Land Conservation

Land Conservation
A writhing mass of … Indiangrass seed?

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When things move that shouldn’t it’s a cause for investigation. The self-seeding motions of a pile of volunteer-gathered Indiangrass seed caught this FMR ecologist by surprise.

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Earthworms invade our forest floor

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When people think about natural seasonal changes, we usually look up — bud break, bird migration, leaf change, etc. But what about the natural world under our feet? There's a buzz of activity, including the effects of one particularly damaging invasive species: earthworms. >>

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Blazing blooms!

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July and August are the most flowerful months in our native prairies and wetlands. Enjoy a few of the beauties FMR ecologists have recently come across in their field work.

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Arrowhead flowers
Endangered species recovery at FMR restoration sites

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Plant and animal populations decline for many reasons — habitat loss, climate change, pollution and other factors. The Endangered Species Act was enacted in 1973 to prevent the decline and extinction of at-risk species and aid their recovery. At FMR, one of the ways we can best benefit endangered species is through the enhancement or restoration of native habitat. FMR’s many restoration sites do just that, providing much-needed habitat for both common and endangered plants and animals.

While the Endangered Species Act has benefitted countless species, we’d like to think our restorations have as well. We've spotted three endangered species — loggerhead shrike, Blanchard's cricket frog and Henslow's sparrow — at our sites so far this year! 

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A trio of endangered species recently found at FMR conservation and restoration sites.
Reconnecting North Mpls to its riverfront

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Currently, the majority of North's residents must make their way over Interstate-94 and through a wall of industry to see and enjoy their riverfront. FMR is working to understand these barriers and identify opportunities to reconnect Northside residents to their Mississippi River. As more of this riverfront transforms from industrial use to parks and trails — changes that FMR has long advocated — we must work hard to ensure that current and future riverfront parks are accessible to area residents. 

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The desolate West Broadway bridge over I-94
Swing Bridge Park: Our newest restoration & volunteer site

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This unique location blends historic renovation with ecological restoration along today's working river. Learn more about its history, ecology and our first public volunteer event at this riverfront site, Saturday, June 4.

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Swing Bridge Park entrance

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Upcoming Events

Monday, July 7, 2025 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Zoom webinar
April through October
St. Paul
Saturday, July 26, 2025 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Hidden Falls Regional Park, St. Paul