Environment

Duluth Police and DEA Promote Proper Drug Disposal

National Drug Take Back Day Events held Across Country

DULUTH, Minn.- The Drug Enforcement Administration sponsored their 16th National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday. That event has collected nearly 12 unneeded tons of medications last April in Minnesota alone. At the Duluth Police Department, officers were available to help people properly dispose of medication, to avoid contamination of other places, or people. “This way, instead of people throwing…

Experience Sugarloaf Cove During Open House this Saturday

Sugarloaf Cove Along Highway 61 is Hosting Their First Ever Open House Saturday, October 20

SCHROEDER, Minn. – The friendly folks at Sugarloaf Cove invite you to spend your Saturday exploring the wilderness and rich history of their location. Visitors will have the chance to celebrate Minnesota’s North Shore and learn more about its unique geology, climate and more. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Sugarloaf North Shore Stewardship Association are hosting an…

Rake Leaves Into A Jumbo Spider Leaf Bag! Perfect Halloween Decoration Family Fun!

Brittney Merlot Turns Fall Chores Into A Workout & Art!

DULUTH, Min. – After strong winds topped 64mph on Wednesday’s storm, many leaves have fallen off of the trees. So we need to turn that chore of raking into something fun! In this week’s Active Adventures we are building a Halloween Spider leaf bag with Meteorologist Brittney Merlot. If you make one of your own this weekend, be sure to…

Storm Damages Boats, Sends One Into Duluth Harbor

DULUTH, Minn.- The raging water of Lake Superior knows no bounds. It doesn’t recognize that the dock is where boats are to be kept, safe and secure. The bobbing stern of a boat reads “Wild Water.” That boat lived up to its name, rocking back and forth violently with its peers at the pier by Lakehead Boat Basin. The dock fights…

Northlanders Rally to Clean Up Local Beaches

A Coastal Cleanup Event Took Place in Three Locations Across the Twin Ports Saturday Morning

DULUTH, Minn. – If common Northland beaches look a little cleaner, it’s all thanks to helpful Northland volunteers. The City of Duluth was just one of the sponsors for the coastal cleanup project taking place Saturday morning. Canal Park Brewing was one of the many locations involved in the beach cleanup. Folks also turned out at Barker’s Island and Wisconsin…

First Measurable Snowfall Accumulates in Northern Minnesota!

1-3" of Heavy Wet Snow Fell Overnight & Early Morning

THE FIRST MEASURABLE SNOWFALL OF THE SEASON HAS ARRIVED! Snow amounts range from a trace to 3″ of heavy wet snow! It began falling around 8pm Thursday evening and came to an end on the Arrowhead at 10am Friday. It is the perfect snow to make snowmen, have a snowball fight and build forts! But the heaviness of the snow…

Hiking Cook County & Lutsen Mountain Peak Fall Colors

Active Adventures: Hiking Through Fall Colors

LUTSEN, Minn. — On the Lake Superior Hiking Trail fall colors are popping! For the next 3 weeks colors are at peak up the north shore and it’s a great time to visit Cook county and Lutsen Mountains. Whether you are hiking or biking the trails or taking a ride in the gondola up the mountains, there is a sight…

Making Colorful Fall Memories at Jay Cooke State Park

Park Naturalists at Jay Cooke State Park are Pleased to Invite the Public to their Wednesday Wanderings Series in October

DULUTH, Minn. – Starting Wednesday, October 3, you, your family and friends are invited to take part in a new month-long series at Jay Cooke State Park near Carlton. Wednesday Wellness Wanderings will include a guided tour with Park Naturalist Kristine Hiller. The event is a three-part weekly series. Folks are invited to arrive and take part in the series from…

St. Louis River Alliance to Host Fall Train Fundraiser Sunday

The St. Louis River Alliance is Teaming up with the Lake Superior Mississippi Railroad for an Afternoon Along the River

DULUTH, Minn. – You may wonder what fall colors and beautiful views of the St. Louis River have in common. As Kris Eilers, Executive Director of the St. Louis River Alliance would tell you, you’ll have the chance to enjoy both in the same day this Sunday, October 7. The annual Fall Colors Train Ride on the Lake Superior Mississippi Railroad…

