Environment

UMD Hosts Environment Sustainability Day Camp

Area high school students went out to the UMD land lab today to learn about all things sustainable. 

DULUTH, Minn. — Area high school students went out to the UMD Land Lab today to learn about all things sustainable. Living skills and food systems were just some of the objectives students had. “As well as learning some sustainable living skills, getting outside and learning some hands-on experience. And learning through that hands-on experience about food systems and sustainability…

Mushroom Madness in the Great North Woods

The Hobby of Mushrooming is Picking Up Across Many Parts of the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s a mushroom madness in the great north woods right now. With the foraging season kicking off in May, local mushroom masters say now is a great time to start the hunt. “It kind of started as a freak accident,” said Ariel Bonkoski, a forager from Duluth. It’s not a hobby that fits everyone’s forte. “When I…

Minnesota Point Beach Nourishment Project Moves Forward

A Survey of the Project will Begin by Early May With Cleanup Finished by Sept., 2021

DULUTH, Minn.-Earlier today the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency gave an update on this year’s dredging project on Park Point. They talked about the risks involved with placing man made materials on Park Point after metal shards were found along the beach from a previous dredging. The MPCA says it is making sure this…

St. Louis River Alliance to Virtually Celebrate 2020 Progress

Preregistration is Required for the Virtual Celebration of Progress

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis River Alliance has had a year of great progress on many projects along the St. Louis River estuary and other areas of concern. Happening Tuesday, Nov. 17, you’re invited to learn more about the progress during a virtual celebration. Due to COVID-19, the event is happening on Zoom this year. Participants are encouraged to…

Recent Incident Sparks Plea from Wildwoods: “Stop Littering”

The Canadian Goose Caught in String Was Cut Free, Then Transferred For Further Medical Care

DULUTH, Minn. – Millions of animals are injured or even killed annually due to the careless actions of human beings. Littering – whether it be cans, containers, string, or fishing line, these materials don’t mix well when coming into contact with animals. Wildwoods Wildlife Rehab Center in Duluth is speaking out regarding a recent incident that could have taken the…

Hartley Nature Center Launches August Fundraising Campaign

"We Heart Hartley" Campaign Runs August 1 - 31, 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – As July wraps up, the folks at Hartley Nature Center in Duluth are thrilled to announce a month-long fundraising effort called “We Heart Hartley.” Hartley Executive Director, Tom O’Rourke said the announcement comes after the cancellation of the center’s annual August fundraiser called “Wine in the Woods.” The cancellation is due in part to the ongoing coronavirus…

Great Grey Owl Sighting Attracts Dozens of Bird Enthusiasts to Duluth

A Great Grey Owl Was Recently Spotted Along Interstate 35 Near 21st Avenue East in Duluth, a Rare Occurrence

DULUTH, Minn. – The Great Grey Owl typically resides toward the tip of North America and across the pond in northern Russia. Recently, residents in the Northland captured a rare sight, one that has bird enthusiasts speaking out in this week’s Great Outdoors. “Even people that were just driving by living in the neighborhood, they pull over and ask what…

Ready, Set, Ride! Winter Bike Week Kicks Off in Twin Ports

Zeitgeist Hosts the Annual Winter Bike Week to Encourage People Powered Modes of Transportation Year-Round

DULUTH, Minn. – Many Northlanders find themselves cooped up throughout the winter months, but one local organization is looking to promote activity with people powered modes of transportation year-round. Zeitgeist is proud to present the annual Winter Bike Week February 5 – 15. Currently, Zeitgeist’s active transportation coordinator, Shawna Mullen, is in Joensuu, Finland for the 8th Annual Winter Cycling Congress…

Winter Entertainment at Cable Natural History Museum

Cable Natural History Museum is Offering a New Program Request Opportunity in the New Year

CABLE, Wis. – Winter is a busy season for the educators at Cable Natural History Museum in Cable, Wisconsin. From education to entertainment, the center is hosting something for folks of all ages to enjoy. Naturalist and Education Director Emily Stone stopped by FOX 21 Local News to chat about upcoming events. The center is also offering a new program…

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Offers Smart Salting Tips

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Says 60 Percent of Home and Business Owners Tend to Oversalt

DULUTH, Minn. – With the winter months upon us, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is reminding business and homeowners of smart salting and deicing tips. Officials with MPCA say over 60 percent of residents routinely over salt, resulting in harsh chemicals making way into our area lakes, streams and rivers. According to the MPCA, one teaspoon of deicing agent…

Iron Range Pasty Festival Coming to Mt. Iron Community Center

The First Annual Iron Range Pasty Festival is Happening Saturday, October 5

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn. – Pasty lovers, rejoice! The First Annual Iron Range Pasty Festival is happening at the Mountain Iron Community Center on October 5  from 3:00 – 9:00 p.m. There will be food, music, rutabaga bowling, a scavenger hunt and more family fun. Guests will also have the chance to play Green Cheese, the region’s favorite original call-in trivia…

