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

Video: How we protect land — The story of Pine Bend Bluffs Natural Area
Watch our new video to experience the stunning landscape of Pine Bend Bluffs Natural Area habitat corridor from a bird's-eye view and hear the story of its protection. Read more
River aerial view from Pine Bend
"Is it good or bad?" Rethinking language around invasive species
A deep dive into the term "invasive species" — species that spread rapidly, or species out of place — plus how we can revise the value judgments we place on them. Read more
Minnesota's 3 little lizards
There are about 150 native and non-native lizard species in North America. Only these three manage to survive the harsh Minnesota climate. Read more
A racerunner lizard at the Flint Hills Resources site.
How we choose sites to protect and restore
Our Land Conservation program has protected and restored more than three dozen sites near the metro Mississippi River. Here's how we decide where to focus our efforts. Read more
View of river through prairie in autumn
Goldenrod or ragweed: Which causes allergies and which benefits pollinators?
Don't blame the wrong plant for that runny nose and itchy eyes. Read more
A close-up of a goldenrod plant in bloom.
Think twice before removing that thistle
Not all thistles are invasive in Minnesota. Here's how you can tell if you're looking at one of our few native thistle species.

Not all thistles are invasive in Minnesota. Here's how you can tell if you're looking at one of our five native thistle species and why you should leave those species in the ground.  >>

Read more
Where we work: South Branch Vermillion River Aquatic Management Area
Located along a newly re-meandered stretch of the South Branch of the Vermillion River, this 24-acre woodland-turned-savanna is now a showcase for successful savanna restoration. Read more
Where we work: William H. Houlton Conservation Area
At the William H. Houlton Conservation Area — one of the largest undeveloped riverfront properties in the metro — we're restoring 160 acres of soybean field and grazed grasslands into prairie and oak savanna. Read more
Where we work: Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary / Wakáŋ Tipi
Beside riverfront railroads and beneath blufftop Dakota burial mounds, this St. Paul natural area is a sacred place. We're partnering with Native-led Lower Phalen Creek Project to restore its habitat with culturally important practices and plants. Read more
Where we work: Ole Olson Park
This former railyard is now a restored prairie on the Mississippi River in North Minneapolis. Along with the pollinator demonstration garden, Ole Olson Park adds vital habitat to our urban corridor and a beautiful riverfront spot for residents. Read more

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Upcoming Events

Tuesday, July 30, 2024 - 5:30pm to 8:00pm
Rotary Pavilion at Levee Park, Hastings
Saturday, August 3, 2024 - 9:00am to 2:00pm
Mississippi River Gorge, Minneapolis
New date: Saturday, August 10, 2024 at 5 p.m.
Hidden Falls Regional Park, St. Paul