Habitat in the city: the power of the single yard
Black-capped chickadees eat insects, some of which have evolved to survive on certain native plants and not others. Without those native plants, chickadee populations decline. (Photo by Patrick Ashley, Creative Commons, Flickr)
Native plants are for the birds! A recent study shows chickadee populations decline in residential yards filled with non-native plants, meaning even your backyard can provide crucial habitat. >>
Mpls. Park Board & Graco near settlement over East Bank Trail
Pictured is the piece of park board-owned land that Graco may be allowed to purchase. This is part of a pending settlement between Graco and the park board over East Bank Trail land. Source: Minneapolis Park Board
The Minneapolis Park Board and Graco Inc. are nearing a settlement on a long-time lawsuit over the East Bank Trail between Graco and the Mississippi River near Hall's Island. >>
Thank you for making FMR's fall event our most successful ever
Dakota poet Gwen Westerman (pictured) along with In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre founder Sandy Spieler led a blessing for the Mississippi River in concert with all of FMR's featured artists at An Evening Celebrating the Mississippi River on September 20, 2018. (Photo by Anna Botz)
A sold-out crowd of members and friends raised over $200,000 at our biggest fall event yet. We've posted videos of inspiring performances by our featured artists, as well as our river playlist and event photos so you can relive the evening. >>
New development could radically change downtown St. Paul's riverfront
One of AECOM's renderings of four proposed skyscrapers for the former site of West Publishing Co. and the Ramsey County jail in downtown St. Paul. (Alternate AECOM proposals do not include the "mast" on the building on the left or west.) (Image from AECOM)
Massive new skyscrapers towering over the St. Paul riverfront are again on the table. The Ramsey County Board is considering three competing redevelopment proposals for the site formerly occupied by the county jail and West Publishing buildings. >>
Why do volunteers hand-collect seed for FMR?
Volunteers collected this yellow coneflower seed by hand. Hand-harvested seeds help us restore prairie remnants at places like Sand Coulee Scientific and Natural Area in Hastings.
What would you be willing to pay for a few teaspoons of prairie seed? Seeds from native prairie remnants that our volunteers collect by hand are priceless. >>
Why we initiated a lawsuit against the State of Minnesota
This week, FMR joined eight other conservation organizations in initiating a lawsuit against the state. It’s an unusual move for FMR, but an important one. Here’s why. >>
Special Places: Stunning river overlooks
From the bluff at River Oaks Park in Cottage Grove, one of the most stunning views of the Mississippi.
As the colors turn, it's an especially good time of year to enjoy sweeping river valley views. This month in our 25 Special Places silver anniversary series, we're profiling a few of our favorite metro promontories. >>
Snapping turtle hatchlings protected from predators
When born, baby snapping turtles are smaller than a half dollar. (Photo by Mike Krivit)
Our wildlife cameras caught baby snapping turtles hatching in peace thanks to our new wildlife nest enclosure at Spring Lake Islands Wildlife Management Area. >>
Several metro cities want to hear from residents about their riverfront
As summer turns to fall, Twin Cities communities throughout the metro are moving fast to wrap up their draft plans for land use and development along their local riverfront.
Hastings and St. Paul Park — two cities with an abundance of high quality riverine habitat — are accepting comments through the end of November and December, respectively. Several other cities want public comments submitted before the end of September. >>
Will St. Paul block future park trails?
Pig's Eye is a favorite spot in our local flyway for pelicans. (Photo by Monica Bryand for Great River Passage.)
A railroad expansion proposal threatens planned community trails that would connect Pig’s Eye and Eagle Lakes in St. Paul’s largest park. >>