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

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
Now hiring: Restoration Project Manager
Join our conservation team! Apply by January 7, 2025. Read more
Coneflowers + text: FMR is hiring! Restoration project manager
FMR plans for habitat beside new riverside greenway trails in Dakota County
Two greenways in Dakota County will offer nearly 40 miles of trail for people to walk, run, bike and roll. We've been working on how these trails can also link together a ribbon of connected habitat for wildlife. Read more
Goldenrod blooms next to trail
A resounding victory for conservation funding in Minnesota
Voters throughout the state showed up for Minnesota’s great outdoors this election, ensuring projects that protect air, land, water and wildlife continue to receive funding for years to come.  Read more
Where we work: Carver Preserve
At a protected Maplewood neighborhood preserve on the east side of the river, we're bringing woodland and prairie habitats back to life with the help of a robust remnant seed bank. Read more
Fall field at Carver
Watch: FMR's Dr. Julia Leone presents at BeeCon 2024
Julia spoke about preliminary findings from bumble bee, flower and vegetation surveys conducted at FMR sites. Read more
A bee on blazingstar, with an inset photo og Dr. Julia Leone.
Where we work: Davis Farm Park
Located along the Mississippi River in Otsego, this 17-acre park is small but mighty and boasts six different habitat types that we began restoring in 2024. Read more
River surrounded by trees
Where we work: Father Hennepin Bluff Park
This 6-acre natural area nestled under the bluffs below St. Anthony Falls provides a riverside respite for both people and wildlife near downtown Minneapolis. We're working with dedicated community volunteers to restore habitat here. Read more
Father Hennepin Bluff Park
Thank you, summer 2024 interns!
Our summer interns supported FMR's conservation work, conducting bird, plant and monarch surveys and more. Here are their reflections and highlights. Read more
Intern surveys with ecologists

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Upcoming Events

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
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Southwest Park Ponding Basin, Hastings