parks

Can St. Paul's River Learning Center project get back on track?

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

July 7, 2022

We've long supported the goal of creating a River Learning Center in St. Paul's Crosby Farm Regional Park. Recent design concepts for the center, however, seemed to disregard community input and riverfront development regulations. Here's how we've responded and what we hope to see happen next. >>

St. Paul riverfront roundup: Five projects to watch

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

April 11, 2022

St. Paul has a lot of projects in the works along its 26 miles of Mississippi River shoreline. Check out the plans for new visitor and cultural centers, recreational improvements and more that will celebrate and improve St. Paul's connection to the river. >>

Rare Maplewood grasslands one step closer to protection

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

February 3, 2022

As covered in several news outlets, Ramsey County is stepping back from its plans to develop a rare grassland bird haven. We're celebrating this win and advocating for the next logical step: permanent habitat protection. Ramsey County residents — please send a note to the county to express support for this special refuge. >>

What can cities do to guide development and protect open space?

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

December 15, 2021

When we work with community members involved in local development and habitat protection issues, we often hear similar questions: "What can my city leaders do about this issue?" "Does anyone have the power to change this project?" Here's a summary of how cities can shape development and protect open space. >>

Mississippi Dunes: Cottage Grove's great missed opportunity

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

December 15, 2021

The Cottage Grove City Council recently approved a plan for the former Mississippi Dunes golf course. While the plan includes a modest riverfront park, many residents hoped for more. >>

Endangered species found at Maplewood sites under development consideration

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

October 18, 2021

When we learned that Ramsey County was considering developing open space that we believe provides essential habitat, FMR requested a natural resources inventory. The report confirms: Endangered and rare birds depend on this grassland. Read more

Cottage Grove seeks community feedback about Mississippi Dunes plan

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

October 6, 2021

Last week, 50 community members gathered to discuss opportunities to influence decision-making about the former Mississippi Dunes golf course in Cottage Grove. Here are several ways to speak up in the coming weeks. >>