Land Conservation

More hope for long-term buckthorn control

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December 12, 2022

New research shows that seeding and planting after buckthorn removal can help keep future buckthorn growth at bay. But not all plantings are created equal. Read more about FMR Conservation Director Alex Roth's latest research. Read more

FMR ecologists and interns monitor invasive honeysuckle removal plots.

Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area

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December 7, 2022

A 220-acre protected riverfront stretch in Cottage Grove, Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area offers vast views of the river valley and is home to a rare dry prairie that supports an immense diversity of plants, birds and other wildlife. Read more

Volunteers walk up hill at Grey Cloud Dunes

Spring Lake Park Reserve

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November 8, 2022

At Dakota County's Spring Lake Park Reserve along the bluffs of the Mississippi River, our oak forest and prairie restorations are home to more than 80 native plant species. Read more

Hundreds of birds in the one and only river gorge

by Betsy Daub

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October 16, 2022

For more than three decades, Dave Zumeta has kept meticulous lists of the birds he's seen in the Mississippi River Gorge, a band of habitat FMR works to restore that is critical for migrators on the flyway. Read more

A photo collage showing a saw-whet owl and a trumpeter swan.

Fishing for fishers: FMR supports a new study

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October 11, 2022

Why is the fisher expanding its range to the southern part of the state, including the Twin Cities? Why is its population declining? FMR is partnering on a University of Minnesota study of this elusive member of the weasel family to help find out. Read more

Long fall? Extended prescribed burn season!

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October 7, 2022

The lingering fall this year gave us the rare opportunity to implement a fall burn at our Hastings River Flats prairie restoration. Here's why we jumped at the chance. Read more