Land Conservation

Where we work: Pine Bend Bluffs Natural Area

October 13, 2021

Critical for wildlife, this 1,300-acre corridor of protected lands along the dramatic western bluffs of the Mississippi River south of the metro includes Pine Bend Bluffs SNA — our first major conservation project in the 1990s — an award-winning restoration, and one of our favorite places to bird and see the sweep of the river south of the cities. >>

Cottage Grove seeks community feedback about Mississippi Dunes plan

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

October 6, 2021

Last week, 50 community members gathered to discuss opportunities to influence decision-making about the former Mississippi Dunes golf course in Cottage Grove. Here are several ways to speak up in the coming weeks. >>

Farewell to Allie, our summer field ecology intern

by Alex Roth, by Karen Schik

September 7, 2021

Allie was a quick study and a passionate addition to our land conservation team this summer. Here she reflects on the insect drama she witnessed while monitoring, the appeal of tiny urban prairies, and her next move. >>

Wending streams, backwaters and rare forest birds — Come with us to Gores WMA

August 11, 2021

We're excited to offer two great ways to get to know this beautiful but lesser-known natural area in Hastings: a virtual bird's eye view plus a hands-on habitat restoration outing with FMR ecologists this September. >>

Star Tribune: 'Habitat or housing?' ... We say both

July 19, 2021

Ramsey County is grappling with a big question: Is responding to both our climate crisis and affordable housing crisis a zero-sum game? How can we create the housing the Twin Cities needs, while also preserving the homes of other species whose populations are collapsing? >>

FMR Intern Allie's favorite insect sightings

by Allie Carroll

July 13, 2021

Allie Carroll, our summer field ecology intern, has a great eye for insects. We're all looking a little closer now that she’s on our team. Here's a guest post from Allie in which she gives us a tour of some of the coolest finds from her fieldwork so far. >>

Lend your lawn to science!

June 25, 2021

If you mow your lawn, you can support a long-term study on pollinator habitat by the University of Minnesota, University of St. Thomas and the U.S. Forest Service. Learn how it works and fill out the form to offer your yard as a survey site. >>

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Upcoming Events

Apply to be a 2024 ESI mentor for the summer

Applications due Friday, May 3 by 5 p.m.

Virtual and in-person

Pull garlic mustard at Hampton Woods Wildlife Management Area [FULL]

Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 1:00pm to 3:00pm

Hampton Woods Wildlife Management Area

Tend the oak woodlands at the Hastings Sand Coulee SNA [FULL]

Thursday, May 9, 2024 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Hastings Sand Coulee Scientific and Natural Area

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