Large Black Bear Feasts on Hermantown Garbage Cans

The Bear With a Big Belly Has Been Spotted By Dozens

HERMANTOWN, Minn – As it gets colder outside chances are getting higher that you might encounter a certain kind of creature in your neighborhood. There’s one that’s become a sort of ‘neighborhood celebrity’ spotted by dozens of people in Hermantown looking for a snack. Talk to most people on Morris Thomas road in Hermantown and you’ll hear something like what…

UMD Students Learn About Climate Change Impacts on the Northland

Field trip took them to the UMD Land Lab, Hawk Ridge, and a research vessel

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD students took a field trip to learn how climate change could be impacting the Northland. Students learned about sustainable farming practices on the UMD Land Lab farm, went to Hawk Ridge to learn about changing bird migration patters, and took a ride on a research vessel to learn how water has been impacted. “Things are happening…

Winter Flurries Make Hardware Stores Hurry to Stock Winter Supplies

Menard's and Marshall Hardware Gear Up

DULUTH, Minn.-As Lord Stark from Game of Thrones warned, “winter is coming” to the Northland. So snowplows, salt, and shovels are now headed to store shelves, waiting for their big debut. Regardless of how much snow actually falls this month, it’s still a sign that winter is on the horizon, a sign Northlanders know all too well. So they turn to…

Explore Autumn Adventures in Cook County

'Art Along the Lake: Fall Studio Tour' to Start Friday, September 28

Cook County, Minn. – Fall colors are slowly starting to appear further to the North, and with that comes many autumn adventures to take part in. Linda Jurek with Visit Cook County stopped by FOX 21 Local News Monday morning to chat about the upcoming “Art Along the Lake: Fall Studio Tour.” The event starts on Friday, September 28 and…

Powerful Winds Rile Lake Superior Up

Waves Crashed Inland, People Took Pictures

DULUTH, Minn.- Lake Superior showed off for the second day in a row. Strong winds whipped up waves that crashed along the lakewalk. The windy day with gusts as high as 30 mph had people, of course, headed down along the lakefront in Canal Park. And no one was afraid to get in the splash-zone, experiencing the raw natural power…

Mission Creek Updates from MnDOT

Community Members Voice Concerns at Meeting

DULUTH, Minn.- 387. That was the magic number from the Minnesota Department of Transportation to the community. They say it will take 387 days to finish burial recovery at the grave site unearthed by Mission Creek Bridge Construction. It is the first time they have had a measurable timeline for the project. After burial recovery, crews move to cemetery restoration,…

All Aboard the Fall Colors Train Starting this Friday

CNN Once Named the North Shore Fall Colors Train Tour "Top 5 out of the Top 10 in America"

DULUTH, Minn. – Starting Friday, September 21, folks will be able to hop aboard the North Shore Scenic Railroad’s Fall Color Tours. Executive Director of the North Shore Scenic Railroad, Ken Buehler, told FOX 21’s Brett Scott Tuesday morning that this opportunity gives riders the chance to view the Northland in a vibrant, colorful perspective. The Fall Color Tours will be…

Fall into Autumn Adventures with The Duluth Experience

The Duluth Experience is Offering a Wide List of Fall Happenings Throughout the Autumn Months

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth region offers seasonal attractions for thousands of visitors every year. Combine the amount of entertainment and adventure with beautiful fall colors and there’s certainly something for everyone to enjoy. Co-Founder and CEO Dave Grandmaison stopped by FOX 21 Local News Monday morning to chat about the upcoming events scheduled. The Duluth Experience is already thinking…

Making Fun Fall Memories with Simek’s Family Farm

Simek's Family Farm Will Open Saturday, September 15

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s a sure sign fall is right around the corner. Family owned and operated Simek’s Farm is opening Saturday, September 15! Co-owner Andrea Simek says the farm is a wonderful place for both the young and the young-at-heart to enjoy a fall farm experience. The grounds include a corn maze, pick your own fall pumpkin, fresh produce,…

Coastal Cleanup Kicks Off

Duluth and Superior Unite to Rid Lake Superior of Trash

SUPERIOR, Wis.- On Barker’s Island Mayor Jim Paine and Duluth Mayor Emily Larson kicked off what’s being called the “Twin Ports Coastal Cleanup.” It’s part of a larger, month-long effort by the Alliance for the Great Lakes to adopt beaches, and clean them up. Last year, more than 6,300 volunteers picked up more than 11,000 pounds of trash on more…

Red Cross Needs More Volunteers for Hurricane Florence

Like Before, Red Cross Looks to Northland to Answer the Call

DULUTH, Minn.- The Northland chapter of the Red Cross is on standby ready to respond as Hurricane Florence gets closer to the Carolinas. While the immediate concern is Hurricane Florence, there are two other disasters for the Red Cross to address. Hurricane Olivia is expected to rip through Hawaii, and Typhoon Mangkhut is already ravaging Guam. So far the Northland only…

Barker’s Island Restoration Project Moving Along

The project is a collaboration with the Wisconsin DNR, City of Superior, and Area of Concern partners. 

