UpNorthica

Paddling in the Boundary Waters, I’ve taken for granted how easy it is to pass between lake and portage with the aid of well-marked maps and a compass. Nature’s job is reduced to providing the scenery.
In the early years Native guides helped trappers and Voyageurs, without a single waterproof MacKenzie among ‘em. But with all [...]

When blowdowns, forest fires and global warming all threaten to forever change the Boundary Waters, would it really help to plant more pine trees?
Tonight, the Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness will host this discussion (7pm at Macalester College), led by U of M ecologist Dr. Lee Frelich. If you’ve not been to one of [...]

Although the leaves had already fallen, we found nothing *but* color on a recent hike near Moose Lake. Head over to the UpNorthica Flickr Pool for a view of the gorgeous “post-peak” colors we saw.

Wish I could say you can find this sweet environmental art, somewhere off a lonely Gunflint Trail portage. I can’t though; it was done in Finland. But I can tell you that: 1) It rocks, and 2) Sculptor Sauli Miettunen made it.

The works have memories of and references to nature: animal vertebrae, trees and gardens, [...]

Before you hit the polls, don’t forget to:

Draw a deep breath when you first step outside
Take a walk on a trail during lunch break
Make a point of counting how many lakes and rivers you pass on your commute
Think of your favorite outdoor destination in Minnesota
Recall the best art and/or cultural event you’ve seen in the [...]

Even if you’ve never been to Pictured Lake or heard of it, you actually do love the place dearly. That’s because the Ontario lake (located about 15 miles southwest of Thunder Bay) is the home of this pictograph, one of the border region’s most iconic and recognizable images. The pictograph is estimated to be in [...]

On Thursday, the one billionth seedling grown at the State Forest Nurseries was ceremoniously placed into cold storage to await the spring planting. DNR Commissioner Mark Holsten was on-site at the state’s Willow River facility, operating the forklift that carried the lil’ sprout to its temporary winter home. The nurseries are also celebrating 80 years [...]

Famed photographer Jim Brandenburg has just posted a batch of photos recently shot in Denali National Park, Alaska. 
Y’know…the only thing more wonderful than looking at skadillions of lovely Brandenburg photos, would be to actually live inside the man’s camera. Dang, the things this guy sees — amazing! 
He’s also recently put up a series of photos taken [...]

Rainbound inside your tent? Got nine minutes to kill while your Mountain High dinner rehydrates? Here’s a simple project to try on the next trip: How to make cattail ducks and swans.
Okay, okay, I’ll admit they are kinda cute. Even if the idea is totally stolen from how they wrap your leftovers in aluminum foil [...]

Odds are, you’ll recognize this as the ‘required viewing’ video if you pick up your BWCA permit at the ranger stations. It’s rare that anything you’re ‘forced’ to watch, is going to be much above tolerable. But this short, produced by the Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness, is actually quite enjoyable. Instructive, but not [...]

Tourism in Ely, Minnesota is at a crossroads this autumn. The Zueniks are a local family accredited with the annual task of vibrantly hand-coloring all of Ely’s fall leaves, over the years. Now, as the elder Zuenik faces retirement, Ely has issued a cry for help to the public.
More info on the Ely’s fall color [...]

Fall colors in the Boundary Waters weren’t at their peak last weekend, but we found plenty worth seeing and sharing (despite near-continual rains). Check out our flickr set for some gorgeous sights seen along the South Kawishiwi River.