Conservation

FMR works with public and private landowners, local government agencies and concerned community members — including thousands of volunteers — to protect and restore bluffs, prairies, forests and other lands important to our communities and the health of our metro Mississippi.

Here's what our conservation staff are currently working on and encountering in the field. 

Learn more about all our protection and restoration sites at our conservation map, as well as more information about our approach and program.

Conservation updates are also shared on social media (Facebook and Twitter) and in our Mississippi Messages newsletter.

POSTS

Where we work: Rosemount Wildlife Preserve
Restoration at this dedicated wildlife sanctuary has turned an old hay field into a thriving prairie and a thicket of buckthorn into diverse woodland habitat. Read more
Prairie and forest
Welcome, Logan!
Our newest staff member has joined our Land Conservation team as a restoration project manager. Read more
Logan in a park
Where to find herons in the Twin Cities metro near the river
There's a reason our logo features a heron — we love these birds, and these birds love the river. We've put together a guide to heron hotspots so you can marvel along with us. Read more
Great blue heron approaches nest
FMR launches new volunteer pollinator monitoring program
Do you get excited when you spot the first monarch butterfly each year? Do you enjoy identifying plants and pollinators when you’re out for a hike? FMR may have just the volunteer opportunity for you. Read more
Woman in field tracking observations
Now hiring: summer field ecology intern
Join our Land Conservation team as an intern this summer! Read more
Field ecology intern
Bumble bee habitat: What we've learned from monitoring (so far)
How can we make the best possible habitat for bumble bees? That's the gist of the question Friends of the Mississippi River is trying to answer.  Read more
Bee on bee balm
Our 2025 legislative priorities for the river
Even with the uncertainty permeating the Capitol, a lot of our priorities for the Mississippi River this year are in OK shape. Read more
The Minnesota Capitol building in St. Paul, with a blue sky and a smattering of snow on the ground. Small text says "MNLEG 2025"
Thank you, fall 2024 interns!
We hosted three interns last fall: One mapped and analyzed bumble bee habitat, and two joined our advocacy team to advance a better future at toxic riverfront site Ford Area C. Read more
Bella, Aaryan, and Ford Area C tour
Minnesota's own snow birds: 4 species you can see here only in winter
Just like spring warmth brings new birds to the Twin Cities, so does the winter chill. Read more
Northern shrike flying over branches
What's your river question?
We often survey members, volunteers, advocates and online supporters. Now, we’d like to turn the tables: What are you curious about?  Read more
Curious otter © Getty Images via Canva.com

Pages

Upcoming Events

Apply now for spring through summer program
Sites in Elk River, Hastings or Inver Grove Heights
Thursday, May 8, 2025 - 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Hampton Woods Wildlife Management Area
Tuesday, May 13, 2025 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Riverside Park, St. Paul Park