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
Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area

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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

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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
How we choose sites to protect and restore

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September 1, 2022
Our Land Conservation program has protected and restored more than three dozen sites near the metro Mississippi River. Here's how we decide where to focus our efforts. Read more
View of river through prairie in autumn
South Branch Vermillion River Aquatic Management Area

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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.  >>

Read more
South Branch Vermillion River AMA
William H. Houlton Conservation Area

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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.  >>

Read more
Blooming flowers and grasses
Orvin 'Ole' Olson Park

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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.  >>

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Prairie, Mississippi River, person, and Minneapolis Skyline
Vermillion River Linear Park

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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

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Upcoming Events

FMR calls the meat (and hat!) raffle
Thursday, August 14, 2025 - 5:00pm to 8:00pm
Wabasha Taproom, St. Paul
Paddle, restore and learn from Otsego to William H. Houlton Conservation Area [WAITLIST]
Saturday, August 16, 2025 - 8:30am to 4:00pm
William H. Houlton Conservation Area, Elk River
Lop buckthorn at Pine Bend Bluffs
Thursday, August 21, 2025 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Pine Bend Bluffs Natural Area at the Flint Hills Resources property, Inver Grove Heights

See all Upcoming Events