FMR Updates

FMR Updates
Save River Heights Park... again.

Just eight months ago, FMR teamed up with neighbors to help save River Heights Park in Inver Grove Heights.

Now the park is on the chopping block once again. And the neighbors and FMR are back in action. >>

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A picture of River Heights Park
Where we work: Map of FMR conservation sites

Although our policy and advocacy work tends to make the most headlines, many FMR supporters, members and volunteers highly value the natural areas we protect, restore and enhance throughout the metro area.  But even the longest-standing FMR members and volunteers wonder where, exactly, we work.

Wouldn’t it be great if there was a way for folks to see all of FMR’s 37 active restoration sites in one place? Perhaps some kind of…map? >>

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What's the best way to control buckthorn and protect native plants? FMR investigates.

What pops to mind when you think of restoring a forest? Perhaps people planting trees? ...How about bobcat-like machines busily eating up small trees and spitting out the splinters?

If you'd visited Hampton Woods this spring, this is exactly the scene you would have come across. The machines were forestry mowers, consuming invasive European buckthorn.

Not only were the mowers benefiting the long-term health of the forest, but they're part of a new FMR research project to compare and contrast the effectiveness of different methods to both control buckthorn and support the growth of native plants and habitat. >>

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A native ladyslipper plant, a mowed stretch of forest, a glossy buckthorn plant and a bobcat/forestry mower
A warm goodbye to longtime office manager Michele Bevis!

While FMR is known for our work at the Capitol and in the communities, forests and prairies along the river, we'd be lost without a strong home base. And that's exactly what Michele Bevis, our office manager, has provided for over 10 years. 

So it is with deep gratitude that we say goodbye to Michele as she embarks on her next phase: one relaxing yet adventurous retirement. >>

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Michele Bevis ready to help a paddler come in off the river at an FMR event.
A new environmental learning center at Watergate Marina?

If all goes well at the state Capitol this session, the City of Saint Paul could begin designing a new environmental learning center on the river at Watergate Marina as early as July. >>

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The results are in! Highlights from FMR's 2018 member survey

FMR's 2018 Member Survey results are in — check out the highlights! Thank you to the nearly 300 members who completed the survey. We'll use your ideas and input to shape our work in the years ahead. 

See the survey results. Or, if you're not one already, become an FMR member

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View from Pine Bend SNA by Karen Schik
Environmental groups release statement on draft groundwater protection rule

FMR joined eight other conservation organizations in a statement on the state's proposed groundwater protection rule. >>
 

 

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Upcoming Events

Applications due Wednesday, May 15 by 5 p.m.
Virtual and in-person
Saturday, May 18, 2024 - 9:00am to 11:00am
Nicollet Island, Minneapolis
Sunday, May 19, 2024 - 9:00am to 11:00am
Crosby Farm Regional Park, St. Paul