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Outdoors

This Week In Nature

A weekly digest of how and where to look for transformations in Minnesota’s flora and fauna.

Unleash the rockhounds. It’s the season to hunt the Lake Superior shore for colorful agates

The gales of November are good weather to spread Minnesota’s state gemstone onto the shore.
November 9, 2025

Food, fiber and firestarters: Cattails are versatile year-round

Found in Minnesota lakes and wetlands, native cattails provide many benefits.
November 7, 2025

In the boreal forests of northern Minnesota, the trees wear beards

Old man’s beard lichen resembles the Spanish moss of the South, but it’s a different being entirely.
October 26, 2025

The tannins from fallen leaves lend a root beer tint to Minnesota rivers

That amber glow and fluffy foam are both natural qualities of northern Minnesota waterways.
October 19, 2025

Mating season and fewer leaves make autumn ideal for seeing Minnesota’s elusive moose

It’s not easy to spot one of the state’s approximately 4,000 moose, but you can improve your chances.
October 12, 2025
A bull moose grazes in a swamp off the Gunflint Trail in northeastern Minnesota.

Bursting with scarlet and maroon hues, northern red oaks provide fall’s second act

Less flashy than maples, red oaks play a pivotal forest role in Minnesota.
October 5, 2025
Another red oak heavy with leaves.

Bumblebee mating season: Queens have left the colony in search of mates

Look for those big females in Minnesota gardens gathering nectar and males this time of year.
September 28, 2025

Fuzzy caterpillars are crawling about, but don’t pick them up. Here’s why.

The bristly hairs are protective, meant to ward off birds, bats – and humans.
September 21, 2025

One of Minnesota’s Hautman brothers wins the Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest again

The three wildlife painting brothers have now won the prestigious contest a total of 16 times.
September 20, 2025

Minnesota’s wild grape vines, crawling here there and everywhere, are producing late summer fruit

The grapes can be used in jellies, juices and other food. Just don’t confuse them with other toxic plants.
September 14, 2025

Goldy is not a gopher (and may be prey for — gasp! — badgers)

Thirteen-lined ground squirrels, credited with inspiring the University of Minnesota mascot, are feasting now to survive winter.
September 7, 2025

Hungry hummingbirds are migrating this week in Minnesota

Hummingbirds are on the move from northern nesting areas to coastal states, Central America and Mexico
September 4, 2025
The ruby-throated hummingbird arrives in Minnesota in May, having flown thousands of miles from its wintering grounds in South America.
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