Standing on the viewing deck at the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary, conversations suddenly shift to excited whispers as a bear ambles onto the scene. This bear is one of many different black bears that stop by the Sanctuary throughout the year to seek out the respite offered by the well-maintained northern forest. And now 360 [...]
Kenny Klehr has been hunting on the same piece of land his family owns on the Sauk River in Central Minnesota ever since he was boy. His grandson, now 15, started going along to the deer stands when “he was just a tyke,” said Kenny Klehr’s wife, Judy Klehr. “He’s grown up with it.” Now, [...]
Since she was a baby, Lynn Schwartz has spent summers at the family cabin on Wabedo Lake. Originally built by her dad in 1951, the cabin became a gathering place and a way for new family members to connect to the outdoors. “My dad bought the land when they were newly married, before they even [...]
On Interstate Island in the Duluth-Superior harbor — straddling the Minnesota and Wisconsin state line — 40,000 Ring-billed gulls hang out. They’re relatively safe there, and the french fries are easy pickings from nearby Canal Park tourists. This island was historically about 5 acres of gravelly sand, but because water levels have been rising, flooding [...]
As development has increased around Minnesota’s lakes, protecting what undisturbed shoreline remains is vital for ensuring water quality. Fortunately, conservation-minded individuals like Donald Hunke have stepped up around the region to protect the lands and waters we all rely on. Recently Hunke worked with the Minnesota Land Trust to preserve his unique forested property near [...]
