Land Conservation

Land Conservation
Applewood Preserve

page

An old pasture and orchard turned neighborhood preserve holds nearly 30 acres of oak forest, prairie and woodland pond for wildlife in Maplewood. Read more
Apple trees in field against birch
Nectar and ... blood? A surprising source of nutrients for butterflies

update

Our new pollinator biologist explains the phenomenon of butterfly puddling — sometimes on blood — and how we can make sure these insects get the nutrients and energy they need. Read more
Senior Ecologist Karen Schik retires after 23 years with FMR

update

FMR's senior ecologist Karen Schik's hard work helped protect and restore thousands of acres of important river habitat while strengthening community connections. Thank you, Karen! Read more
Karen Schik, smiling for the camera in front of the Mississippi River.
Thank you, summer 2023 interns!

update

Our summer interns supported FMR's conservation and education work, from bird, plant and monarch surveys to summer youth program facilitation. Here are their reflections and highlights. Read more
Annika in prairie, Ivy working on art, Riya by flowers, Brandon ice fishing, Holly in autumn woods
A new tool in our toolbox for buckthorn control: Critical period cutting

update

We're always looking for new and better ways to keep buckthorn from becoming dominant in our woodlands and forests. A new method we're trying in the Gorge shows promise and doesn't require power tools or herbicides. Read more
Volunteers work on buckthorn removal by the river
Settler's Island

page

In the Grey Cloud channel on a 3-acre island once thick with buckthorn, we're planting climate-adapted trees and native understory plants, increasing habitat resilience amidst climate change. You can visit via kayak or canoe! Read more
Volunteers with canoes on island
Riverside Park in St. Paul Park

page

Located along the backwaters of the Mississippi River, this 14-acre park hosts an array of native woodland plants and serves as an oasis along the Mississippi River flyway for migratory birds. Read more
Limestone edge along river

Pages

Upcoming Events

August 13 through October 31, 2026
Throughout St. Paul
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 - 8:00pm to 9:30pm
TPT, Twin Cities PBS
August 27 - September 7, 2026
State Fairgrounds, St. Paul