Conservation

FMR works with public and private landowners, local government agencies and concerned community members — including thousands of volunteers — to protect and restore bluffs, prairies, forests and other lands important to our communities and the health of our metro Mississippi.

Here's what our conservation staff are currently working on and encountering in the field. 

Learn more about all our protection and restoration sites at our conservation map, as well as more information about our approach and program.

Conservation updates are also shared on social media (Facebook and Twitter) and in our Mississippi Messages newsletter.

POSTS

Must-see FMR spring birding sites along the river
FMR has helped to protect and restore a number of first-rate birding spots in the metro. Take advantage of the spring migration season with a visit to our top Mississippi River flyway sites. Read more
Ruby-crowned kinglet
Where FMR's 2023 priorities stand at the Legislature
An overview of the progress we've made — and what still needs to happen — as we enter the final weeks of the session. Read more
Looking up at the iconic dome of the Capitol building in St. Paul, against a clear blue sky as backdrop. Text over the image says "FMR's priorities #MNLEG"
Got scat? The next phase of the coyote and fox project
How are wild canids adapting to urban areas? FMR supporters have been helping researchers find out. Hear about how to get involved in two new community science initiatives with the Twin Cities Coyote and Fox Project. Read more
Coyote standing atop inactive railroad tracks.
Where we work: Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area
A 220-acre protected riverfront stretch in Cottage Grove, Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area offers vast views of the river valley and is home to a rare dry prairie that supports an immense diversity of plants, birds and other wildlife. Read more
Volunteers walk up hill at Grey Cloud Dunes
Thanks to Hugh, our fall Land Conservation intern
Hugh supported bird and plant surveys, analyzed data, sorted native prairie seeds and helped lead volunteer stewardship events. We're grateful to him for his service! Read more
Hugh Gabriel
Our 2023 legislative priorities
From clean-water crops to invasive carp, here's a rundown of what we hope to accomplish at the Capitol. Read more
The top of the Minnesota Capitol building in St. Paul.
More hope for long-term buckthorn control
New research shows that seeding and planting after buckthorn removal can help keep future buckthorn growth at bay. But not all plantings are created equal. Read more about FMR Conservation Director Alex Roth's latest research. Read more
FMR ecologists and interns monitor invasive honeysuckle removal plots.
What MN election results mean for FMR’s 2023 legislative priorities
The 2022 elections are (mostly) behind us, meaning we have a clearer picture of how FMR's legislative priorities may fare. Read more
A person seen only from the waist down walks past a sign that says "Vote Here."
FMR signs on to petition calling for protection of native fish
FMR has signed on to a legal petition calling for the protection of all native fish, especially "rough fish" — a catchall term for native species that are less desirable to eat, like buffalo fish or freshwater drum. Read more
Child holds a shorthead redhorse fish
Hundreds of birds in the one and only river gorge
For more than three decades, Dave Zumeta has kept meticulous lists of the birds he's seen in the Mississippi River Gorge, a band of habitat FMR works to restore that is critical for migrators on the flyway.

For more than three decades, Dave Zumeta has kept meticulous lists of the birds he's seen in the Mississippi River Gorge, a band of habitat FMR works to restore that is critical for migrators on the flyway. These lists have become a valuable tool to help us track the health of our river habitat. Learn more about Dave's surprising findings, troubling and encouraging trends.  >>

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Upcoming Events

Saturday, April 20, 2024 - 9:30am to 12:00pm
West River Parkway and 36th Street/44th Street, Minneapolis
Applications due Friday, May 3 by 5 p.m.
Virtual and in-person
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Hampton Woods Wildlife Management Area