Minneapolis Parks for All plan open for comment
Through July 18, 2021, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is seeking public comment on its draft Parks for All comprehensive plan, which will guide the park board for the next ten years. Review FMR's recommendations for the plan and learn how to submit your own. >>
Partnering for habitat and culture at Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary
This year, FMR is embarking on a new partnership with the Lower Phalen Creek Project, an indigenous-led organization working to engage the community in honoring and caring for natural areas and their sacred and cultural importance. Along with LPCP and St. Paul Parks and Recreation, we're updating an outdated management plan for the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary to ensure healthy habitat with a special focus on culturally important plant species and restoration techniques that better represent and honor the site's history and its ongoing importance to Dakota people. >>
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. >>