Collection
Environment & Nature
1,836 Collection Items
- When conditions align, skaters seek out 'wild ice' on northern Minnesota lakes
MPR’s Dan Kraker travels to Deer Yard Lake in northeastern Minnesota, where cold temperatures have combined with a lack of snow to create ideal conditions for the formation of what some call ‘wild ice’ — black, glassy, smooth ice that can make for miles of epic ice skating on some remote lakes. Kraker meets a die-hard group of skaters that drop everything in search of perfect ice, and the feeling of gliding across the mirror-like surface.
- Lake Superior: Honoring and protecting Minnesota’s natural wonder
On this episode of MPR News with Angela Davis, guest host Dan Kraker takes a ‘deep dive’ into the wonder of Lake Superior. Kraker speaks with a scientist who studies Lake Superior and two artists — a photographer and a writer — about the lake’s significance and healing presence.
- 10 climate lessons we’ve learned in 10 years of Climate Cast
How far have climate solutions advanced in the past 10 years? To celebrate Climate Cast’s 10th anniversary, MPR’s chief meteorologist Paul Huttner talks to an elite panel of experts about how climate change has evolved since Climate Cast began.
- Why Lake Superior's legendary gales blow especially hard in November
As a powerful storm hits Duluth on the anniversary of the Edmund Fitzgerald tragedy, MPR’s Dan Kraker looks at what makes the gales of November on Lake Superior so memorable.
- Appetites: North Star Journey Project - Foraged plants form a connection to the earth
On this Appetites segment, a MPR’s Mecca Bos presents a story from the North Star Journey Project. Bos profiles Dream of Wild Health Farm in Hugo, Minnesota. It is one of the few Native-led farms in the Twin Cities, with a focus on the indigenous tradition of utilizing edible plants.
- Locals endure monthslong emotional grind of living beside flooding Rainy Lake
MPR’s Dan Kraker visits residents along Rainy Lake, as they battle extreme local flooding. Kraker talks with individuals about the monthslong emotional grind of battling the rising floodwaters.
- Sharing Our Roots - Northfield farm expands land access for immigrant, newly emerging farmers
MPR’s Hannah Yang reports on Sharing Our Roots, a nonprofit group that creating a support system for beginning and newly emerging farmers and BIPOC farmers. It also teaches regenerative agriculture techniques while also addressing food insecurity within southern Minnesota.
- Tribes’ spring fish harvest provides food, preserves culture
MPR’s Kirsti Marohn reports on the tradition of spearing or netting fish on Minnesota lakes. Tribal members say the annual ritual of gathering fish through spearing or netting provides a vital food source for the community and preserves a cultural tradition. The spring harvest is an exercise of tribal treaty rights, and the result of a long-fought legal battle.
- The 'Winter Grab' delves into Lake Superior's seasonal secrets
MPR’s Dan Kraker reports on Lake Superior research known as the “Winter Grab.” Scientists have a pretty good understanding of what goes on in the Great Lakes during the summer. But they don't know nearly as much about Lake Superior and the other lakes during winter. That's significant because winter is when the lakes are experiencing their most dramatic impacts from climate change.
- Longtime MPCA employee alleges retaliation over petroleum complaints
MPR’s Kirsti Marohn reports that a longtime employee of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has filed a whistleblower lawsuit, claiming he faced retaliation for raising concerns about how the agency handles petroleum leak sites.