Research & Reports
FMR conducts research on ecological restoration, water quality and more.
Restoration and ecological monitoring
FMR manages over 40 habitat restoration sites, including prairies, savannas and forests. We evaluate our practices by monitoring wildlife and conducting surveys of breeding birds, monarch butterflies, turtle nesting and more. FMR ecologists also study methods to control invasive species such as buckthorn and assess the responses of native plant communities to various management techniques. Many of our research projects, such as the Pollinator Evaluator Program, contribute to national databases and advance the field of restoration ecology. (View research-related updates.)
Water quality monitoring
FMR trains volunteers to sample benthic macroinvertebrates to assess water quality in local tributaries of the Mississippi River through the Stream Health Evaluation Program in partnership with the Rice Creek Watershed District. Dedicated volunteer teams produce high-quality, accurate annual reports used by researchers and government agencies.
Agricultural research partnerships
Agricultural runoff is a major source of pollution in the Mississippi River. In 2024, FMR worked with Ecotone Analytics, the Forever Green Partnership and numerous experts to explore the potential environmental and economic impact or viability of certain “continuous living cover” crops in Putting Down Roots.
FMR River Guardians and staff also play a lead role in securing state funding for Forever Green.
Funding carp, lock and dam and infrastructure research
FMR advocates for funding to support research that informs the Twin Cities community regarding important river management decisions. Thanks to the efforts of staff and the River Guardians, we have secured funding for critical studies on invasive carp deterrence, the local implications of selective dam removal and more.