Land Conservation

Land Conservation
Video: How we chose plants in partnership for the restoration at Wakáŋ Tipi

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Meet four plants in the restored tallgrass prairie and floodplain at Wakáŋ Tipi in St. Paul, a sacred place to the Dakota. FMR and our partners Wakáŋ Tipi Awaŋyaŋkapi talk about the medicine and habitat these trees and wildflowers provide. Read more
Two people talking near bee balm
Carver Preserve

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At a protected Maplewood neighborhood preserve on the east side of the river, we're bringing woodland and prairie habitats back to life with the help of a robust remnant seed bank.  Read more
Field with golden trees
Applewood Preserve

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An old pasture and orchard turned neighborhood preserve holds nearly 30 acres of oak forest, prairie and woodland pond for wildlife in Maplewood. Read more
Apple trees in field against birch
Nectar and ... blood? A surprising source of nutrients for butterflies

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Our new pollinator biologist explains the phenomenon of butterfly puddling — sometimes on blood — and how we can make sure these insects get the nutrients and energy they need. Read more
Senior Ecologist Karen Schik retires after 23 years with FMR

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FMR's senior ecologist Karen Schik's hard work helped protect and restore thousands of acres of important river habitat while strengthening community connections. Thank you, Karen! Read more
Karen Schik, smiling for the camera in front of the Mississippi River.
Thank you, summer 2023 interns!

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Our summer interns supported FMR's conservation and education work, from bird, plant and monarch surveys to summer youth program facilitation. Here are their reflections and highlights. Read more
Annika in prairie, Ivy working on art, Riya by flowers, Brandon ice fishing, Holly in autumn woods
A new tool in our toolbox for buckthorn control: Critical period cutting

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We're always looking for new and better ways to keep buckthorn from becoming dominant in our woodlands and forests. A new method we're trying in the Gorge shows promise and doesn't require power tools or herbicides. Read more
Volunteers work on buckthorn removal by the river

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Upcoming Events

Wednesday, June 4, 2025 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Camel's Hump Park and Open Space, Cottage Grove
Thursday, June 5, 2025 - 9:00am to 12:00pm
Southwest Park Ponding Basin, Hastings
Saturday, June 7, 2025 - 9:00am to 11:00am
William H. Houlton Conservation Area, Elk River