Friends of the Minnesota Valley

Friends of the Minnesota Valley is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and enhancing the natural and cultural resources of the Minnesota River Valley. Founded in 1982, we are a coalition of citizens, conservationists, educators, and community leaders who believe the Minnesota River is central to the health, heritage, and future of our state. Working in partnership with local governments, schools, environmental organizations, and federal and state agencies, we serve as an independent voice for the river and its watershed — uniting communities from the headwaters to the confluence.

Friends of the Minnesota Valley works to ensure a clean, healthy, and resilient Minnesota River through advocacy, education, and on-the-ground action. We promote sound water and land-use policies, engage volunteers in habitat restoration and river cleanup projects, and support environmental education that connects people of all ages to the river’s ecosystems. Our initiatives strengthen partnerships among watershed districts, soil and water conservation districts, and local communities to improve water quality, restore wetlands and prairies, and protect wildlife habitat. By empowering citizens and supporting collaborative solutions, we help sustain the Minnesota River Valley for generations to come.