Land Conservation

Oh, deer. Whitetails and Minnesota's future forests

by Alex Roth

article

January 11, 2016

Perhaps drinking from the river or bounding through blufflands, deer are a welcome sight on any oudoor excursion. From an ecological perspective, however, an overabundance of deer are creating problems. It turns out many uncommon native plants are especially tasty. But invasive species such as buckthorn and garlic mustard? Not so much. Compounded by earthworms and climate change, our treasured whitetails may play a large role in the future of our forests.

Unfortunately, deer don't enjoy munching on invasive plant species.

The green amidst the gray: the distinctive phenology of non-native shrubs

by Alex Roth

article

November 9, 2015

It’s finally (or already!) November and the leaves have fallen from the trees. Well, not quite all of them. If you take a close look at a nearby forest, you’ll likely notice a dense layer of green still present in the shrub layer. What are these shrubs and why are they still green when other species have all dropped their leaves? In and around the Twin Cities, it’s a good bet that these shrubs are either common buckthorn or one of a few species of bush honeysuckles, and their “distinctive phenology” actually plays a large part in their success in Minnesota’s forest ecosystems.

A layer of green on an otherwise gray and brown backdrop is evidence of buckthorn’s distinctive phenology.

Join us for a fall hayride, hike or haul! (Heads up: Capacity is limited.)

by sue rich

article

September 9, 2015

Join us for a crisp autumn morning in the bluffs above the river Saturday, Oct. 17 in Cottage Grove or Saturday, Oct. 24 in Pine Bend Bluffs near Rosemount. Sign up for the hayride and hike, join the buckthorn hauls — or both!

After exploring and restoring river-lands not normally open to the public, we’ll celebrate our volunteer and community partners’ impact on our local wildlife and waters. Thanks to Cottage Grove partner 3M and Pine Bend partner Flint Hills Resources, there’ll be great food, raffles and other special activities.

Groups wanted: Get your hands dirty for the river!

by sue rich

article

August 19, 2015

Whether you’ve got a group of five or fifty, FMR has a fall event for you and yours. Join us to haul buckthorn and restore habitat in the beautiful river bluffs, or let us know if you'd like to set up your own St. Paul service outing.