March 19, 2019 — The Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) at the University of Minnesota announced today that it has launched the Chronic Wasting Disease Response, Research and Policy Program (CWD Program) to respond to this wildlife disease crisis and its potential for animal-to-human and human-to-human transmission. CWD is a prion disease that affects … [Read more...]
James Gang gold found at Mystery Cave
Nels Isaacson of rural Spring Valley recently made an amazing find. He says he spent a lot of time doing his research, and did a lot of walking around, but in the end, dumb luck played a crucial role as well. “I’ve always been a student of history, and especially the 19th century American outlaws. Most people in Minnesota have heard that the Jesse James gang once tried to … [Read more...]
Local snowmobilers to the rescue
By Maddie Smith After closing the chapter on the snowiest February in southeastern Minnesota, it would be understandable to see plenty of activity among local snowmobiling clubs. Throughout the county, snowmobilers leave their mark along the highways and other trail routes. However, they have done more than that. They have brought others to safety. While snowmobiling may seem … [Read more...]
Celebrating outdoor recreation in Fillmore County
Many of us enjoy outdoor recreation. Fortunately for us, Fillmore County is blessed with the availability of a variety of outdoor recreational activities. A summit will be held on March 29 (8:30 a.m. to noon) at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center to recognize the economic value/impact realized by Fillmore County, local businesses, and groups involved in outdoor … [Read more...]
Public meetings on invasive weeds along the Root River
Please come join us for two public meetings being held on April 4, 2019, to talk about invasive plant species – such as Japanese hops – along the Root River. The first meeting will be held from 3-5 p.m. at the Houston Community Center, 109 W Maple St, Houston, Minn. 55943 and the second meeting will be held from 6-8 PM at the MiEnergy building 31110 Cooperative Way, City of … [Read more...]
Wildlife in winter: It hasn’t been easy
As you know, it’s been a very harsh winter; one of the coldest and snowiest on record! It hasn’t been easy for us or for most of Minnesota’s wildlife. From deer to songbirds — it’s nothing less than amazing that anything has been able to survive. Unfortunately, some will perish. “We’re starting to get reports of wildlife mortality that is weather related,” said Jaime Edwards, … [Read more...]
“Getting Bees Back on Their Own Six Feet” Dinner on the Bluff features entomologist Marla Spivak
Dr. Marla Spivak, a MacArthur Fellow and McKnight Distinguished Professor in Entomology at the University of Minnesota, will be the featured speaker at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center’s Dinner on the Bluff event April 6. Honey bees are one of the key pollinators of flowers, fruits and vegetables. Over the past 15 years, colonies of bees have been disappearing, and … [Read more...]
Making the world a better place for owls
Owls are a fascinating topic for many people, and the International Festival of Owls is recognizing two individuals who have made a difference for owls in their respective regions and around the world. Dr. Paula Enriquez of Chiapas, Mexico, and Dr. Richard Raid of the University of Florida are receiving awards in March for their work making the world a better place for … [Read more...]
Mitch Boyum recognized as 2019 Conservation Officer of the Year
“Many times going to work I think I can’t believe I’m getting paid to do this,” states Mitch Boyum, who was recently selected as the 2019 Conservation Officer of the Year. Growing up in St. Charles, Minn., Boyum loved being outdoors, and participating in outdoor activities, especially trapping, hunting and fishing. “There’s something about getting a coyote to put its foot … [Read more...]
Eagle Bluff offers Homesteading Workshop March 9 and 10
Whether you have a backyard plot or acres of land, the Homesteading Weekend Workshop at Eagle Bluff will help you create an outdoors environment you can be proud of for years to come. This series of classes in Beekeeping, Apple Grafting, Shiitake Mushroom Cultivation and Organic Gardening will be offered for the first time on Saturday and Sunday, March 9 and 10. The … [Read more...]