Dakota County ponders pathways for conservation
Last spring, Dakota County put together an exciting plan to conserve up to 40,000 acres important to our communities, wildlife and waters. Dozens of you voiced support for the plan to the county commissioners who are now considering whether and how to fund the effort. Sign up to stay in the loop. >>
Say 'Yes!' to fund Dakota County parks and natural areas
In the mood for a little good news? There's some impressive conservation planning happening on behalf of natural resources and open spaces in Dakota County. And with some urging from community members, the county-drawn plans could lead to some exciting land protection and habitat restoration projects — thousands of acres worth!
A previous similar effort protected many beloved Dakota County parks and natural areas, including creating habitat for animals like the fisher above. >>
Say 'Yes!' to Dakota County parks and natural areas
If you live in Dakota County or use and value its parks, you now have the opportunity (through July 3) to advocate for protecting and restoring additional parks, natural areas and greenways. Learn about and give the county a thumbs-up for their draft conservation plan. >>
New Pig's Eye Lake islands on the way!
From road work to new buildings, construction projects are a constant for most Twin Cities residents. Soon, a new type of project is coming to St. Paul: seven small islands within Pig's Eye Lake.
We look forward to their benefits for wildlife, reduced erosion and climate change research. >>
Minneapolis 'Parks for All' survey deadline: May 1
Looking for something impactful to do while you’re inside? If you reside in Minneapolis or use Minneapolis parks, consider filling out the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s Parks for All survey. >>
Upper Harbor Terminal featured on Fox 9: 'If you build it, will Beyoncé come?'
Who will the Upper Harbor Terminal redevelopment serve? Fox 9 News recently asked that question. FMR's Colleen O'Connor Toberman was interviewed alongside community members, elected officials, and the development team. >>
Spring Lake regional park master plan open house Oct. 14
What's next for this special place (and FMR restoration site) on our great river? You can help decide. >>
Check out our conservation blog!
A trio of endangered species found at FMR conservation and restoration sites. Left to right: Loggerhead shrike, Blanchard's cricket frog and Henslow's sparrow. (Photos by Terry Ross, Greg Schecter and Jim Hudgins/USFWS.)
Endangered species, fishers, fields of monarchs — FMR ecologists encounter them all at our 37 habitat restoration sites.
On our new conservation blog, learn more about what our ecologists see in the field, the special places we're working to protect and how we restore habitat. >>
River access, wildlife habitat, year-round recreation: Cottage Grove’s unique opportunity
The City of Cottage Grove has the opportunity to turn an old golf course into open space for wildlife and a recreational park for residents and visitors in an area lacking in river access. Here are our top reasons why we should protect this special place from development. >>
Introducing the FMR Conservation Map!
Although our policy and advocacy work tends to make the most headlines, many FMR supporters, members and volunteers highly value the natural areas we protect, restore and enhance throughout the metro area. But even the longest-standing FMR members and volunteers wonder where, exactly, we work.
Wouldn’t it be great if there was a way for folks to see all of FMR’s 37 active restoration sites in one place? Perhaps some kind of…map? >>