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

Fishing for fishers: FMR supports a new study
Why is the fisher expanding its range to the southern part of the state, including the Twin Cities? Why is its population declining? FMR is partnering on a University of Minnesota study of this elusive member of the weasel family to help find out. Read more
Fisher climbing over log
Where we work: Spring Lake Park Reserve
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
Long fall? Extended prescribed burn season!
The lingering fall this year gave us the rare opportunity to implement a fall burn at our Hastings River Flats prairie restoration. Here's why we jumped at the chance. Read more
Prairie fire, prescribed burn at Hastings River Flats
Minnesota's new climate goals are a great start — now it's time to follow through
The Walz administration's recently released Climate Action Framework is laudable. Now it's time to translate the framework into action. Read more
A farmer standing on a patch of grass on the edge of cropland, looking down into a stream that runs alongside it.
Video: How we protect land — The story of Pine Bend Bluffs Natural Area
Watch our new video to experience the stunning landscape of Pine Bend Bluffs Natural Area habitat corridor from a bird's-eye view and hear the story of its protection. Read more
River aerial view from Pine Bend
"Is it good or bad?" Rethinking language around invasive species
A deep dive into the term "invasive species" — species that spread rapidly, or species out of place — plus how we can revise the value judgments we place on them. Read more
Minnesota's 3 little lizards
There are about 150 native and non-native lizard species in North America. Only these three manage to survive the harsh Minnesota climate. Read more
A racerunner lizard at the Flint Hills Resources site.
How we choose sites to protect and restore
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
Goldenrod or ragweed: Which causes allergies and which benefits pollinators?
Don't blame the wrong plant for that runny nose and itchy eyes. Read more
A close-up of a goldenrod plant in bloom.
Think twice before removing that thistle
Not all thistles are invasive in Minnesota. Here's how you can tell if you're looking at one of our few native thistle species.

Not all thistles are invasive in Minnesota. Here's how you can tell if you're looking at one of our five native thistle species and why you should leave those species in the ground.  >>

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Upcoming Events

Saturday, April 20, 2024 - 9:30am to 12:00pm
West River Parkway and 36th Street/44th Street, Minneapolis
Applications due Friday, May 3 by 5 p.m.
Virtual and in-person
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Hampton Woods Wildlife Management Area