USFS Interpretation and Education Specialist | July 19, 2019
Midsummer. Warm days, sun, mosquitoes, and thunderstorms. It’s a time of year for all kinds of outdoor activities, and the busiest time out in the forest. People who have been out have been asking the Forest Service about a lot about outbreaks of spruce budworm in several places around our side of the Superior National Forest. This is a species... READ MORE >
USFS Interpretation and Education Specialist | July 05, 2019
We were able to do a loon survey this week. There’s something wonderful about getting out on the water early enough that there is a mist rising from the water and sun slanting down through the trees, casting long shadows on a mirror-smooth lake. Loons have chicks this time of year. Unlike ducks, loons only have one or two chicks... READ MORE >
USFS Interpretation and Education Specialist | June 21, 2019
The woods have transitioned from the light greens of emerging leaves to full out summer green in most areas, but there is still some sun making its way through the canopy to the forest floor. This is the best time to go for a walk and look for wildflowers. Many of the forest’s wildflowers are in a group known as... READ MORE >
USFS Interpretation and Education Specialist | June 07, 2019
If you go out in the woods this week, take the time to stop and be still. Water trickling somewhere, a breeze through the new leaves, insects buzzing, and the song of birds everywhere. The forest has now woken fully from the winter and instead of the hushed silence of snow or the quiet of early spring, it is full... READ MORE >
USFS Interpretation and Education Specialist | May 24, 2019
We are waiting for a time when I can write a description of current conditions without the word “snow” in it. We’re fairly confident that the snowfall this past Sunday was the last of it, or at least we are going to pretend that is true. Despite that lingering bit of winter, this is one of the best times to... READ MORE >
USFS Interpretation and Education Specialist | April 26, 2019
While there is still snow on the ground in the forest under the trees, spring has really turned a corner. Migrating birds are returning to the forest. Yellowrumped warblers, grackles, tree sparrows, yellow-bellied sapsuckers, red-winged blackbirds…they all reappeared in the last few weeks. These are all birds that at least partially rely on insects for food, so they return as... READ MORE >
USFS Interpretation and Education Specialist | April 12, 2019
Spring in the north, or as it is lovingly known to many, the mud season. It’s the time of year when you have to leave a bucket of water on the porch to wash the dog’s feet before he’s allowed back in the house. It’s the season when you think about washing the car, but realize that it will remain... READ MORE >
USFS Interpretation and Education Specialist | March 15, 2019
It is March, Daylight Saving Time is happening, but there is no getting around the fact that there is plenty of snow and winter still rules the forest. Rather than bemoaning that fact, take advantage of some of the best weather for winter fun we’ve had in a long time. Ski and snowmobile trails are in good shape, and there... READ MORE >
USFS Interpretation and Education Specialist | March 01, 2019
Snow! Lots of snow! With one of the snowiest Februarys on record, and snow that has stayed on the ground since the beginning of December, this is a real Minnesota winter. The national forest provides lots of opportunities for enjoying the winter and reminding you that winter is more than just endless shoveling and blowing. Now would be an excellent... READ MORE >
USFS Interpretation and Education Specialist | February 15, 2019
It is midwinter, there is lots of snow, and there are reasonable temperatures – at least compared to the -20s or -30s we’ve had recently. Ski trails on the Superior National Forest are in excellent shape, thanks to the partner organizations who do the grooming. Snowmobile trails are also in good condition. For people looking to get off the trail... READ MORE >
