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. Here, golden grasses sway in the wind beneath the red and copper leaves of tall bur oaks.
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. >>
Neighborhood takes the lead on restoration
At James I. Rice Park in Minneapolis, a neighborhood community saw a need for restoration of their beloved park and banded together to make it happen. >>
"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. >>
How can we reduce buckthorn and preserve native plants? The results are in!
In 2018, we started a three-year research project at Hampton Woods Wildlife Management Area to find out which methods of buckthorn control best protect and encourage native plants. And now the results are in! >>
Meet five new FMR restoration sites
Our ecologists actively restore and maintain habitat at more than 30 sites across the metro region. But we're always looking for additional projects that can support wildlife, protect our water and increase climate resilience. In 2021, we added five new restoration projects totaling 273 acres to our restoration portfolio. >>
Welcome Laura, FMR's new ecologist
FMR is excited to announce the hiring of Laura Domyancich-Lee, FMR’s new ecologist. >>
Measuring success: recent pollinator surveys at FMR-restored prairies
Just as our breeding bird surveys have shown more birds and more species using FMR-restored prairies, our latest pollinator surveys further demonstrate the wildlife benefits of restored habitats. >>
Rare Maplewood grasslands one step closer to protection
As covered in several news outlets, Ramsey County is stepping back from its plans to develop a rare grassland bird haven. We're celebrating this win and advocating for the next logical step: permanent habitat protection. Ramsey County residents — please send a note to the county to express support for this special refuge. >>
James Rice Park Community Meeting
Join FMR and the North Loop Neighborhood Association (NLNA) for a presentation of a five-year plan for the management of the natural areas at James Rice Park. This riverside park, located along the Mississippi between the Plymouth Avenue Bridge and the Hennepin Avenue Bridge on West River Parkway, is a space with a lot of potential for restoration and community access.
Fall intern helps map out FMR conservation strategy
FMR has permanently protected 45 sites in the greater metro area since 1993. Our fall 2021 Land Conservation intern, Nick Jacobson, created a tool to help us answer the question of where to focus next. Which lands can we most effectively protect, restore and enhance along the Mississippi River for its wildlife and human communities? >>