Hawk Ridge offers opportunity to witness spring’s northbound bird migration
Bird counters at the Duluth site report record-breaking numbers of migrators passing through as they race north to their nesting grounds.
Environment/Ecology/Nature
Living Relicts – The North Shore’s Intriguing Disjunct Flora
The north shore of Minnesota is home to several rare plant species that are usually found much further north or in high altitudes and are separated from their normal ranges. These wildflowers, mosses and lichens are living ‘relicts’ of the past…
Researchers study how snow affects the water cycle in northern Minnesota
University of Minnesota-Duluth project seeks to understand the role of snow and melting in how water moves through the landscape, with climate and population change factored in.
Scientific symposium will share international research from across the Heart of the Continent region
Duluth event will feature presentations from scientists studying a broad range of topics in northern Minnesota and Ontario.
Researchers will track Isle Royale moose movements for first time in decades
Advanced tracking collars will give scientists an intimate look at the animals’ lives on the wild Lake Superior island.
Less ice cover on Lake Superior could reduce key fish species
Ripple effect of climate change may make it harder for cisco to reproduce and survive, causing problems for lake trout and other species that depend on the cold-water fish.
How do wolves hunt beavers?
How do you catch a semi-aquatic rodent that spends very little time on land? Turns out, with patience and a lot of waiting. Researchers use GPS-collars to reveal a predator-prey relationship…
Voyageurs National Park researchers record first-ever footage of wolves catching freshwater fish
Scientists tracking and studying wolves in the park on MInnesota’s northern border have documented the animals fishing, and it could be an important food source.
Jack pine in Voyageurs National Park is crowned national champion
A massive example of the iconic Quetico-Superior tree species growing on the edge of Namakan Lake has been declared the biggest of its kind in the country.
Algae with potential to harm trout habitat found in North Shore river
Bloom of unusual aquatic plant that can cover cold, clean river bottoms with slimy growth and hurt aquatic food web is discovered in Poplar River.
Study: Global warming will hurt northern tree species more than it will help
New research explains how climate change will likely disrupt natural processes that affect what grows where.
Journalism professors call for clearer communication about Isle Royale wolf reintroduction
Minnesota and Michigan-based academics say the decision to transport new wolves to the Lake Superior site was based on incomplete information.
First wolves in reintroduction effort could be brought to Isle Royale National Park this week
Project begins to restore predator population on popular island in Lake Superior, as managers seek to balance natural forces.
Several minor wildfires burn across canoe country
Lightning has started a handful of blazes on both sides of the international border, though the fires remain relatively small.
Officials withdraw change to wild rice protections, will restart work on sulfate standard
After being ruled too vague to protect rice or provide certainty to industries, state scientists will try to come up with a clearer way to implement research findings.
Voyageurs National Park undertakes study of invasive cattails
Imagine boating in Voyageurs National Park and seeing what appears to be an island on the move. It is over six acres in size, composed primarily of cattails and pockmarked by shrubs and small trees. Unanchored, this vegetative mass moves freely—a navigational hazard, a danger to docks and property, and spreading invasive species.
Scientists say bird species in northern National Parks could be much different in 30 years
New study predicts that an average of 25 percent of bird species in America’s National Parks will change due to global warming.
Moose find a friend in fire: burned areas host highest numbers
New research shows how moose prefer the type of forest habitat that is created by forest fires.
National Park Service proposes reintroducing wolves on Isle Royale
Managers respond to disappearance of wolves from the wild island in Lake Superior, letting moose population explode with
Uncovering the secret lives of wolves
Imagine a wolf kill, and the remains of an ungulate—a hoofed animal like a moose—probably come to mind. Yet scientists have known for some time that wolves also eat smaller prey, like deer fawns and beavers. This is particularly true during summer, when wolf packs primarily hunt and travel as individuals or pairs.