Land Conservation

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

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April 13, 2021

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

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April 12, 2021

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

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March 31, 2021

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. >>

Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park

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March 1, 2021

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

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February 2, 2021

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

by Karen Schik

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January 29, 2021

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

by Ellie Rogers

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December 31, 2020

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. >>