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: River Heights Park
This beloved community park near the river in Inver Grove Heights was saved from development in 2018 and now features a loop trail for walking and a thriving demonstration pollinator garden. Read more
Aerial of River Heights Park
Tell Congress: Hands off Minnesota's national parks
Proposed cuts could harm our local Mississippi River Twin Cities metro park, the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, and hundreds of beloved national parks. Sign the action alert and tell Congress to get off the sidelines. Read more
Students gather around a ranger on a boat on the Mississippi River
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

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Upcoming Events

Wednesday, May 28, 2025 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Vermillion River Linear Park, Hastings
Saturday, May 31, 2025 - 2:30pm to 6:00pm
North 20 Brewing, Rosemount
Apply by June 1, 2025
F-O-K Creatives gallery near Harriet Island in St. Paul