Thousands of Bird Watchers Flock to Witness Fall Migration at Hawk Ridge

Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory is Hosting Fall Festival Weekend September 20 - 22 in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – As of September 1, Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory in Duluth is celebrating its 48th season of documenting the great fall migration. This natural phenomenon is attracting hundreds, if not thousands, of bird watchers from local areas, and internationally as the seasons change. Mother Nature is guiding birds of prey such as raptors toward warmer weather as they…

Set Sail with the St. Louis River Alliance this Thursday

The SLRA is Hosting the annual Vista Boat Tour Thursday, September 5 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis River Alliance (SLRA) is setting sail Thursday, September 5 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. aboard the Vista Fleet in Duluth. The SLRA is excited to be hosting the Vista Star Boat Tour for yet another year. Boarding will begin at 5:00 p.m. Departure at 5:30 p.m. Arrival back to docks by 7:00 p.m. Light…

Duluth Monarch Buddies to Host 4th Annual Festival

The Festival is Happening Saturday, June 8 at Coppertop Church in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Environmental experts say the Monarch population has dwindled by 90 percent over the past 20 years. To combat the issue and raise awareness, Duluth Monarch Buddies is hosting their 4th annual Duluth Monarch Festival Saturday, June 8 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Coppertop Church in Duluth. This year, free milkweed seeds will be given out…

Cable Natural History Museum to Host Grand Opening Saturday

The Cable Natural History Museum will Unveil Three New Exhibits Saturday, May 25, 2019

CABLE, Wis. – The Cable Natural History Museum nestled in downtown Cable is bursting with activity, fun, exhibits, activities, events, volunteers and kids, with even more of all that set to open this month as its Curiosity Center nears completion. The museum is hosting a grand opening on Saturday, May 25. “The new Curiosity Center is a dream come true…

Keller Williams Realty to Host RED Day at Lester Park in Duluth

RED Day Stands for Renew, Energize and Donate and is Observed Every Year by the Company

DULUTH, Minn. – Keller Williams Realty of Duluth is looking for your help to make Lester Park sparkle Thursday, May 9. The day is also known as RED Day, which stands for Renew, Energize and Donate. The annual celebration happens on the second Thursday of May. RED Day serves as a way to make a difference in the lives of others and bettering…

Opening Soon: The Adventure Park on the North Shore

A Grand Opening for The Adventure Park on the North Shore is Set for Friday, May 24

SILVER BAY, Minn. – The layout of the land is changing on the corner of Highway 61 and Outer Drive in Silver Bay. The Adventure Park on the North Shore is currently expanding to include a high ropes course with an opening date of Friday, May 24 at 3:00 p.m. The Park was first exposed in 2017 when the owners…

Purchase a Pack, Plant a Tree

The Monthlong Drive is in Collaboration with the Minnesota DNR

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Pack has brought back its company-wide and month-long Arbor Day campaign called, “Buy A Pack, We Give Back.” Due to the company’s success with the philanthropic campaign in 2018, the Made in America business has brought it back once again for 2019. For every Duluth Pack manufactured product sold, Duluth Pack will properly plant a tree…

Volunteers Needed to Help Make Skyline Parkway Sparkle

Duluth Parks and The Duluth Experience Teaming up to Host Skyline Cleanup Sunday, April 28

DULUTH, Minn. – Earth Day celebrations and cleanup events continue into the weekend as Duluth Parks and The Duluth Experience team up to host the annual Skyline Parkway Spring Cleanup. The cleanup is happening Sunday, April 28 from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Volunteers are asked to meet at Lake Superior Brewing before being deployed to various locations along Skyline…

Living Walls Blossom Throughout Local Duluth Businesses

Bill and Kate Isles are the Creators Behind Duluth Living Walls

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lincoln Park craft district is now home to a massive 37 foot long living wall. The concept is sprouting up in popularity across much of the nation, but the owners are proud to be the first official business right here in the Northland. “A lot of people, first their thought is, wow, and second it’s like, is…

Art for Earth Day Gallery Hop Happening Saturday in Duluth

The 29th Annual Art for Earth Day Gallery Hop is Taking Place Saturday, April 20

DULUTH, Minn. – In celebration of the 49th Anniversary of Earth Day, multiple downtown Duluth and Lincoln Park art galleries, UMD Tweed Museum of Art and the American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO) will be hosting free events on Saturday, April 20. The events are happening from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Art enthusiasts are encouraged to tour local galleries,…

