Dinner on the Bluff at the Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center on April 6 was focused on all things “honey.” Eagle Bluff interim director John Torgrimson introduced the featured speaker for the evening, Entomologist Marla Spivak, a distinguished McKnight University professor. The Sustainable Food and Farming degree program at Minnesota State College Southeast helped … [Read more...]
Local economy impacted by outdoor recreation
Seventy-five people from all over Fillmore County attended the 2019 Economic Summit on Outdoor Recreation coordinated by the EDA. MiEnergy Cooperative sponsored the event held March 29 at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center. John Torgrimson, interim director for Eagle Bluff, gave a brief overview of Eagle Bluff which had 16,000 visitors in 2018. It partners with 140 … [Read more...]
Dr. Whalen – giving The Masters’ experience
Raised on a farm in Fillmore County, 1968 graduate of Harmony High School Dr. Len Whalen learned to golf with his college bowling teammates in Winona when he was 21. Golfing became more routine in his life after opening his chiropractic practice in Zephyrhills, Fla. After attending The Masters practice golf tournament in Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia with some … [Read more...]
U of M launches Chronic Wasting Disease Program to address potential health crisis
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...]