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

Blazing the way for habitat through a challenging spring burn season

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.  >>

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Pollinators and native plants, illustrated

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

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Dakota County ponders pathways for conservation

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.  >>

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

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. >>

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

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.   >>

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Growing diversity for climate resiliency in Minneapolis riverfront forests

In a gravel-bed nursery that captures stormwater at the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization’s office, we’re growing tree species predicted to do well as Minnesota's climate warms. These bare-root trees will be ready to plant at our habitat restoration sites this fall, where they’ll strengthen the resiliency of our riverfront canopy.  >>

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Become a community scientist

Scientists sometimes turn to the public to collect observations and data on flora and fauna. If you’re heading outside, why not take note of the wildlife and blooms you see? Here are a few of our favorite projects that call for community scientists.  >>

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New Pig's Eye Lake islands on the way!

From road work to new buildings, construction projects are a constant for most Twin Cities residents. Soon, a new type of project is coming to St. Paul: seven small islands within Pig's Eye Lake.

We look forward to their benefits for wildlife, reduced erosion and climate change research. >>

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FMR members make a difference for Twin Cities Coyote and Fox Project

Hundreds of you responded to our call to support a U of M study to better understand canid species and how they use the urban metro. Now that the first field season is complete, we chatted with Nick McCann of the Twin Cities Coyote and Fox Project to hear about how the year went and how FMR members played an important role in its success.  >>

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coyote in a Saint Paul natural area

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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