It’s Easy Being Green on Frog Day at Lake Superior Zoo

Zoo celebrates St. Patrick Day and World Frog Day

DULUTH, Minn.- This St. Patrick Day, Lake Superior Zoo celebrated green in another way. With frogs. The zoo celebrated World Frog Day, which officially falls on Wednesday, March 20th. Guests came and met Pickle the Bullfrog, and other frog species. According to Zookeepers, many don’t know that frogs are indicator species, meaning that a population of frogs in an area…

Mix Cosmetiques Brings Custom Makeup to Duluth

Owner Handmakes Soaps, Makeup, and More

DULTUTH, Minn.- Paris has Sephora, New York has Maybelline, and now Duluth has Mix Cosmetiques. The newest cosmetic store to hit the Northland offers custom, handmade makeup, soaps and lotion. Walking in, you’re hit with the sweet smells and vibrant colors of all the different cosmetics. You might even find the owner practicing her chemistry, mixing and testing different solutions to…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Pedestrian Bridge Now Open at Chester Bowl

Safety and Environmental Improvements are Being Made at Chester Bowl, One of Duluth's Most Popular Parks

DULUTH, Minn. – Safety and environmental improvements are helping to beautify Chester Bowl in Duluth. The City has finished installing a new pedestrian bridge spanning across Chester Creek. Before construction, Chester Bowl Executive Director Dave Schaeffer says there was simply an old dam visitors would use to walk across to get to the other side of the creek. Aside from safety,…

Volunteers Cleanup the City On Earth Day

Earth Day 2018 is centered around ending plastic pollution in two years, by Earth Day 2020.

DULUTH, Minn. – On this Earth Day dozens of earth friendly Duluthians took in the spring day to pick up trash along some of the city’s most treasured pieces of land. Earth Day is of course recognized every year to raise awareness about protecting the environment. Earth Day 2018 is centered around ending plastic pollution in two years, by Earth Day 2020. Here in Duluth volunteers of all ages were out showing their commitment to…

Zoo Hosts “Party for the Planet” Ahead of Earth Day

Event Supports Snow Leopard Trust

DULUTH, Minn. – Tonight it’s going to be a big party at the Lake Superior Zoo and everyone is invited! The Party for the Planet celebrates Earth Day and gives visitors a chance to explore the zoo after hours. It’s taking place Friday, April 20 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Guest can check out the animals and meet endangered species…

Lake County Fair Kicks Off Despite Rainy Weather

Dozens Put Their Talent to Work in the 4-H Exhibits Thursday

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Despite the cold, rainy weather we’re experiencing in the Northland, it isn’t stopping one community from coming together to celebrate their annual county fair. The Lake County Fair is celebrating their 109th season. Thursday, rain kept most of the rides from operating but didn’t stop the barnyard animals for getting ready to be judged in various…

Animal Answers: Inside the Butterfly House

Visitors to the Lake Superior Zoo will Now be Able to Experience Native Butterflies Up-Close for the Rest of the Summer

DULUTH, Minn. – Starting today, visitors at the Lake Superior Zoo will have the chance to make way through an enclosed exhibit with hundreds of butterflies fluttering around. “Beautiful Butterflies: An Up-Close Experience,” is the Zoo’s newest exhibit, featuring hundreds of butterflies native to the Midwest. “This is a beautiful and fun exhibit, and we’re pleased to bring it to…

St. Louis River Alliance Celebrates River Restoration Funding

DULUTH, Minn. – In May the Minnesota Legislature passed their $988 million bonding bill Among the projects included in the bill is $25.4 million in funding for the St. Louis River Estuary Restoration Project. These funds will trigger $47.2 million in federal funds made available through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to accelerate the cleanup efforts of the St. Louis…

Pond Scientists on the Rise at Hartley Nature Center

Many Student Groups Flocking for Field Trips to Northland Educational Hub

DULUTH, Minn. – In this week’s Animal Answers we’re taking you on a field trip! For some, it may be a trip to the park, museum or movie theater. However, many groups of Northland students are becoming seasoned pond scientists. “I think if you start kids at an early enough age they’ll have an appreciation for the outdoors,” said Matt…

St. Louis River Alliance Works to Fight Invasive Species

Open House and Panel Focuses on Non-native Phragmites

DULUTH, Minn. – As the weather continues to warm many Northlanders will be focusing on getting in the water or heading out on hikes, so the St. Louis River Alliance is hoping to educate the public about a certain invasive species. They’re hosting an open house and panel discussion to highlight the prevention and control on non-native phragmites in the…

Duluth Parks to Receive Sixty New Recycling Bins

Bins will be Donated to the City of Duluth by Keep America Beautiful and Dr. Pepper Snapple Park Bin Grant Program

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth is moving one step closer to become a more eco-friendly City! Recycling will soon be easier thanks to a grant from the Keep America Beautiful program and the Dr. Pepper Snapple Park Bin grant program. Sixty new recycling bins will be placed in 17 parks across the City. The City of Duluth was…