Land Conservation

October 18, 2018

by Karen Schik

October 8, 2018

What would you be willing to pay for a few teaspoons of prairie seed? Seeds from native prairie remnants that our volunteers collect by hand are priceless. >>

River Heights Park saved, restoration begins!

September 19, 2018

After hearing from dozens of community members (including many FMR River Guardians), the Inver Grove Heights city council unanimously voted to save River Heights Park on Monday, May 14.

The council had been considering carving up and selling the 7.5-acre undeveloped natural area as three 2.5-acre lots for housing developers. Instead, the city, FMR and neighbors are going to work together to make the park more accessible — adding a park sign and bench, with details to be determined — while keeping it a natural area and restoring important bird habitat. >>

Residents and River Guardians helped save this park!

Special Places: Local prairie wonderlands

by Alex Roth, by Karen Schik

August 10, 2018

A prairie for every season and (metro) location! We list a few of our favorite prairie sites from Elk River to Hastings, including both restored prairies and native remnants. Some of our favorite finds at each site are listed, and a good time to visit. >>

Blazing star with monarch at Hastings Sand Coulee SNA

Nicollet Island

August 1, 2018

The industrial uses that once dominated the northern half of Nicollet Island have given way to a mix of homes, trails and a beloved park where we're restoring pockets of prairie and a forest of maples and climate-adapted tree species — vital habitat for the downtown Minneapolis river corridor. >>

Skinks and pollinators returning to restored prairie

by Alex Roth

July 6, 2018

This summer, a new prairie is taking hold at Houlton Conservation Area, and we're excited to report back on its newest residents. >>

Burn, baby, burn...but only when we say so!

by Alex Roth

May 7, 2018

Spring has officially sprung, and with it comes those familiar signs of life: plants begin to green, flowers bloom, migrating birds return, and fires burn through the prairies at FMR restoration sites!

Learn more about how we use fire to restore wildlife habitat, and the impact of a recent unplanned fire on an FMR restoration site. >>