Land Conservation

FMR ecologist coauthors paper on the importance of replanting after buckthorn removal

by Ellie Rogers

December 31, 2020

When FMR volunteers remove buckthorn, we're making way for native plants to reestablish critical habitat. In a new research paper, following up by planting native plants seems to show another benefit: Buckthorn has a harder time making a comeback. >>

Minneapolis Parks for All plan open for comment

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

December 23, 2020

Through July 18, 2021, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is seeking public comment on its draft Parks for All comprehensive plan, which will guide the park board for the next ten years. Review FMR's recommendations for the plan and learn how to submit your own. >>

A new federal initiative to restore America's River?

December 14, 2020

The Everglades, Chesapeake Bay, the Great Lakes, the Mighty Mississippi — guess which national treasure does not have a federal initiative to protect and restore it? If you guessed the Mississippi, you’re correct. But a new effort has emerged to change that. >>

Invasives got your goat? Here's one way we're bucking buckthorn at Hampton Woods

by Karen Schik

December 14, 2020

Entertaining and adorable as they are, goats have found a serious and fitting profession in the ecological management world: consuming as much buckthorn and other invasive woody plants as possible. See how successful our crew was at Hampton Woods and learn more about this increasingly popular restoration method. >>

A field ecology internship in the time of COVID-19

by Karen Schik

September 7, 2020

Our summer intern Michaela Hackbarth reflects on the gray catbird's call, how field work requires great people skills, and the expansive feeling at FMR habitat restoration sites. >>

Your sightings critical for year two of coyote and fox research project

by Ellie Rogers

September 7, 2020

How are wild canids adapting to urban areas? Help researchers find out more this fall and winter, get a project update from the first field season, and learn how to identify and differentiate gray foxes, red foxes and coyotes with our guide, so you can record your sightings. >>

Public comment sought for new Pig's Eye islands

by Alex Roth

September 4, 2020

The Star Tribune recently covered the island-building project at Pig's Eye Lake in East Side St. Paul's riverfront park. As our executive director Whitney Clark stated in the article, FMR supports the project overall, and would also like to see project planners "really consider including climate-adaptive species and use this opportunity to understand more about habitat restoration in the era of climate change." >>