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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.

Submit a question or story for Getting to Green here.

Climate Cast

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

Minn. sightings of monarch butterfly rare as population crashes

Minn. sightings of monarch butterfly rare as population crashes

Sightings are rare of the monarch, Minnesota's state butterfly and one of its most colorful summer residents. The migrating population has crashed.
by Dan Olson

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MPCA: Superfund list could add two sites, drop two others

Two sites in St. Louis County may be added to the state's list of polluted places. The sites should be on the state's list of Superfund sites so that they may be eligible for additional state funding, according to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
by Elizabeth Dunbar

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N Minn. tree plantings anticipate a warming climate

N Minn. tree plantings anticipate a warming climate

As growing seasons become longer and winters are warmer, researchers are seeing more southerly tree species creeping northward into the boreal forest.
by Stephanie Hemphill

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Gardening experts offer summer tips

Gardening experts offer summer tips

As summer heats up and our yards start to dry out, gardening experts join us to take your questions.

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Climate change might be enabling beetles' rise against pine trees

Climate change might be enabling beetles' rise against pine trees

Stately, tall white pines all over the state and the tamaracks of northeastern Minnesota have had their natural defenses from beetles weakened. Scientists suspect climate change is to blame in both cases.
by Dan Kraker

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Bemidji exhibit educates on invasive species

A new science center exhibit in Bemidji is aiming to educate people about the threats posed by aquatic invasive species.

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Minn. PCA issues air pollution alert

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air pollution health advisory for the Twin Cities and Rochester.

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Panel presses Mpls. on fighting ash borer

Members of the Minneapolis Tree Advisory Commission say the city needs to accelerate its efforts to combat the emerald ash borer.
by Brandt Williams

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One garden's climate struggle (and how to save yours)

One garden's climate struggle (and how to save yours)

At the Hillwood Estate gardens in Washington, D.C., the new norm is: "Expect the unexpected." Like home gardeners, the horticulturalists and professional gardeners at Hillwood are confronting an unpredictable climate. So what's a home gardener to do? It's likely you have to change plants.

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Busy holiday weekend at state parks, camps

The Department of Natural Resources expects a busy time at state parks this holiday weekend. Campgrounds are close to full, but programs at the parks are available to non-campers as well as campers.
by Stephanie Hemphill

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