Outdoors

Judge dismisses lawsuit challenging deer farm regulations
A federal judge rejected deer farmers legal challenge of new state regulations on the industry. On Wednesday the judge dismissed the lawsuit challenging new laws passed by the Legislature in 2023.
Challenge of the DAMn-ed: 242 miles, 24 hours to bike across Minnesota
Nearly 400 bike riders put themselves to the test in The Day Across Minnesota endurance race, a sometimes-brutal single-day journey with only one reward, getting to the finish line before the clock strikes midnight. MPR News rode along during Saturday’s race. Here’s what we saw.
New invasive insect elm zigzag sawfly confirmed in Minnesota
The state Department of Agriculture says a new invasive insect has been found in Minnesota. The elm zigzag sawfly was found on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus.
The volunteers behind wilderness search and rescue
MPR News guest host Dan Kraker talked about wilderness search and rescue with two volunteers who respond to calls in northern Minnesota.
One of the busiest wildlife animal hospitals in the world calls Minnesota home
MPR News guest host Nina Moini talks about how the North Star State is home to one of the busiest wildlife animal hospitals in the world because Minnesotan’s appreciate, respect and have compassion for wildlife.
Growing people, not crops, is the goal of a Moorhead farm
The Red River Valley is well known for large farms growing an abundance of corn, soybeans and sugar beets. But there’s a unique farm near Moorhead that’s finding success by focusing on a very different kind of growth: human skills and knowledge.
Wildflower Chasers: A brush with bristle on the North Shore
Keeping your nose to the ground can be a great way to find blooming wildflowers. But as Morning Edition’s Wildflower Chasers found out, it’s a good idea to look up once in a while.
15,000 free hot dogs, wiener dog races and small town charm? That’s Hot Dog Nite in Luverne
The town of about 5,000 nestled along the Rock River in far southwestern Minnesota has been celebrating this quirky little festival for six decades and counting.
No clear path forward as Minneapolis park workers remain on strike
A special meeting of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board on Monday produced no clear path forward amid an ongoing contract impasse with park workers. The strike is set to end Thursday — though union officials said workers could extend the walkout if necessary.
In gardens across Minnesota, the beetle battle begins
Sporting metallic green and copper colors, Japanese beetles are starting their annual feast of roses, grapevines, fruit trees and any number of other plants — much to the chagrin of gardeners and farmers across a wide swath of Minnesota.