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.

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

South Branch Vermillion River Aquatic Management Area

June 16, 2022

Located along a newly re-meandered stretch of the South Branch of the Vermillion River, this 24-acre woodland-turned-savanna is now a showcase for successful savanna restoration. >>

William H. Houlton Conservation Area

June 14, 2022

At the William H. Houlton Conservation Area — one of the largest undeveloped riverfront properties in the metro — we're restoring 160 acres of soybean field and grazed grasslands into prairie and oak savanna, plus stewarding over 150 acres of upland and floodplain forest at the confluence of the Elk and Mississippi rivers. >>

Orvin 'Ole' Olson Park

April 7, 2022

This former railyard is now a restored prairie on the Mississippi River in North Minneapolis. Along with the pollinator demonstration garden, Ole Olson Park adds vital habitat to our urban corridor and a beautiful riverfront spot for residents. >>

Prairie, Mississippi River, person, and Minneapolis Skyline

Vermillion River Linear Park

April 6, 2022

Located along the Vermillion River and the Greenway trail in Hastings, this park's connection to the river and historical roots as a prairie have led us to work with local students and partners to restore its diverse habitats. Read more

Gray-headed coneflowers in a prairie at Vermillion River Linear Park

Wakáŋ Tipi / Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary

March 4, 2022

Beside riverfront railroads and beneath blufftop Dakota burial mounds, this St. Paul natural area is a sacred place. We're partnering with Native-led Wakáŋ Tipi Awaŋyaŋkapi to restore its habitat. Read more