Environment
The lowdown on North Shore woodpeckers
-It’s spring and woodpeckers are making themselves known in the woods.
Ravens are starting to build their nests
-One of our most interesting and adaptable birds is also one of the most commonly found here in the Northland. WTIP’s Jay Andersen talks with Chel Andersen about ravens.
EPA ends funding for Lake Superior Binational Forum
-Lissa Radke, the Lake Superior Binational Forum's U.S. coordinator, spoke with Ann Possis Mar. 27 about their loss of funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The future of the forum, which has been working since 1991 to protect the world's largest lake, is in question. Lissa explained what the forum has accomplished and how its work might proceed without the help of the EPA. To learn more, go to www.superiorforum.org.
Dr. Seth Moore on the state of moose and moose research
-Minnesota's moose are on the decline. Dr. Seth Moore, director of biology and environment with the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, talked with Ann Possis recently about what's affecting the moose, what researchers seek to learn by collaring both adults and calves, and much more.
Light pollution: What it is and why it matters
-Recently the Cook County board voted to keep two proposed MN/DOT towers short enough so they wouldn't have to be lighted, and Cook County is one of the darkest locations in the lower 48 states. John Barentine, program director of the International Dark Sky Association, talked with Dick Feb. 27 about light pollution and the benefits of a dark sky.
What are water shrews?
-These little creatures have been perfecting their lifestyles for millions upon millions of years. WTIP’s Jay Andersen talks with naturalist Chel Anderson about water shrews.
Canoeist & educator Natalie Warren inspires people to learn from & about their local rivers
-In 2010, Natalie Warren & Ann Raiho were the first two women to paddle 2,000 miles from Minneapolis to Hudson Bay, recreating Eric Sevareid's route in "Canoeing with the Cree." Since then, Natalie has been involved in a number of efforts to inspire people, especially youth, to learn about and from their local rivers, and to protect them. She stopped by Studio A Jan. 30 to chat all about it with Buck. You can learn more about her efforts at wildriveracademy.com and www.hudsonbaybound.com.
New Energy Transition Lab's goal: Shift economy toward renewable energy
-Dr. Hari Osofsky is faculty director of the Energy Transition Lab, a new project of the U of MN Institute on the Environment. Dick spoke with her recently about why the Lab was set up, what they hope to accomplish, and why energy efficiency and renewables are so important. You can learn more about the Institute on the Environment here.
Dave & Amy Freeman back from 2,000-mile expedition Paddle to D.C.
-Amy and Dave Freeman just returned from canoeing, portaging and sailing over 2,000 miles from northern Minnesota to Washington, D.C. to observe the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act, and to bring attention to the issue of mining near the Boundary Waters. Dave TerSteeg caught up with them Dec. 12, and they have great stories to tell. You can learn more about their adventure and mission here.