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

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

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

William H. Houlton Conservation Area

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June 14, 2022

At 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 150+ acres of upland and floodplain forest in Elk River. Read more

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. >>

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

Old Mill Park

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January 27, 2022

Part of a habitat corridor through the heart of Hastings, this 10-acre park is home to the first mill on the banks of the Vermillion River, an important tributary of the Mississippi. Visitors can find mill ruins and restored oak savanna and prairie. Read more