Cedar and spruce shore up the Vermillion River's eroding banks
At Vermillion River Linear Park in Hastings, the cedars we removed from our prairie restoration became the armor of a streambank stabilization project. This revetment not only stops erosion, but will also rebuild the riverbank, creating habitat for trout and other aquatic wildlife. >>
Volunteer spotlight: Randy's dedication at Ole Olson Park
For Randy Miranda, volunteering every week to tend FMR's prairie restoration at Ole Olson Park near his home was a meditative way to give back and get through the pandemic. Here are Randy's reflections on why he volunteers and what we've accomplished together. >>
FMR ecologist coauthors paper on the importance of replanting after buckthorn removal
When FMR volunteers remove buckthorn, we're making way for native plants to reestablish critical habitat. In a new research paper, following up by planting native plants seems to show another benefit: Buckthorn has a harder time making a comeback. >>
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. >>
A new federal initiative to restore America's River?
The Everglades, Chesapeake Bay, the Great Lakes, the Mighty Mississippi — Which national treasure doesn't yet have a federal initiative to protect and restore it? If you guessed the Mississippi, you’re right. But a new effort has emerged to change that. (Photo by Tom Reiter)
The Everglades, Chesapeake Bay, the Great Lakes, the Mighty Mississippi — guess which national treasure does not have a federal initiative to protect and restore it? If you guessed the Mississippi, you’re correct. But a new effort has emerged to change that. >>
Invasives got your goat? Here's one way we're bucking buckthorn at Hampton Woods
Entertaining and adorable as they are, goats have found a serious and fitting profession in the ecological management world: consuming as much buckthorn and other invasive woody plants as possible. See how successful our crew was at Hampton Woods and learn more about this increasingly popular restoration method. >>
Indian Mounds Regional Park: Restored land in a sacred place
It's hard to overstate the importance of Indian Mounds Regional Park. Situated atop the bluff just east of downtown St. Paul, the park harbors a wealth of cultural, historical and ecological significance. The park is also unique in that it's where three of FMR’s programs — land conservation, stewardship and youth engagement — converge. >>
Hundreds of birds in the one and only river gorge
For 33 years, Dave Zumeta has kept meticulous lists of the birds he's seen in the Mississippi River Gorge, a band of habitat FMR works to restore that is critical for migrators on the flyway. These lists have become a valuable tool to help us track the health of our river habitat. Learn more about Dave's surprising findings, troubling and encouraging trends. >>
From buckthorn to endangered bumblebees, a habitat success story
We're thrilled that an FMR restoration site, a local woodland once choked with European buckthorn, now supports the rusty patched bumblebee, a federally endangered species. >>
A field ecology internship in the time of COVID-19
Our summer intern Michaela Hackbarth reflects on the gray catbird's call, how field work requires great people skills, and the expansive feeling at FMR habitat restoration sites. >>