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

Senior Ecologist Karen Schik retires after 23 years with FMR
FMR's senior ecologist Karen Schik's hard work helped protect and restore thousands of acres of important river habitat while strengthening community connections. Thank you, Karen! Read more
Karen Schik, smiling for the camera in front of the Mississippi River.
Thank you, summer 2023 interns!
Our summer interns supported FMR's conservation and education work, from bird, plant and monarch surveys to summer youth program facilitation. Here are their reflections and highlights. Read more
Annika in prairie, Ivy working on art, Riya by flowers, Brandon ice fishing, Holly in autumn woods
Where we work: Settler's Island
In the Grey Cloud channel on a 3-acre island once thick with buckthorn, we're planting climate-adapted trees and native understory plants, increasing habitat resilience amidst climate change. You can visit via kayak or canoe! Read more
Volunteers stand by canoes on Settler's Island
How a little leaf beetle keeps Canada goldenrod in check
Sometimes too much of a good thing can be ... too much. That's the case when Canada goldenrod spreads rapidly in our prairie restorations. But over time we've noticed something small making a big impact on plant diversity. Read more
Canada goldenrod on the left, more diverse prairie on the right
A new tool in our toolbox for buckthorn control: Critical period cutting
We're always looking for new and better ways to keep buckthorn from becoming dominant in our woodlands and forests. A new method we're trying in the Gorge shows promise and doesn't require power tools or herbicides. Read more
Volunteers work on buckthorn removal by the river
Where we work: Hastings Sand Coulee Scientific and Natural Area
The Hastings Sand Coulee Scientific and Natural Area harbors the largest native prairie remnant in Dakota County — about 100 acres — along with an outstanding diversity of plants and animals, including nine rare species. Read more
Blazing star and goldenrod
Where we work: Riverside Park in St. Paul Park
Located along the backwaters of the Mississippi River, this 14-acre park hosts an array of native woodland plants and serves as an oasis along the Mississippi River flyway for migratory birds. Read more
Limestone edge along river
How FMR's priorities for the Mississippi River fared this session
FMR made progress on every single one of its priorities this legislative session. Here's a roundup of everything that happened. Read more
A collage showing parts of five different photos, all from this legislative session: Two FMR staffers posing with fish postcards in the Capitol; an FMR staffer testifying at a May 1 hearing; A state senator posing with children following a hearing; legislators on a tour at the Forever Green Initiative facilities; printed papers with the FMR logo, shown with the Capitol building in the background.
FMR pollinator research and habitat projects receive state funds
The Minnesota Legislature passed bills that include five FMR restoration and enhancement projects and our three-year research project on best practices for pollinator habitat management. Read more
Native plants and bee + text "#MNLEG Final Update"
Welcome to four new FMR staff
This spring we're excited to introduce you to four new staff who will work with our youth programs, events, restoration projects and pollinator research. Read more
Julia, Leah, Carrie, Sov

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Upcoming Events

Saturday, April 20 - 9:30 AM to Noon
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