Wildlife

Wildlife
It's monarch migration season!

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Fall brings chances to spot monarch roosts — dozens of butterflies gathering together on their migration south. FMR ecologist Karen Schik found hundreds earlier this week and sent these videos back from a visit to our prairie restoration at Flint Hills Resources in Inver Grove Heights. >>

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Meet the loggerhead shrike, the rare butcher bird of FMR-restored prairies

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This small, striking songbird is a fearsome prairie predator. Sadly, it's considered endangered in Minnesota. Read more
A loggerhead shrike perched on the tip of a bare branch, with a grassy field in the background.
Ecological restoration: A practice in patience

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In the world of ecological restoration, changes don't happen overnight. And sometimes, to create a thriving and diverse habitat for wildlife and for water quality, things get a little messier (or even uglier) before they get better. Read more
Fisher spotted at FMR restoration site

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One member of the weasel family, the fisher, is more commonly a denizen of Minnesota's north woods than our metro woodlands. Finding a fisher recently at Spring Lake Park Reserve in Dakota County was a rare treat.  >>

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Calling all cameras: Citizen science for the Twin Cities Coyote and Fox Research Project

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Coyotes and foxes are mostly secretive animals, but sightings of these species are becoming more and more common throughout the Twin Cities Metro Area. Now, a group of researchers and partner organizations (including FMR) are setting out to better understand how these critters use the urban environment, and maybe just dispel some myths along the way. You can help!  >>

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5 ways you can protect habitat and wildlife

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Our river corridor’s prairies, wetlands and woodlands are home to thousands of species of wildlife. Here are five ways you can nurture and help protect their habitat. Read more
Ole Olson prairie with Minneapolis skyline in background
Skinks and pollinators returning to restored prairie

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This summer, a new prairie is taking hold at Houlton Conservation Area, and we're excited to report back on its newest residents. >>

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Prairie skink

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Upcoming Events

Saturday, April 19, 2025 - 9:30am to 12:00pm
West River Parkway and 36th Street/44th Street, Minneapolis
Saturday, April 19, 2025 - 10:00am to 12:30pm
MWMO, Northeast Minneapolis riverfront
April 8 through April 22, 2025
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