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Barker’s Island Beach is closed as restoration work is underway to reduce levels of E. coli. City leaders believe the restoration project will help more people enjoy Barker’s Island. The goal of the project is to remove sources that potentially contribute to the E. coli levels including storm runoff, waterfowl, and trash. Over 17 hundred feet of trail will be…

Fall Feelings at Chester Bowl This Saturday

The 34th Annual Fall Festival is Happening Saturday, September 15

DULUTH, Minn. – Feelings of fall will be in full force as folks are invited to check out the 34th Annual Fall Fest at Chester Bowl Saturday, September 15. The annual event will run from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In case of heavy rain or severe weather, the event would be pushed to Sunday, September 16 with the same…

Experience the St. Louis River Aboard the Vista Fleet

The Annual St. Louis River Experience Voyage is Tuesday, September 11, 2018

DULUTH, Minn. – Folks looking to take a cruise on the St. Louis River have the chance to do so aboard the Vista Fleet on Tuesday, September 11. The event is being put on by the St. Louis River Alliance. Folks will start boarding the Vista at 5:00 Tuesday evening, depart at 5:30 and return to the dock around 7:00….

$75 Million to Clean Up St. Louis River

EPA and U.S. Steel Decide to Devote Funds and Time to Clearing Sediment

DULUTH,Minn.- Next year a $75 million cleanup project will begin at U.S. Steel’s former Duluth site on the St. Louis river. The EPA and U.S. steel made that announcement today as they reached an agreement on cleaning up and restoring the Spirit Lake site near the Morgan Park neighborhood. U.S. Steel is planning to pay 55 percent of the cost, while…

Learn How to Spot Invasive Species on the St. Louis River-editing

Do you know how to spot plants and insects that don't belong?

DULUTH, Minn.- Thanks to a free class St. Louis River enthusiasts are learning how to spot invasive species. The Aquatic Invasive Sentry Training Program prepares fishermen and paddlers how to know what plants and insects shouldn’t be on the river. Trainers tell us it’s important to be on the lookout and inform specialists and it’s easy for people frequently out…

Glensheen Gardens Give for 12 Years

Vegetable Gardens Celebrate 12 Years with Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank

DULUTH, Minn.- Since 2006, the Glensheen Vegetable Gardens have donated over 2,000 pounds of produce a year to the Second Harvest Food Bank, helping make over 10,000 meals for those in need. And this September, everyone can see what the gardens have to offer at their weekly Chef in the Garden show. Audiences will watch a Blackwoods chef in the gardens,…

Douglas County Officials and FEMA Meet and Discuss

Federal Assistance Application Has New Elements

Superior, WI- Massive flooding devastated parts of Northwestern Wisconsin back in June. As recovery from that damage continues, FEMA and Wisconsin Emergency Management experts met at the Douglas County Government Center to discuss applications for federal assistance. The storms caused an estimated $3.8 million in damage in Douglas County alone. While many repairs have been completed by area townships, many…

What Are You Going to Do With All That Poo?

Animal Allies Humane Society is Looking for Community Input and Ideas When it Comes to Composting Animal Waste

DULUTH, Minn. – With the power of reasoning and a grant from the Northland Foundation, Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth could soon become more sustainable. Youth allies with the shelter recently noticed a big problem, and now, they’re looking to spread the news when it comes to composting “number two.” “They saw a problem and we decided that we…

Blue-Green Algae Blots Lake Superior

UMD Researchers Look into Source of Algae

Duluth, Minn.- For years we’ve been warned to lookout for blue-green algae blooms in local lakes and rivers. But just a few days ago, it bloomed somewhere no one saw coming: Lake Superior. Patches of blooms were reportedly 50 miles long between the Twin Ports and Apostle Islands. Now researchers at UMD’s Large Lake Observatory are trying to figure out…

UMD Political Science Professor Weighs in on Tuesday’s Primary Election

Primary Elections are Taking Place in Minnesota and Wisconsin Tuesday, August 14; Polls Close at 8:00 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – On Tuesday, August 14, residents in Minnesota and Wisconsin have the chance to make their voice heard during the 2018 Primary Election. Tuesday morning, Cindy Rugeley, UMD Associate Professor of Political Science, gave her insight on the importance of the primary election. Races up for grabs include Governor, Congress, Senate, Attorney General and many more local races….

