Conservation

FMR works with landowners, government agencies and concerned residents — including hundreds 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

New video showcases why habitat corridors are critical

by Alex Roth

October 14, 2021

Our latest video created by Mike Durenberger gives a bird's eye view of the Vermillion River corridor as it flows into the Mississippi River in Hastings. FMR restores six sites along this stretch in order to connect habitat and protect water quality. >>

Where we work: Pine Bend Bluffs Natural Area

October 13, 2021

Critical for wildlife, this 1,300-acre corridor of protected lands along the dramatic western bluffs of the Mississippi River south of the metro includes Pine Bend Bluffs SNA — our first major conservation project in the 1990s — an award-winning restoration, and one of our favorite places to bird and see the sweep of the river south of the cities. >>

Farewell to Allie, our summer field ecology intern

by Karen Schik, by Alex Roth

September 7, 2021

Allie was a quick study and a passionate addition to our land conservation team this summer. Here she reflects on the insect drama she witnessed while monitoring, the appeal of tiny urban prairies, and her next move. >>

Wending streams, backwaters and rare forest birds — Come with us to Gores WMA

August 11, 2021

We're excited to offer two great ways to get to know this beautiful but lesser-known natural area in Hastings: a virtual bird's eye view plus a hands-on habitat restoration outing with FMR ecologists this September. >>

Star Tribune: 'Habitat or housing?' ... We say both

July 19, 2021

FMR Intern Allie's favorite insect sightings

by Allie Carroll

July 13, 2021

Allie Carroll, our summer field ecology intern, has a great eye for insects. We're all looking a little closer now that she’s on our team. Here's a guest post from Allie in which she gives us a tour of some of the coolest finds from her fieldwork so far. >>

Where we work: Camel’s Hump Park and Open Space

July 10, 2021

Since 2012, we've been restoring the woods, savanna, and remnant prairie still growing on the sandstone bluffs of Camel's Hump Park and Open Space, a 60-acre Cottage Grove park with a vantage that gives expansive views of the Mississippi River Valley. >>

Lend your lawn to science!

June 25, 2021

If you mow your lawn, you can support a long-term study on pollinator habitat by the University of Minnesota, University of St. Thomas and the U.S. Forest Service. Learn how it works and fill out the form to offer your yard as a survey site. >>

Beat the heat with a paddle to Settler's Island

June 7, 2021

Looking to get out on the river to help beat the heat? Pair your paddle with a visit to FMR's Settler's Island restoration and enjoy a respite in the shade of the island's canopy as you take in the quietude of the Mississippi River's back channels. >>

Where we work: Hampton Woods Wildlife Management Area

May 15, 2021

The only forest among miles of farmland in all directions, Hampton Woods WMA is a 200-acre haven for wood thrush and other woodland wildlife near the Vermillion River in Dakota County. We helped permanently protect this area in 2017, and now we're working to restore its red oak forest. >>