathered insights and input, we evaluate the site with an eye toward the most important restoration needs and manageable tasks for a community group.⁠ ⁠ We create these plans by outlining straightforward, seasonal tasks small groups can complete in a few hours over the course of 5-10 years. We also identify work best suited to professionals employed by the land manager.⁠ ⁠ The goal is for ecological conditions to improve over time and for the park to become more self-sustaining, requiring only a small amount of yearly tending to maintain a healthy, balanced landscape. And of course, we stay in touch as a resource for engaged neighbors, providing guidance as restoration progresses and organizing larger volunteer events to support bigger projects.⁠ ⁠ At the 🔗 link in our bio, read more about the four different communities working with these FMR-made, volunteer-centric management plans.⁠ ⁠ #Minneapolis #Restoration #Habitat #Volunteers #CleanWater #MississippiRiver Community volunteers in a restored prairie. Text: A new way for communities to lead habitat restoration. by @friendsmissriv
0
14 days ago
Download
It's always a joy to see how quickly people can become important parts of your team. ⁠ ⁠ FMR's internship program helps us support the next generation of environmental leaders as they build their careers. This summer's field ecology interns proved to be invaluable. ⁠ ⁠ Anna, our vegetation monitoring and management intern, brought her outstanding ID skills to her work surveying and conducting management at FMR restoration sites. She contributed to multiple natural resource management plans, trained and worked alongside countless volunteers, and managed many non-native species along the river. ⁠ ⁠ Our wildlife ecology intern, Jayden, tapped her deep pollinator knowledge and experience to survey FMR restoration sites for pollinators and birds. She also led FMR's first year of bumble bee nest surveys.⁠ ⁠ Both will make great additions to whatever team they join next — and we hope it's a full-time job that allows them to continue this type of conservation work.⁠ ⁠ Read more about Anna and Jayden at the 🔗 link in our bio.⁠ ⁠ #TwinCities #Conservation #ecology #MississippiRiver #Pollinators #Environment FMR's 2026 summer ecology interns Anna and Jayden, in the field. Text: Big thank you to this year's interns. by @friendsmissriv
0
16 days ago
Download
Want to help share FMR's work around clean-water crops and more river-friendly agriculture? We've got a job opening for you.⁠ ⁠ FMR is hiring a new Communications Specialist to:⁠ ⁠ 📢 Play a lead role in highly targeted communications campaigns⁠ 💧 Coordinate closely with FMR's Water Team and partners at @forevergreenumn to spread the word about “next-gen” agricultural practices with key audiences⁠ 🧑‍💻 Run FMR's social media⁠ ⁠ This is a full-time opportunity, right for a team-oriented strategic thinker and creator who relishes the opportunity to inspire everyday people and decision-makers alike to take action to protect and restore the Mississippi River. ⁠ ⁠ The salary range is $60,000-$65,000 — applicants with nontraditional backgrounds are encouraged to apply.⁠ ⁠ Learn more about the role and apply at the 🔗 link in our bio or by going to FMR.org/openings.⁠ ⁠ #CleanWater #hiring #nonprofitjobs #MississippiRiver by @friendsmissriv
3
18 days ago
Download
"Like last year, FMR wanted to attend to be a voice for the river, to make sure that sustainability remains top of mind as the Sustainable Aviation Fuel industry develops, and to insist its major players take a broad view of what it means to be 'sustainable.' That includes accounting for the impact any new fuel might have on our air, land and water."⁠ ⁠ So writes Meghan, FMR's biofuels policy manager, of her time attending the North American SAF Conference last month.⁠ ⁠ "As the only presenter from an environmental advocacy nonprofit at the conference," she continues, "I used my time to put the Mississippi River front and center on a national stage, sharing what we’ve accomplished here in Minnesota as an example of how to approach SAF responsibly." ⁠ ⁠ At the 🔗 link in our bio, read more about the 3 main messages Meghan delivered to the crowd — and for more details, you can even download her slides from the conference.⁠ ⁠ #CleanWater #SAF #winteroilseeds #WaterQuality #SustainableAviationFuel #MississippiRiver⁠ Meghan speaking on a panel. Text: Being a voice for the river on the national stage. by @friendsmissriv
0
21 days ago
Download
We've got a couple of exciting new additions!⁠ ⁠ Corrie joins FMR as the organization's new finance director. She views this work as an act of creative care — building the clarity, resources and stability that allow staff and stakeholders to do their best work.⁠ ⁠ And Dr. George Annor has come aboard our Board of Directors. A long-appreciated colleague from @forevergreenumn, George is helping to develop innovative food systems that improve human health while advancing environmental sustainability.⁠ ⁠ We are grateful to have both on our team!⁠ ⁠ To learn more about Corrie and George, check out the 🔗 link in our bio.⁠ ⁠ #MississippiRiver #TwinCities #CleanWater FMR's newest additions, Corrie and George: Text: Say hello to FMR's newest team members. by @friendsmissriv
1
25 days ago
Download
Want to see what our ESI program got up to this summer? We've got full photo galleries showing off their river-related outings and their special capstone projects. ⁠ ⁠ This year’s ESI (that's Environmental Stewardship Institute, find them @esi.fmr) summer program participants met for nine weeks to learn about the environmental field and strengthen their connection to the Mississippi River.⁠ ⁠ They were exposed to various environmental careers, from advocating for clean water policies to developing environmentally friendly food products. They heard from FMR staff and guest speakers about how the river impacts our lives, and how our work impacts the river. ⁠ ⁠ Our 20 team members also developed capstone projects and worked together on team-building activities. By our last week, they were deeply connected to the river and to each other.⁠ ⁠ We know that the 2026 ESI team members will bring the lessons they learned from this summer wherever they go. We can’t wait to see what they do next.⁠ ⁠ At the 🔗 link in our bio, you can check out photos from the outings and learn about the capstone projects. ⁠ ⁠ A big thanks to 3M Foundation, Beim Foundation, Berglund Foundation, Cargill Foundation, City of Minneapolis, City of St. Paul, George Family Foundation, HB Fuller, Langwater Foundation, Mississippi Watershed Management Organization, Right Track, Step Up, St. Paul Jaycees Foundation, Trillium Family Foundation, WM Foundation, Xcel Energy Foundation and our donors for making our ESI program possible. by @friendsmissriv
0
a month ago
Download

Download All

Save the photos and videos currently loaded on this page.

0Photos
0Videos
Ready to download 0 / 0

Keep this tab open until your download is ready.
back to up