Minnesota wildlife

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

Must-see FMR spring birding sites along the river

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April 15, 2023

Enjoy the wonder of spring migration season with a visit to some of FMR's top Mississippi River flyway restoration sites. Read more

A singing common yellowthroat grips a thorny branch.

Got scat? The next phase of the coyote and fox project

by Alex Roth

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March 19, 2023

How are wild canids adapting to urban areas? FMR supporters have been helping researchers find out. Hear about how to get involved in two new community science initiatives with the Twin Cities Coyote and Fox Project. Read more

Coyote standing atop inactive railroad tracks.

FMR signs on to petition calling for protection of native fish

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October 24, 2022

FMR has signed on to a legal petition calling for the protection of all native fish, especially "rough fish" — a catchall term for native species that are less desirable to eat, like buffalo fish or freshwater drum. Read more