Outdoors Posts

Too nice out to work

I’d like to go swimming today but want to avoid the hordes at Park Point. I have two little ones and would like some sand if possible. Any recommendations? I had heard there was a hidden beach somewhere in Knife River but don’t know where.

Perfect Day for a Double Header

The first five people to mention Perfect Duluth Day at the box office will win a pair of general admission tickets to today’s Duluth Huskies double header vs. the Alexandria Beetles.

Tonight is Gold’n Plump Night – The Gold’n Plump Chicken folks are on hand with a great giveaway.

It’s also another Thirsty Thursday! All Domestic Beer is 1/2 price including Bud or Bud Light 16oz. cans in the stands.

The Swarm

I am thoroughly enjoying the throng of dragonflies that have appeared over the last week or so (tho seems to be waning) but also cringing as I drive through swarms of them on the road. Delighted because I am under the impression that they are voracious bug eaters and don’t bother people too much. If anyone has special insight on the life of dragonflies in the area, I’m all ears and wings.

Thanks Mom: Baby brown thrasher eats foot-long garter snake

While out doing bird surveys for the Minnesota DNR, Sparky Stensaas came across a baby brown thrasher trying to swallow a foot-long garter snake.

Various Critters

Mink, or Marten -- I've been told both -- with a spinal injury

Mink, or Marten -- I've been told both -- with a spinal injury

Summer’s long days are the busiest days at Wildwoods. Following on yesterday’s eagle, here is info on other species passing through.

Eagle recovers at Wildlife Rehab Center

Eagle, injured

Bill and Fran found this beautiful but emaciated mature eagle in the bushes. It had blood in its mouth. The eagle was brought to the Wildwoods rehab location for help with what appears to be lead poisoning.

North Shore prime

If you can find a place to park other than the side of Highway 61, this would would be an ideal weekend to explore North Shore state parks without all the crowds. Boldly enter at the gates or use the trails (SHT) running into them. And the lupines up the shore are stunning right now.

Lafayette Community Club Beach is apparently a superstar

Natural Resources Defense Council Ratings for a Selection of U. S. Popular Beaches

Head’s Up…

The Munger Trail is CLOSED between the Grand Ave./Co. Rd. 23 bridge and the 93rd. Ave. W. bridge.  Figured I’d save somebody the leg work.

Duluth Kayaking – Saturday Evening Paddle

After checking out the great Park Point Art Fair this evening, what a gorgeous night Perfect Duluth Paddle.

Seen on a run along Grand Portage Trail, Jay Cooke State Park

False Soloman’s Seal

Yellow Lady Slippers

Also seen in bloom, but not photographed: strawberries, mertensia, wild roses, the last of the large flowered trillium, thimbleberry, and buttercups.

The sun is shining and the trails should be drying out if the weather holds. Perfect time to get outside and discover what wildflowers the trails in and around Duluth hold!

Fun and flowers this weekend at Jay Cooke State Park

It’s Duluth’s own backyard state park. In half the time it takes to drive to Gooseberry, you can get reach this big park straddling the rugged St. Louis River valley. You could even ride your bike out the Munger Trail.

Head out to Jay Cooke State Park this weekend and check out the lady’s slippers that are blooming. Or get up early for a birdsong walk with Larry Weber. The St. Louis River should be raging under the Swinging Bridge. These ideas and more are on my blog.

Note, none of the reservable campsites are available. If you zoom up to the park tonight or early Friday, you could still snag one of the first-come, first-served campsites.

Public input needed to prioritize parks and trail needs. Meetings scheduled.

The public is invited to attend public meetings which will solicit citizens’ opinions on city park and trail priorities.  The meetings will be held 6-7:30 PM on the following dates;

Wednesday, June 22 at the Central Hillside Community Center located at 12 E. 4Fourth St.

Thursday, June 23 at the Duluth Heights Community Center located at 33 W. Mulberry St.

Tuesday, June 28 at the Portman Community Center located at 4601 McCulloch St.

Wednesday, June 29 at the Morgan Park Community Center located at 1242 88th Ave. W.

“reLeaf Duluth” Tree Planting Party!

The city of Duluth seeks volunteer tree planters for its “reLeaf Duluth” program.  Sunday, June 26, 2-5 PM. Meet at Portland Square at the corner of 11th Ave. E. and E. Fourth St. No experience needed, all ages welcome! Training provided by city of Duluth staff and Louise Levy, certified arborist and tree care advisor. For more info contact jgibbs @ duluthmn.gov or 218-730-4308 or 218-269-4712.

American Cancer Society Relay for Life

Join the American Cancer Society at this year’s Duluth Relay for Life at Bayfront Park on July 22.

The event beings at 5:30pm and continues until 6am the following morning.  Join us for the opening ceremonies at 6:15pm, the Luminaria lighting at 9:15 or check out Mynx performing from 8-9pm!  There will be food for sale, a climbing wall and Japanese Restorative Therapy sessions.  Come out and support your local American Cancer Society!

2011 Relay For Life of Duluth

Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site!