Wildfire Smoke Causes Air Quality Alert Across Minnesota

Officials advise Minnesotans to limit physical activity outside

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – State pollution officials are advising Minnesotans to limit outdoor physical activity over the weekend due to smoke from fires in western Canada. The Star Tribune reports the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued an alert Friday that extends through midday Sunday. The agency also advises people to avoid air pollution hotbeds like busy roads and wood fires. The…

Canoe, Kayak the St. Louis River This Weekend

The St. Louis River Alliance is Hosting Their Annual Canoe and Kayak Tour, Picnic Saturday, August 11

DULUTH, Minn. – Northlanders have until 4:00 p.m. Thursday, August 9 to register for the 2018 St. Louis River Alliance Canoe and Kayak Tour and Picnic. The event is taking place on Saturday, August 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Executive Director of SLRA, Kris Eilers, tells FOX 21 the event is open for everyone to take part in. The mission of…

Buzzing for Bees This Weekend in Carlton

The Inaugural Honey Bee Folk Festival is Happening Friday, August 3 - Saturday, August 4 at the Oldenburg House in Carlton

CARLTON, Minn. – The inaugural Honey Bee Folk Festival begins Friday, August 3 and will run through Saturday, August 4 with fun for the whole family. On Friday, the honey bee folk festival will kick off at 3:00 p.m. with a pronouncement from the Mayor of Carlton and the Carlton City Council. The officials will state the City of Carlton…

Duluth Elks, Volunteers Teaching Kids to Fish

Teaching Kids to Fish is Happening Saturday, July 28 at Boulder Lake

DULUTH, Minn. – Happening Saturday, July 28, more than 50 children from across the Northland will take part in a fun-filled day of events at Boulder Lake near Duluth. The Duluth Elks #133 along with many local sponsors and volunteers will help take kids fishing, some, for the first time in their life. The group partners with youth centers across…

MPCA Awaits Its Turn To Clean Up Minnesota Slip

DULUTH, Minn.- The Minnesota Slip seawall reconstruction project continues. We spoke with officials at Minnesota Pollution Control Agency who say the project is a long time coming, practically for over 20 years. Removal of the contaminated sediment in the Minnesota Slip in Canal Park by the MPCA will begin October first through November. Before this process begins the new seawall needs to…

Environmental Groups File BWCA Mining Lawsuit

This Follows a Lawsuit Filed Last Week by Nine MN Businesses

DULUTH, Minn. – A lawsuit was filed Monday morning by conservation groups The Wilderness Society, Center for Biological Diversity, and the Izaak Walton League of America, all represented by Earthjustice, to challenge the reinstatement of federal mining leases near the BWCA Wilderness. The group’s lawsuit follows last week’s lawsuit filed by nine Minnesota businesses that aim to protect the recreation…

Visit Cook County for New and Exciting Adventures this Summer

Linda Jurek, Executive Director of Visit Cook County, Offers Multiple Upcoming Events for Visitors to Check Out this Summer

DULUTH, Minn. – Summer in the Northland can be one of the most beautiful times of the year and up the North Shore, there’s no shortage of entertainment when it comes to celebrating what the area has to offer. Linda Jurek, Executive Director of Visit Cook County, stopped by FOX 21 Local News to chat about a few upcoming events…

Beautiful Butterflies Back at Lake Superior Zoo

The Butterfly House Exhibit will Remain Open until Mid-September at the Lake Superior Zoo

DULUTH, Minn. – After months of cold and snow and back by popular demand, butterflies have fluttered their way back into the Lake Superior Zoo for yet another summer. Mother Nature forced opening day of the exhibit to be pushed back, but it’s not stopping visitors from flocking to local attraction.   “People are enchanted when they come here,” said…

Community Paddle Begins at Barker’s Island

The First Community Paddle Event Sponsored by SUP Duluth is Tuesday, June 12 at 6:00 p.m.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Happening Tuesday evening, residents in the Twin Ports have the chance to paddle board for free at Barker’s Island. Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) Duluth is once again hosting a series of community paddle sessions throughout the summer. Co-owner of SUP Duluth Heather Holmes says paddle boarding is a great way to experience the beauty of the…

