protection

Rare Maplewood grasslands one step closer to protection

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

update

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. >>

Fall intern helps map out FMR conservation strategy

update

January 7, 2022

FMR has permanently protected 45 sites in the greater metro area since 1993. Our fall 2021 Land Conservation intern, Nick Jacobson, created a tool to help us answer the question of where to focus next. Which lands can we most effectively protect, restore and enhance along the Mississippi River for its wildlife and human communities? >>

Mississippi Dunes: Cottage Grove's great missed opportunity

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

update

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. >>

Climate change, climate justice and FMR's Land Conservation program

by Alex Roth

update

December 1, 2021

Land protection and restoration for ecological diversity can keep urban areas cooler and more resilient in the face of climate change. Learn more about how our Land Conservation program fights climate change and its impacts. >>

A short field guide to metro wildlife

by Casey Ek

update

November 12, 2021

Whether it's the return of grassland birds to a once-homogenous cropland we've restored to prairie, or the adaptive behaviors of urban foxes and coyotes, the well-being of Minnesota's wildlife can serve as a window into our ecosystems as we strive to be better stewards of the land. Get to know a few of the critters who find habitat in FMR restoration sites. >>

Where we work: Pine Bend Bluffs Natural Area

update

October 13, 2021

Critical for wildlife, this 1,300-acre corridor of protected lands along the dramatic western bluffs of the Mississippi River south of the metro includes Pine Bend Bluffs SNA — our first major conservation project in the 1990s — an award-winning restoration, and one of our favorite places to bird and see the sweep of the river south of the cities. >>

Cottage Grove seeks community feedback about Mississippi Dunes plan

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

update

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. >>