Counting critters at Pine Bend Bluffs, our longest-running restoration
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. >>
Spotting rare, native ladybugs
Lady beetles (also called ladybugs) are one of the most common insects we encounter in summer. They may be the first insects toddlers can identify, easily recognizable because of their bright red color and contrasting black spots. But almost all of the ladybugs you're likely to see aren't native. What happened to our 50 native species? >>
Who ate the sardines? A wildlife camera mystery
Ever wonder what goes on in the woods at night? One of our wildlife cameras recently gave us some clues. But we will need some more detective work to determine exactly who ate our sardine bait. >>
Winter insects and spiders
Warm winter days are a great time to see tiny creatures wandering the top of the snowpack. >>
Vermillion Falls Park: take a walk with walking fern
Where can you walk through a dry waterfall, find karst topography, encounter a walking fern, meet ancient bur oak trees and see the oldest operating flour mill in the state? Vermillion Falls Park in Hastings! Oh, and there's a large rushing waterfall here as well. >>
Have you seen a metro fox or coyote recently?
If you live in the Twin Cities Metro area and have seen gray fox, red fox or coyotes or their tracks, we could use your help! >>
The rusty patched bumblebee: What’s all the buzz about?
A lone male rusty patched bumblebee found in August at an FMR-restored savanna represents 0.2 percent of the known population worldwide. Necessary not only for native wildflower reproduction, but also for creating seeds and fruits that feed wildlife as diverse as songbirds and bears, our state bee could use your help. >>
Fisher spotted at FMR restoration site
One member of the weasel family, the fisher, is more commonly a denizen of Minnesota's north woods than our metro woodlands. Finding a fisher recently at Spring Lake Park Reserve in Dakota County was a rare treat. >>
Fisher spotted at FMR restoration site
Captured by Dakota County Parks on their wildlife camera at Spring Lake Park, this fisher is active during the day, though fishers are primarily nocturnal. (Photo credit: Dakota County Parks wildlife camera)
One member of the weasel family, the fisher, is more commonly a denizen of Minnesota's north woods than our metro woodlands. Finding a fisher recently at Spring Lake Park Reserve in Dakota County was a rare treat. >>
Minnesota’s coveted native orchids
Minnesota has almost 50 native orchids. You can find some wild orchids in our metro area.
Though we certainly don’t live in a tropical climate, our state is home to almost 50 native orchids. If you need a reprieve from the muted winter palette, check out our vivid photos of blooming orchids and learn more about some of Minnesota's loveliest plants. >>