Husky Energy Holds Open House to Answer Community Questions

Refinery officials and government regulatory agencies updated their progress

SUPERIOR, Wis. – For the first time since a major fire and explosion in April, Husky Energy is meeting with the public and answering their questions about the state of their Superior refinery and possible environmental concerns. Husky officials were joined by representatives from local, state, and federal regulatory agencies updating the community about their efforts to determine the cause…

Workshop Focuses on Aquatic Invasive Species

DULUTH, Minn. — With as many lakes and rivers as we have here in Minnesota, you can imagine how many invasive species are in our waterways. Professionals can only do so much, so volunteers are often needed to help deal with aquatic invasive species. Today, at the Lake Superior Aquarium in Duluth, educators from University of Minnesota Extension hosted a…

Pilot Project Compares Home Deconstruction Vs. Demolition

What's saved from the deconstruction will be sold to the public this week.

DULUTH, Minn.- Houses that are no longer suitable to live in are typically demolished and taken to a landfill but one Minnesota project potentially has a more environmental solution. Multiple sites are now being deconstructed rather than knocked down. The deconstruction of the tax-forfeited property at538 Rose Street is helping 85% of the materials stay out of a landfill. The…

With Spring Comes Farmer’s Market Season

Duluth Farmer's Market is open Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings

DULUTH, Minn. –  It’s spring, and with that means the start of the farmer’s market season. The Duluth Farmer’s Market has been open since the May 5.  People are able to come in and scope out the unique items from local producers. With all this strange weather we’ve been having, it’s a good time to check it out. “We’ve had some…

Emails Show Collaboration Among EPA, Climate-Change Deniers

(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)WASHINGTON (AP) – Newly released emails show senior Environmental Protection Agency officials collaborating with a conservative group that dismisses climate change to rally like-minded people for public hearings on science and global warming, counter negative news coverage and tout Administrator Scott Pruitt’s stewardship of the agency. The emails were obtained by the Environmental Defense Fund and the…

Great Lakes Aquarium unveils new exhibits

The newest experience at the Great Lakes Aquarium features three new touch pools

DULUTH, Minn. – Kids and families can now get up close and personal with some new critters at the Great Lakes Aquarium. Thursday, the aquarium unveiled the “Feel Connected” exhibits, which offers three new touch pools featuring exotic ocean critters like sea stars and jellyfish. “When people can use their sense of touch, they become more connected to what they’re…

Volunteers Plant Milkweed in Hartley Park

Milkweed is one of the few plants Monarch butterflies will lay eggs on

DULUTH, Minn. – Volunteers spent Saturday planting milkweed at Hartley Nature Center in Duluth. The park got a grant to plant 196 milkweed plugs at several locations. Milkweed is one of the only plants Monarch butterflies lay their eggs on. Monarchs are important pollinators and have recently been disappearing in the Northland. “I think a lot of times we forget…

Twin Ports Residents Peddle Forth on National Bike to Work Day

National Bike to Work Day Events in Duluth and Superior are Organized by the Zeitgeist Center for Arts and Community

DULUTH, Minn. – You may have noticed a few extra bicyclists on the road during your commute across the Twin Ports Friday. It was all to celebrate National Bike to Work Day. It’s a common sight year round throughout many communities in the Northland; bikers strapping on helmets and raising kickstands no matter how cold it gets. “It’s a perfect…

Electronics Recycling Event to Take Over Bayfront Park

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend you have the chance to get rid of old electronics in a way that’s healthy for the environment. Global Ewaste Solutions is hosting the 2nd Annual Electronic Collection Event in the Bayfront Festival Parking Lot. The event will be from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Community members can bring cords, laptops, tv’s, and more. The…

Chester Creek Restoration Almost Complete

Chester Bowl Welcomes a New Landscape Nearly Six Years After Historic Flooding Wiped out Parts of Chester Creek

DULUTH, Minn. – Every year thousands of people stroll through Chester Bowl along Duluth’s scenic Skyline Parkway, but six years ago, massive flooding made for a big mess in the park. Now, reconstruction work is close to being complete. “Just that gurgling noise you can hear in the background, people love that as a relaxing sound,” said Dave Schaeffer, Executive…