Special places

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
Pine Bend Bluffs Natural Area

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August 4, 2010
Critical for wildlife, this 1,300-acre corridor of protected lands along dramatic western bluffs of the Mississippi River south of the metro includes Pine Bend Bluffs SNA, an award-winning restoration, and one of our favorite places to bird. Read more
Pine Bend Bluffs in the fall
Dakota Conservation Area

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September 24, 2026
Not to be underestimated for its size, this 6-acre oak savanna restoration provides visually stunning critical habitat along the Vermillion River.  Read more
Open oak savanna in summer
Guiding community-led habitat restoration efforts

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September 10, 2026
A new stewardship model for parks beloved by committed neighbors: FMR provides technical guidance, but neighbors lead. Read more
Volunteers walk across bridge toward forested area and Minneapolis buildings
Where we work: Vermillion River Aquatic Management Area

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July 20, 2026
The cold water trout stream and wide floodplain wetlands at the 450-acre Vermillion River Aquatic Management Area (AMA) in Dakota County offer opportunities for angling, hunting, trapping and wildlife observation. Read more
Wetland area
Gores Wildlife Management Area

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March 9, 2026
This 7,000-acre network of winding backwaters and lush green islands where the Vermillion meets the Mississippi is one of the largest expanses of floodplain native plant communities in southeast Minnesota. Read more
Weltands and confluence of rivers with Hastings bridge in background
Vermillion River Aquatic Management Area

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March 9, 2026
The cold water trout stream and wide floodplain wetlands at the 450-acre Vermillion River Aquatic Management Area (AMA) in Dakota County offer opportunities for angling, hunting, trapping and wildlife observation. Read more
Wetland area
Willow Brook

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February 12, 2026
Nestled between Warner Road and the Mississippi River just south of downtown St. Paul, 70-acre Willow Brook is home to the DNR's Central Region Headquarters and Minnesota’s first state-run fish hatchery. Read more
Shallow brook runs through grassy area and forest

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Upcoming Events

Oak woodland brush haul + lunch [FULL]
Saturday, October 24, 2026 - 9:00am to 12:00pm
3M's oak woodlands, Cottage Grove
A toast to FMR with Wabasha Brewing
Sunday, November 1, noon-8 p.m.
Wabasha Brewing Taproom, St. Paul
Election 2026: Voting guide
Now through Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026
Your polling place

See all Upcoming Events