When people think about natural seasonal changes, we usually look up — bud break, bird migration, leaf change, etc. But what about the natural world under our feet? There's a buzz of activity, including the effects of one particularly damaging invasive species: earthworms. >>

July and August are the most flowerful months in our native prairies and wetlands. Enjoy a few of the beauties FMR ecologists have recently come across in their field work.

Plant and animal populations decline for many reasons — habitat loss, climate change, pollution and other factors. The Endangered Species Act was enacted in 1973 to prevent the decline and extinction of at-risk species and aid their recovery. At FMR, one of the ways we can best benefit endangered species is through the enhancement or restoration of native habitat. FMR’s many restoration sites do just that, providing much-needed habitat for both common and endangered plants and animals.

While the Endangered Species Act has benefitted countless species, we’d like to think our restorations have as well. We've spotted three endangered species — loggerhead shrike, Blanchard's cricket frog and Henslow's sparrow — at our sites so far this year! 

At long last, state land-use and development rules for our local national park, the Twin Cities stretch of the Mississippi River from Dayton to Hastings, have cleared another hurdle and are on track to be formally adopted by years’ end! All told, over 300 pages of comments were submitted to the judge in charge of the final review of the new riverfront rules. Thanks to all the groups and individuals, including FMR River Protectors, who testified and submitted written comments. Your input will help to ensure the river is protected for generations to come!