Wildlife

Wildlife
Fishing for fishers: FMR supports a new study

update

Why is the fisher expanding its range to the southern part of the state, including the Twin Cities? Why is its population declining? FMR is partnering on a University of Minnesota study of this elusive member of the weasel family to help find out. Read more
Fisher climbing over log
Minnesota's 3 little lizards

update

There are about 150 native and non-native lizard species in North America. Only these three manage to survive the harsh Minnesota climate. Read more
A racerunner lizard at the Flint Hills Resources site.
How we choose sites to protect and restore

update

Our Land Conservation program has protected and restored more than three dozen sites near the metro Mississippi River. Here's how we decide where to focus our efforts. Read more
View of river through prairie in autumn
Measuring success: recent pollinator surveys at FMR-restored prairies

update

Just as our breeding bird surveys have shown more birds and more species using FMR-restored prairies, our latest pollinator surveys further demonstrate the wildlife benefits of restored habitats.  >>

Read more
A short field guide to metro wildlife

update

Whether it's the return of grassland birds to a once-homogenous cropland we've restored to prairie, or the adaptive behaviors of urban foxes and coyotes, the well-being of Minnesota's wildlife can serve as a window into our ecosystems as we strive to be better stewards of the land. Get to know a few of the critters who find habitat in FMR restoration sites.  >>

Read more
FMR Intern Allie's favorite insect sightings

update

Allie Carroll, our summer field ecology intern, has a great eye for insects. We're all looking a little closer now that she’s on our team. Here's a guest post from Allie in which she gives us a tour of some of the coolest finds from her fieldwork so far.  >>

Read more
Landscape for the river

page

Whether urban, suburban or rural, yards are part of the Mississippi watershed. The effects of how we landscape and route rain show up far beyond our property lines. Dig into these tips to help protect the river right from your own backyard. Read more
Monarch on liatris in an urban raingarden

Pages

Upcoming Events

Sign up in January; Compete throughout February 2026
Hennepin, Ramsey & Washington counties
This school year
In your classroom or outside
Saturday, June 6, 2026 - 7:30am
Along the river in St. Paul