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. >>
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. >>
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. >>
KARE11 covers coyote research after attack
FMR ecologist and frequent conservation blog contributor Alex Roth was recently featured by KARE11 in a piece on our metro fox and coyote populations.
Although triggered by a coyote attack on an Inver Grove Heights family's beloved dog, Moose, the story referenced the Twin Cities Fox and Coyote Research Project. FMR is a proud partner for the LCCMR-funded project — and we are so glad that Moose is expected to make a full recovery! Watch the video >>
'Land conservation key to bringing back Minnesota bird population'
We didn't pay MPR to write that headline, but it's exactly the message we want people to understand. >>
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. >>
Meet the loggerhead shrike, the rare butcher bird of FMR-restored prairies
Don't be fooled. Known for its striking gray-blue and white coloring and stunning, sweet song, this small songbird is also a fearsome killer.
The loggerhead shrike spikes small lizards on thorns and stakes mice on barbed wire. It's a rare prairie predator — now endangered in Minnesota — and a positive sign for habitat. That's why we're delighted to have loggerhead shrikes at two FMR-protected and restored sites. >>
River access, wildlife habitat, year-round recreation: Cottage Grove’s unique opportunity
A Mississippi Dunes park in Cottage Grove could create access to the river throughout the seasons. (Illustration by Kimberly Boustead and Emily Sauer)
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. >>