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

Public comment sought for new Pig's Eye islands

by Alex Roth

September 4, 2020

The Star Tribune recently covered the island-building project at Pig's Eye Lake in East Side St. Paul's riverfront park. As our executive director Whitney Clark stated in the article, FMR supports the project overall, and would also like to see project planners "really consider including climate-adaptive species and use this opportunity to understand more about habitat restoration in the era of climate change." >>

Help us collar backyard fox and coyote for important research

by Alex Roth

September 1, 2020

Have you seen a coyote or fox on your Twin Cities property? If so, let us know if you'd be willing to let our research partners capture and collar these animals! It will help us understand how they're adapting to urban areas, and inform our habitat management strategies for these species. >>

Partnering for habitat and culture at Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary

by Alex Roth

August 6, 2020

We're collaborating to restore Wakan Tipi/Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary. Our focus is on culturally important plant species and restoration techniques that better represent and honor the site's history and its ongoing importance to Dakota people. Read more

Tackling the issue of fishing line for wildlife

July 28, 2020

We've written a lot about how anglers can help our waters and wildlife by avoiding lead tackle. But another key action is disposing of fishing line responsibly. Jonathan, a Youth Empowerment Program participant this summer and avid fisher, built and installed a PVC fishing line receptacle at Hidden Falls Park. He's also got some tips for dealing with fishing line. >>

Blazing the way for habitat through a challenging spring burn season

by Alex Roth

July 24, 2020

Fire is one of the most important tools we use in the habitat restoration process, but burns require the right combination of weather, preparation and planning. Through a challenging spring, we were still able to burn five of our sites. Get a glimpse into the process in this video and photos from our spring burn season. >>

Pollinators and native plants, illustrated

July 21, 2020

Zosh, a summer Youth Empowerment Program participant, used her scientific illustration skills to celebrate pollinators and native plants. >>

Dakota County ponders pathways for conservation

July 14, 2020

Last spring, Dakota County put together an exciting plan to conserve up to 40,000 acres important to our communities, wildlife and waters. Dozens of you voiced support for the plan to the county commissioners who are now considering whether and how to fund the effort. Sign up to stay in the loop. >>

Say 'Yes!' to fund Dakota County parks and natural areas

June 24, 2020

In the mood for a little good news? There's some impressive conservation planning happening on behalf of natural resources and open spaces in Dakota County. And with some urging from community members, the county-drawn plans could lead to some exciting land protection and habitat restoration projects — thousands of acres worth!

A previous similar effort protected many beloved Dakota County parks and natural areas, including creating habitat for animals like the fisher above. >>

Say 'Yes!' to Dakota County parks and natural areas

by Betsy Daub

June 12, 2020

If you live in Dakota County or use and value its parks, you now have the opportunity (through July 3) to advocate for protecting and restoring additional parks, natural areas and greenways. Learn about and give the county a thumbs-up for their draft conservation plan. >>

Spring Lake Park: Take the survey by May 31!

May 19, 2020

Weigh in for the importance of preserving and restoring natural areas (home to animals such as this fisher) while also serving the needs and interests of the most people at this important Dakota County riverfront park. Read more