As spring emerges, so do the unique strategies of animals in the Mississippi River corridor, from the deep hibernation of little brown bats to the remarkable migrations of monarch butterflies and birds, all while climate change threatens their delicate balance, urging us to consider their resilience amidst the beauty of the season.
Read MoreA small herd of bison have arrived at their new, 150-acre fenced home in Dakota County. The Bison Prairie is located at the Fahey Trailhead in Spring Lake Park Reserve.
Read MoreIn 2006, the National Park Service began studying eagles along the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area to monitor levels of environmental contaminants in nestlings. Since 2011, Mississippi Park Connection has provided funding for spring flight surveys.
Read MoreAcross Minnesota, 23,940 monarch observations were made by scientists and volunteers for the Monarch Larva Monitoring Project in 2021! The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area has participated in the Monarch Larva Monitoring Project since 2015.
Read MoreMonarch monitoring increases our understanding of monarch populations over space and time and possible reasons for the changes we observe. It also inspires not only conservation efforts, but a sense of wonder as well.
Read MoreThere is an entirely hidden world beneath the snow that we do not see so readily. We may see tiny tracks or holes on the top of the snow but other than that, life underneath can remain a mystery.
Read MorePhoto courtesy of Star Tribune.
Read MoreThe Mississippi National River and Recreation Area is home to nearly 30 native species of freshwater mussel, many of which are on the state and federal endangered lists.
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