Minnesota wildlife

FMR becoming a powerhouse for pollinator protection

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August 1, 2024

Two new FMR initiatives are big wins for pollinator protection and research. With good questions and better data to answer them, we can find out what more we can do to make the best possible habitat for pollinators and wildlife. Read more

How our ecologists piece together a site’s past and plan for its future

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April 23, 2024

What can the outstretched limbs of a bur oak reveal about the land? Here's how our ecologists find signs underfoot and overhead to understand a place before beginning to restore its habitat. Read more

More than 3,000 pollinators — and other interesting findings from our 2023 monitoring

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January 9, 2024

How much more often did pollinators visit native flowers than non-native flowers? And why are cuckoo bees a good sign? Find out more about our 2023 pollinator surveys, plus new opportunities to get involved in monitoring efforts. Read more

Annika, Julia, a monarch, black and gold bumble bee, red-belted bumble bee

Nectar and ... blood? A surprising source of nutrients for butterflies

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October 2, 2023

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

How a little leaf beetle keeps Canada goldenrod in check

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August 21, 2023

Sometimes too much of a good thing can be ... too much. That's the case when Canada goldenrod spreads rapidly in our prairie restorations. But over time we've noticed something small making a big impact on plant diversity. Read more

Canada goldenrod on the left, more diverse prairie on the right

FMR pollinator research and habitat projects receive state funds

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May 23, 2023

The Minnesota Legislature passed bills that include five FMR restoration and enhancement projects and our three-year research project on best practices for pollinator habitat management. Read more