December 2023
Collect and sell black spruce cone in northern Minnesota to the State Forest Nursery
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources State Forest Nursery is looking for people to collect black spruce cones this winter in northern Minnesota. The seeds found inside the cones are needed to reforest nearly 3,000 acres of black spruce forest each year.
Midpoint assessment of forest management strategic direction: Sustainable timber harvest implementation report available
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has completed an evaluation of the first four years of implementing its forest management strategic direction for fiscal years 2019-2028. The resulting Midpoint Assessment of Forest Management Strategic Direction: Sustainable Timber Harvest Implementation Report contains the results of that evaluation.
Grand Marais Park and Recreation Board green lights 2023 park master plan
Next, the master plan will go to the Grand Marais City Council for final approval The Grand Marais Park and Recreation Board concluded a six-month review and upgrade of the park's 2009 master plan at the board's Tuesday, December 5 meeting. Throughout the process, the park board worked with Gabrielle Grinde, HKGi consultant and the project lead, assisting in updating the 2009 Master Plan.
The Mycorrhizal Fungal Network
Back in my high school and university days about all we learned regarding fungi was that they were primarily composed of underground systems of very fine threads of living fungal material. When two of these threads of the same species met, reproduction occurred by sending up a mushroom which then matured and shed spores of that species.
BEYOND REASON
Oh Tannenbaum According to one famous Christmas song that is for some reason named, “The Christmas Song”, the season is long on chestnuts, Jack Frost, yuletide carols, and, for some reason, though I’ve personally never seen it myself, folks dressed up like Eskimos. Setting aside theoretical folks impersonating the dress of the indigenous people of the Arctic regions, the holiday season is indeed filled with tradition, new and old.
What is a Crane Berry?
Move over zucchini there’s a new sheriff in town. Hello cranberry! I am in love with this bright red ball and her punch of flavor. A cranberry is often overlooked because of her sour attitude but with a little love and a kiss of sugar you can quickly bring out her sweet side. Recently my mom made a cranberry relish with fresh berries, apples and ground orange. We served it at Thanksgiving but I have quickly found that a spoon of this adds a brightness and flavor to many lunch items. Boring cottage cheese, add a cranberry relish. Delicious and the most beautiful pink you will ever eat. Leftover crepes, add a spoon of relish and a dash of maple syrup! Awesomeness.
Odis needs a home
Odis (bottom) is still looking for a home. His BFF, Winnie, went back to his breeder. This guy is a three year old neutered male German Shepherd/Malinois mix, good with kids, other dogs and cats. Needs a fenced yard to keep him safe. Call Arrowhead Animal Rescue at 218-877-7050 for more information.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Ruby’s Pantry Cook County Ruby’s Pantry, 2nd Tuesday of the month food distribution 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., $25 (cash only) Sponsored by Spirit of the Wilderness Church.
Masons donate Fire Suppression Tools to north shore fire departments
On December 5th the Masons' Taconite Lodge #342 in Silver Bay made a donation of life-saving fire suppression devices to north shore fire departments. The fire departments of Silver Bay, Two Harbors and Grand Marais were gifted a Fire Suppression Tool.