Environment
'PlayCleanGo' event focuses on stopping spread of invasives, June 13
-This Saturday is “PlayCleanGo” day – part of a national campaign to educate the public on the risks of transporting invasive plants.
Minnesota lakes and streams contaminated by pharmaceuticals, cosmetic ingredients, and more
-A new study released by the MN Pollution Control Agency confirms that lakes and streams across Minnesota are contaminated by endocrine-disrupting compounds, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetic ingredients. The study's author, environmental scientist Mark Ferrey of the MPCA, joined Dave TerSteeg June 5 to explain. You can learn more at www.pca.state.mn.us.
Surveying food waste at local businesses
-How much food waste is out there in Cook County? The Northwoods Food Project wants to know; they are 
Bird Banding at Sugarloaf Cove
-Birds are active along the shore, and Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center is studying them.
Chel Anderson writes comprehensive environmental history of the North Shore
-Chel Anderson is a botanist and plant ecologist who has lived and worked on the North Shore since 1974; you might know her as the North Woods Naturalist on WTIP. She's just written, with Heidi Fischer, an amazing comprehensive environmental history of the North Shore. It's titled "North Shore: A Natural History of Minnesota's Superior Coast." She spoke with Ann Possis May 22 about deciding to write the book, the processes and time involved, and what they hope to convey about this remarkable place in our world. You can learn more about the book here.
Drip Irrigation and Gardening in China
-Hosts Diane Booth (CC Extension), and Joan Farnam (Northwoods Food Project), welcome Dave Steckelberg to talk about installing drip irrigation systems and the Wright family (Jeanne, Greg and Olya) to
Can being out in nature make you smarter? Psychologist weighs in
-What do these three words, inch, deal and peg, have in common? You might be able to answer more quickly if you've been spending time outdoors--it turns out that time in nature can actually enhance your brain function. Dr. Frank Ferraro, a psychology professor at Nebraska Wesleyan University, has been studying this phenomenon right here in the BWCAW. He talked with Dick May 8 about his research and what he found. Oh, the answer to that question? Square.
Ely Timberjay Editor Marshall Helmberger explains events leading to MN governor's ban on moose collaring
-Last week Gov. Dayton ordered the MN DNR to stop the practice of radio-collaring moose, citing reports that collaring has caused the abandonment of some calves as well as the deaths of some adults. Marshall Helmberger, editor of the Ely Timberjay, has done a great deal of investigation and reporting on the issue. He joined Ann Possis May 1 to explain. You can read the Timberjay here.
Dr. Robert Sterner, director of the Large Lakes Observatory at UMD, on why large lakes are so important
-Just five lakes contain more than half of the Earth's liquid surface fresh water. Dr. Robert Sterner, director of the Large Lakes Observatory (LLO) at UMD, has been giving public talks about the 'outsized' role large lakes play in our lives. He spoke with Ann Possis May 1. You can learn more about the work of the LLO here.
Meteorologist Mark Seeley on his updated best-seller, "Minnesota Weather Almanac"
-Mark Seeley, climatologist, meteorologist, and MPR commentator, is just out with the revised edition of his best-selling book, "Minnesota Weather Almanac," full of both facts and fun information about weather history. He chatted with Buck May 1 about the book and all things weather.