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.

River Oaks Park

December 3, 2021

A tiny 2-acre remnant bedrock bluff prairie in Cottage Grove holds mighty habitat diversity and offers stunning 180-degree views of the Mississippi River and its surroundings. >>

Camel’s Hump Park and Open Space

May 28, 2021

Since 2012, we've been restoring the woods, savanna and remnant prairie still growing on the sandstone bluffs of Camel's Hump Park and Open Space, a 60-acre Cottage Grove park with a vantage that gives expansive views of the Mississippi River Valley. >>

Hampton Woods Wildlife Management Area

May 11, 2021

The only forest among miles of farmland in all directions, Hampton Woods WMA is a 200-acre haven for wood thrush, ovenbirds and other woodland wildlife near the Vermillion River in Dakota County. We helped permanently protect this area in 2017, and now we're working to restore its oak forest. >>

Mississippi River Gorge

May 6, 2021

Forested limestone bluffs make up the only gorge on the entire length of the Mississippi River as it flows through the heart of the Twin Cities, flanked by beloved recreational parkways. Our restoration projects improve habitat in this urban oasis. Read more

Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park

March 1, 2021

A forested valley with 100-foot high slopes runs into Ravine Lake at this 515-acre park. We’ve been managing oak savanna and prairie habitat restoration here since 2012. >>

Vermillion Falls Park

February 2, 2021

At the stunning waterfall after which this park is named, the Vermillion River drops 35 feet, then runs through limestone gorge and forest. We've been managing habitat restoration here since 2019. Find out what's special about this place. >>

Nicollet Island

August 1, 2018

The industrial uses that once dominated the northern half of Nicollet Island have given way to a mix of homes, trails and a beloved park where we're restoring pockets of prairie and a forest of maples and climate-adapted tree species — vital habitat for the downtown Minneapolis river corridor. >>

Upcoming Events

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

Pledge to pull garlic mustard at Pine Bend Bluffs SNA [FULL]

Tuesday, May 14, 2024 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Pine Bend Bluffs SNA, Inver Grove Heights

Special places pages

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Upcoming Events