Stay current
Get river news, FMR updates and event calendars twice a month.
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
August 22, 2023
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
September 18, 2023
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
August 18, 2023
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
July 18, 2023
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
June 20, 2023
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
May 23, 2023
FMR made progress on every single one of its priorities this legislative session. Here's a roundup of everything that happened. Read more
May 23, 2023
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
May 15, 2023
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
April 17, 2023
Located along the Vermillion River and the Greenway trail in Hastings, this park's connection to the river and historical roots as a prairie have led us to work with local students and partners to restore its diverse habitats. Read more
April 15, 2023
Enjoy the wonder of spring migration season with a visit to some of FMR's top Mississippi River flyway restoration sites. Read more
