Special places pages

FMR maintains over three dozen habitat restoration and land protection sites in the metro area. Find out more about some of these special places below. 

You can also see a map of all of our protection and restoration sites and learn more about our approach and Land Conservation program.

Special places pages
Sheridan Memorial Park
February 23, 2024
Located along the east bank of the Mississippi River just north of the Broadway Avenue bridge, this site is home to a veterans memorial, an FMR-installed raingarden, and a multi-year community partnership with the Sheridan Neighborhood Organization. Read more
People work in raingarden below sphere memorial
Applewood Preserve
October 23, 2023
An old pasture and orchard turned neighborhood preserve holds nearly 30 acres of oak forest, prairie and woodland pond for wildlife in Maplewood. Read more
Apple trees in field against birch
Settler's Island
July 25, 2023
In the Grey Cloud channel on a 3-acre island once thick with buckthorn, we're planting climate-adapted trees and native understory plants, increasing habitat resilience amidst climate change. You can visit via kayak or canoe! Read more
Volunteers with canoes on island
Hastings Sand Coulee Scientific and Natural Area
July 11, 2023
The Hastings Sand Coulee Scientific and Natural Area harbors the largest native prairie remnant in Dakota County — about 100 acres — along with an outstanding diversity of plants and animals, including nine rare species. Read more
Liatris and goldenrod at Hastings Sand Coulee SNA
Riverside Park in St. Paul Park
May 30, 2023
Located along the backwaters of the Mississippi River, this 14-acre park hosts an array of native woodland plants and serves as an oasis along the Mississippi River flyway for migratory birds. Read more
Limestone edge along river
Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area
December 7, 2022
A 220-acre protected riverfront stretch in Cottage Grove, Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area offers vast views of the river valley and is home to a rare dry prairie that supports an immense diversity of plants, birds and other wildlife. Read more
Volunteers walk up hill at Grey Cloud Dunes
Spring Lake Park Reserve
November 8, 2022
At Dakota County's Spring Lake Park Reserve along the bluffs of the Mississippi River, our oak forest and prairie restorations are home to more than 80 native plant species. Read more
Spring Lake Park Reserve wildflowers

Pages

Upcoming Events

Apply to be a 2024 ESI mentor for the summer
Applications due Friday, May 3 by 5 p.m.
Virtual and in-person
Pull garlic mustard at Hampton Woods Wildlife Management Area [FULL]
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Hampton Woods Wildlife Management Area
Tend the oak woodlands at the Hastings Sand Coulee SNA [FULL]
Thursday, May 9, 2024 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Hastings Sand Coulee Scientific and Natural Area

See all Upcoming Events