Outdoors

January 3, 2024 4:00 AM

Minnesota kids love outdoor learning. Lawmakers are paying attention

A recent visit with fifth graders to Wolf Ridge in northeastern Minnesota helps to understand why the state’s outdoor learning centers are popular, and why lawmakers are interested in expanding the idea.

by Elizabeth Shockman

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January 2, 2024 9:05 PM

Amid ongoing lack of snow, Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon organizers cancel this winter's race

Organizers of northeast Minnesota’s annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon have canceled this winter’s race, amid an unseasonably warm winter and the ongoing lack of snow.

by Andrew Krueger and Dan Kraker

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January 2, 2024 1:53 PM

Gunflint Mail Run sled dog race will now take place in February

Organizers of the annual Gunflint Mail Run sled dog race in northeast Minnesota have picked a new date for this winter’s event.

by MPR News Staff

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January 2, 2024 1:25 PM

Historic wimpy winter challenges small businesses, outdoor enthusiasts

The historically warm and snow-free winter thus far across Minnesota is disheartening to skiers, snowmobilers and ice anglers. And it is taking a toll on small businesses that depend on those winter outdoor enthusiasts.

by Dan Kraker

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January 1, 2024 8:00 AM

Starting Jan. 1, Minnesota turtles are protected from commercial harvest

Minnesota’s turtles face a variety of threats, including habitat loss, road mortality and pollution. The new law eliminates the commercial harvest of western painted and snapping turtles.

by Kirsti Marohn

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December 26, 2023 7:57 AM

Freezing rain continues after record warmth over holiday weekend

A storm system continued to drop freezing rain on parts of the Red River Valley on Tuesday after bringing both blizzard conditions and record warmth to the region over the holiday weekend.

by Andrew Krueger

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December 24, 2023 8:00 AM

Therapy pets and giraffe poop: Top 16 animal stories from MPR News in 2023

Count down the days until 2024 with the animals that never really left our hearts this year including, yes, the MPR Racoon.

by MPR News Staff and Amy Felegy

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December 22, 2023 4:00 AM

DNR plans changes to protect native rough fish

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources plans expanded research and regulatory changes to better protect native fish species long overlooked by the agency. The recommendations are part of a new report to the state Legislature on native rough fish conservation.

by Dan Gunderson