LOST LAKE— Minnesota is home to almost 50 species of orchids and the Lost Lake Peatland, part of the state’s Scientific and Natural Area program, is home to several of them. And you …

Springtime on the island is always busy. There’s boat and docks to be put in and downed trees and other debris from the winter to be hauled out.  The cabin is always a mess because I …

LAKE VERMILION— A team of researchers was in the area late last week hoping that sampling of lake sediments will allow them to piece together the historic trends of walleye numbers in 15 of the …

GREENWOOD TWP- Natural shorelines are essential for preserving a lake’s water quality, and lakeshore owners in our area got a chance to learn some easy and low-cost ways to preserve or …

THE BOUNDARY WATERS— One of the hallmarks of a federal wilderness is a landscape governed by natural, rather than man-made processes. Here, in the 1.1-million-acre Boundary Waters Canoe Area …

REGIONAL— Residents of the North Country can expect to see more smoky skies this summer if the seasonal forecast offered by Environment Canada on Tuesday holds true. A highly active spring fire …

REGIONAL— The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking volunteers to help monitor the loon population in several counties in northern Minnesota, including Cook, Itasca, and Lake …

In my experience, it’s a warm morning in mid-May when one of our largest warblers announces it is back here in the North Country, with its explosive “teacher-teacher-teacher!” …

REGIONAL— It appears the North Country is heading back into drought status after one of the driest months of May in several years, a pattern that appears to be continuing at least for the first …

CRANE LAKE— The public is invited to attend the grand opening of the Crane Lake Visitor Center, set for this Friday, June 6, from 1:30-5:30 p.m. The event will include a variety of …

For many plants that reside on the forest floor here in the North Country, that period between the thawing of the ground and the bursting of the leaves of the overstory is focused on reproduction. …

LAKE VERMILION-Red Lowen was never concerned that a change in ownership of the annual City Auto Glass walleye tournament to Safelite would mean less of a commitment to funding worthwhile causes …

Calling your dog and having them completely ignore you is one of the most frustrating situations dog owners face. Whether they’re off chasing a squirrel, checking out a new scent, or just busy …

COOK- The old Northwoods Bait and Tackle served its purpose. But for Paula and Dave Dundas, it was never going to be big enough to hold their dreams. “Well, that’s for dang sure. …

ELY— When it comes to messaging, timing is key— and it couldn’t have been better for the Ely Climate Group’s presentation here last Wednesday on the human health impacts of …

REGIONAL—With the weather forecast looking prime for the Memorial Day weekend, you may be thinking about a last-minute reservation at a public campground in the area. It’s probably too …

REGIONAL— An unprecedented heat wave sent thermometers soaring across northern Minnesota earlier this week, crushing previous high temperature records by double digits in some cases. It was the …

REGIONAL— The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is inviting people to share their thoughts on a draft update of the state’s long-range plan for muskie. “Public input, …

REGIONAL— A week of spring-like temperatures and plenty of sunshine has left area lakes free of ice for Saturday’s fishing opener, and just in the nick of time. That mild weather and …

REGIONAL— Plentiful sunshine and summer-like temperatures over the past several days helped melt lingering ice on most North Country lakes just ahead of Saturday’s fishing opener, …

REGIONAL— With the recent bout of pleasant spring weather, folks in the North Country are understandably eager to spend time in the outdoors. And while we’re still a couple weeks away …

VOYAGEURS N.P.- Voyageurs National Park has released the summer hours of operation for the park’s four visitor centers, Rainy Lake, Kabetogama Lake, Ash River, and, for the first time, the …

As soon as they see me, it starts. The relentless pacing back and forth, the noisy complaints, all pressuring me to give in to their seemingly endless desire for just one thing. My chickens live to …

REGIONAL— With most lakes in the Boundary Waters now clearing of ice, the official paddling season is just getting underway. Yet, as canoeists begin to arrive in the North Country, the …

PIKE RIVER HATCHERY— A late start usually means a quick end to the walleye egg harvest and that was certainly the case this year as DNR fisheries staff here wrapped up their work in just five …