Become a community scientist
Scientists sometimes turn to the public to collect observations and data on flora and fauna. If you’re heading outside, why not take note of the wildlife and blooms you see? Here are a few of our favorite projects that call for community scientists. >>
The tail of the prairie skink: A story of loss and restoration
The prairie skink can lose and regrow its tail. Through our restoration work, we're hoping to create a story of regrowth for its favorite habitat: prairies near streams. >>
Winter insects and spiders
Warm winter days are a great time to see tiny creatures wandering the top of the snowpack. >>
Have you seen a metro fox or coyote recently?
If you live in the Twin Cities Metro area and have seen gray fox, red fox or coyotes or their tracks, we could use your help! >>
It's monarch migration season!
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. >>
Fisher spotted at FMR restoration site
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. >>
Snapping turtle hatchlings protected from predators
When born, baby snapping turtles are smaller than a half dollar. (Photo by Mike Krivit)
Our wildlife cameras caught baby snapping turtles hatching in peace thanks to our new wildlife nest enclosure at Spring Lake Islands Wildlife Management Area. >>
Nature notes: Turtles on the go under the ice
For reasons yet to be understood, painted turtles remain active but out of sight under winter ice. (Photo from gorthx on Flickr/Creative Commons)
For reasons not yet understood, many turtles stay active under the winter ice. Learn more about their mysterious habits and about a local FMR turtle protection project in this month's Nature Notes. >>
Nature notes: Who goes there?
What animals traveled through our yards and landscapes under the cover of night or even right under our noses? A primer on reading tracks in the snow. >>
Nature Notes: Snowshoeing grouse?
Grown each fall and shed in the spring, the grouse's comb-like foot fringe acts like a snowshoe to help them walk on top of snow. (Photo courtesy of Mary Holland.)
In this month's Nature Notes: Oh, the surprising things that ruffed grouse have in common with snowshoe hares and aspen trees. >>