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

Our 2023 legislative priorities
From clean-water crops to invasive carp, here's a rundown of what we hope to accomplish at the Capitol. Read more
The top of the Minnesota Capitol building in St. Paul.
More hope for long-term buckthorn control
New research shows that seeding and planting after buckthorn removal can help keep future buckthorn growth at bay. But not all plantings are created equal. Read more about FMR Conservation Director Alex Roth's latest research. Read more
FMR ecologists and interns monitor invasive honeysuckle removal plots.
What MN election results mean for FMR’s 2023 legislative priorities
The 2022 elections are (mostly) behind us, meaning we have a clearer picture of how FMR's legislative priorities may fare. Read more
A person seen only from the waist down walks past a sign that says "Vote Here."
FMR signs on to petition calling for protection of native fish
FMR has signed on to a legal petition calling for the protection of all native fish, especially "rough fish" — a catchall term for native species that are less desirable to eat, like buffalo fish or freshwater drum. Read more
Child holds a shorthead redhorse fish
Hundreds of birds in the one and only river gorge
For more than three decades, Dave Zumeta has kept meticulous lists of the birds he's seen in the Mississippi River Gorge, a band of habitat FMR works to restore that is critical for migrators on the flyway. Read more
A photo collage showing a saw-whet owl and a trumpeter swan.
Fishing for fishers: FMR supports a new study
Why is the fisher expanding its range to the southern part of the state, including the Twin Cities? Why is its population declining? FMR is partnering on a University of Minnesota study of this elusive member of the weasel family to help find out. Read more
Fisher climbing over log
Where we work: Spring Lake Park Reserve
At Dakota County's Spring Lake Park Reserve along the bluffs of the Mississippi River, our oak forest and prairie restorations are home to more than 80 native plant species. Read more
Spring Lake Park Reserve wildflowers
Long fall? Extended prescribed burn season!
The lingering fall this year gave us the rare opportunity to implement a fall burn at our Hastings River Flats prairie restoration. Here's why we jumped at the chance. Read more
Prairie fire, prescribed burn at Hastings River Flats
Minnesota's new climate goals are a great start — now it's time to follow through
The Walz administration's recently released Climate Action Framework is laudable. Now it's time to translate the framework into action. Read more
A farmer standing on a patch of grass on the edge of cropland, looking down into a stream that runs alongside it.
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

Pages

Upcoming Events

Thursday, July 31, 2025 - 5:00pm to 8:30pm
Gibbs Farm, St. Paul
Tuesday, August 5 OR Thursday, September 4, 2025 - 5:30pm to 6:30pm
Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative, Minneapolis
April through October
St. Paul