Environmental News

MPR News is your source for environment news from Minnesota and across the country.

Getting to Green: Minnesota’s energy future

Getting to Green is an MPR News series that shares stories about Minnesota’s clean energy transition, including what needs to be done to get there.

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Climate Cast

Listen to Climate Cast, the MPR News podcast all about our changing climate and its impact in Minnesota and worldwide.

Minnesota and North Dakota students launch mini-canoes to learn where their water goes
This spring, students from about 40 elementary schools released small canoes into streams in the Red River Valley. Anyone who finds them can help track their journey.
The healing benefits of nature
Did you know that simply taking a walk in a park can lower your blood pressure and the stress hormone cortisol? MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with her guests about the mental and physical health benefits of spending time in nature.
Unexpected medical issue grounds Isle Royale wolf-moose survey
Researchers from Michigan Tech University were unable to conduct their annual wolf-moose survey on Isle Royale this past winter. A last-minute medical issue grounded their ski-plane pilot, and no replacement was found in time. 
Authorities continue search for bear that seriously wounded woman in northwest Wisconsin
The Wisconsin DNR said it appears the bear was a female with a cub nearby. But the DNR said preliminary findings suggest the bear exhibited not defensive behavior — but rather “a sustained series of aggressive behaviors towards the victim.”
Wolf pups at Ely center acclimate to people while helping advance scientific research
Cedar and Rowan, the two newest wolf pups at Ely’s International Wolf Center, are stars of science in two research studies before they’re integrated into the center’s wolf pack that’s on display. 
Bald eagle's new status as the official U.S. bird brings pride and hope to many Native Americans
Many Native Americans are marking ceremonies like graduations with bald eagle feathers, a form of reverence for the bird they have always held sacred as a messenger to the Creator. But this year, some are doing so with special pride after the bald eagle finally became the official U.S. bird.
University of Minnesota grows non-native plants for immigrants to have a taste of home
Immigrants living in the United States inevitably miss a piece of home that can’t be found abroad. A new program at the University of Minnesota is working to change that.