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
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.  >>

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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.  >>

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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
Waḳaƞ Ṭípi

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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
Prairie at Waḳaƞ Ṭípi

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Upcoming Events

Ford Area C birding outing
Saturday, June 14, 2025 - 9:00am to 11:00am
Hidden Falls Regional Park, St. Paul
Partner event: Alebrijes — Keepers of the Island Community Celebration
Saturday, June 14, 2025 - 12:00pm to 5:00pm
Raspberry Island, St. Paul
Partner event: Minnesota Paddling Opener & Expo on the Mississippi River
Expo + short paddles: Sunday, June 15 • Endurance paddle: June 13-15
Expo: Mississippi Point Park, Champlin (Paddle routes range)

See all Upcoming Events