Goldenrod vs. ragweed: Which causes allergies and which benefits pollinators?
A field of showy golden flowers is a common site in late summer, but is goldenrod to blame for our allergies?
Each year, we get questions about whether goldenrod is contributing to our late-summer allergies. The short answer: Most likely not, it's actually ragweed that's to blame.
In fact, goldenrod plays a role in habitat restoration and is sometimes planted by FMR ecologists. >>
Bao Phi, award-winning poet, to be featured at FMR's annual fall event
Enjoy poetry from renowned local artist Bao Phi (above) at this year's "Evening Celebrating the River." (Photo by Anna Min)
Don't miss Bao Phi — two-time Minnesota Grand Slam champion and National Poetry Slam finalist — as he shares his poetry and connection to our Big River at our signature annual event, "An Evening Celebrating the River," September 20 in downtown Minneapolis.
This year's theme is "The River Inspires," and spotlights the special connection between the river and our thriving arts community. >>
Special Places: Local prairie wonderlands
The contrasting colors or purple blazing star and yellow goldenrod are eye-candy for both humans and bees.
A prairie for every season and (metro) location! We list a few of our favorite prairie sites from Elk River to Hastings, including both restored prairies and native remnants. Some of our favorite finds at each site are listed, and a good time to visit. >>
Action alert: It's time. Protect Minnesota's drinking water! [CLOSED]
Speak up for our drinking water by supporting the Groundwater Protection Rule. >>
Special Places: Mounds Park, Willowbrook and St. Paul's biggest, most mysterious park
This month we venture to St. Paul's East Side for a trio of riverfront parks home to stunning views, rich history and restored habitat. Check out Indian Mounds Park, Willowbrook and Pig's Eye Lake. >>
Skinks and pollinators returning to restored prairie
Prairie skinks, like this one from northern Iowa, are the newest species to be recorded at Houlton Conservation Area. (Photo from Iowaherps.com.)
This summer, a new prairie is taking hold at Houlton Conservation Area, and we're excited to report back on its newest residents. >>
Painted turtles and pink lotus flowers help keep our waters from turning green
You can now visit these colorful, water quality-themed mural at Como Lake! This mural is the second design by community members to decorate Como Lake's shores.
Ever wondered why so many metro lakes turn green in the summer?
For St. Paul's Lake Como and many others, one main reason is nutrients that come from neighborhood lawns and streets. After it rains, fertilizer, leaves and grass clippings are directed into our local lakes, creeks and rivers via storm drains, in turn feeding algae and excessive plant growth.
At Como, a pair of murals reminds us of this important connection between our yards, streets, lakes and rivers, and celebrates the community in the process. >>
Future of Mpls. locks and dams uncertain — Public meetings July 16 & 17
Albert Bierstadt's depiction of St. Anthony Falls circa 1860. While some seek preservation of the dams for hydropower, others advocate for the return of a more naturally flowing river. (Painting detail courtesy Wikimedia)
Will we stay the course or are rapids on the horizon? The Army Corps of Engineers is studying its options for the Minneapolis locks and dams and holding public meetings in Minneapolis and St. Paul on this topic July 16 and 17. >>
FMR's annual fall event to feature artist Seitu Jones
FMR is pleased to announce that Seitu Jones will be the keynote storyteller at our signature annual event, "An Evening Celebrating the River," September 20 in downtown Minneapolis.
In his five-decade career, Jones has been a fixture of the Twin Cities’ art, environmental, agricultural and water communities.
This year's theme is "The River Inspires," and we're shining the spotlight on the special connection between the river and our thriving arts community. >>
Wildlife returning to FMR restoration sites
If you restore habitat, will wildlife return? Signs — or rather, red-headed woodpeckers, snapping turtles and chorus frogs — point to yes. (Photos courtesy [clockwise] Mike Krivit, WikiMedia, and Tom Reiter.)
This spring, we kept a close eye on our habitat restoration projects to see if they're paying off for wildlife. If our sightings are any indication, we’re certainly on the right track!
Red-headed woodpeckers were spotted in one of our oak savanna restoration areas, tadpoles wriggled in just-created wetland basins, and turtles were quick (relatively) to take advantage of newly built nest protection sites. >>