Ramsey County considers three properties for redevelopment, conservation
The county is making plans for three properties on the east side of St. Paul: The site of a former juvenile correctional facility on undeveloped bluffland holding Dakota history; a golf course that's home to an endangered bumblebee; and a grassland where prairie birds flock. We've encouraged officials to inventory ecological resources and work with those studying the cultural resources before proceeding with planning. >>
New river access in Cottage Grove?
The former Mississippi Dunes golf course in Cottage Grove has amazing potential to be a new park, but its owners want to develop it into housing. You can weigh in to protect habitat and public river access at this special site. >>
Mississippi Dunes info session: A new park for Cottage Grove
Cottage Grove has an opportunity to protect part of the riverfront Mississippi Dunes, a former golf course. Learn more about this special place and how to get involved May 3, 5 p.m. >>
Volunteer spotlight: Randy's dedication at Ole Olson Park
For Randy Miranda, volunteering every week to tend FMR's prairie restoration at Ole Olson Park near his home was a meditative way to give back and get through the pandemic. Here are Randy's reflections on why he volunteers and what we've accomplished together. >>
Opening for 2021 field ecology internship (CLOSED)
Field ecology interns have the opportunity to directly assist with conservation, like 2019 intern Phuong Nguyen pictured here at an FMR habitat restoration project.
Find out more about this internship, apply or spread the word. >>
Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park
A forested valley with 100-foot high slopes runs into Ravine Lake at this 515-acre park. We’ve been managing oak savanna and prairie habitat restoration here since 2012. (Photo: Karen Schik)
A forested valley with 100-foot high slopes runs into Ravine Lake at this 515-acre park. We’ve been managing oak savanna and prairie habitat restoration here since 2012. >>
Vermillion Falls Park
At the stunning waterfall after which this park is named, the Vermillion River drops 35 feet, then runs through limestone gorge and forest. We've been managing habitat restoration here since 2019. (Photo by Tom Reiter)
At the stunning waterfall after which this park is named, the Vermillion River drops 35 feet, then runs through limestone gorge and forest. We've been managing habitat restoration here since 2019. Find out what's special about this place. >>
Why insects matter and what you can do about their decline
In the past few years, news of the decline of insect populations has raised alarm bells. Experts say the world is losing around 1 to 2 percent of its insects each year. By now, most people know pollinators are vital to making about a third of our food supply. But what about all the other insects — does this overall population decrease matter? >>
FMR ecologist coauthors paper on the importance of replanting after buckthorn removal
When FMR volunteers remove buckthorn, we're making way for native plants to reestablish critical habitat. In a new research paper, following up by planting native plants seems to show another benefit: Buckthorn has a harder time making a comeback. >>
Minneapolis Parks for All plan open for comment
Through July 18, 2021, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is seeking public comment on its draft Parks for All comprehensive plan, which will guide the park board for the next ten years. Review FMR's recommendations for the plan and learn how to submit your own. >>