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Dr. David Keith discusses using geoengineering techniques to help reduce CO2 in the stratosphere as well as ideas like using a layer of aerosols to help fight climate change. Steve Gardiner / RiverTown Multimedia
Science and Nature

Scientists study new techniques to fight climate change

Thorbjorn Sundgaard helps his father Sverre, orchard manager at Carpenter Nature Center, pick Honeycrisp apples. Photo courtesy of Sverre Sundgaard
Science and Nature

Carpenter Nature Center adjusts to changing weather

Gabriele Hegerle from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland spoke at the Nobel Conference at Gustavus Adolphus College in September. Steve Gardiner / RiverTown Multimedia
Science and Nature

Multiple analyses of scientific data show temperature increase

Thomas Steger has worked in soil conservation for 40 years. He's worked for the USDA in Goodhue County for 30 of those years. Steger retired at the beginning of the month and knows the county's land better than most. Photo courtesy of Thomas Steger
Agriculture

Steger knows the land in Goodhue County better than most

"Open winters" are nothing new, but they are becoming more frequent in December and January, sometimes followed by massive dumping of snow late in the season or heavy spring rains. Here Red Wing Environmental Learning Center students skate up a creek in 2012. There was no snow for more traditional activities that year. Jason Jech / Red Wing Environmental Learning Center
Science and Nature

Changing weather affects educational programs

Showing a photo of changing ice conditions near her Inuit village, Sheila Watt-Cloutier explains that the ice was the university which taught her Inuit people patience and other important lessons. Now that "university" is melting and taking with it their sense of identity. Steve Gardiner / RiverTown Multimedia
Science and Nature

Disappearing ice impacts Inuit villagers and all humanity

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Government and Politics

New Richmond taking dual path to phosphorus reduction

“I can’t get enough of this,” Bridget Olson said during the Christmas Bird Count Dec. 21 in New Richmond. Tom Lindfors / RiverTown Multimedia
Science and Nature

Finding peace in the season of peace

A red-tailed hawk lands on a light pole near Lake City on May 18, 2019. Steve Gardiner / RiverTown Multimedia
Science and Nature

Birds hear what we hear; new research examines raptor hearing range

Foresters from the Department of Natural Resources cut down the official state of Minnesota Christmas tree Monday, Dec. 2, in General C.C. Andrews State Forest in Pine County. (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources)
Science and Nature

Minnesota State Christmas tree harvested from state forest 

A local volunteer collects leftover salt from sidewalks during the winter. Submitted photo
Science and Nature

Angie Hong column: As snow approaches, ways to reduce salt use and help the environment

On the left is pictured Ashley Collins, a senior conservation student at University of Wisconsin - River Falls, who attended the public conversation with two other students Noura Kassem and Belle Evert. During the second half of the Nov. 14 event, participants were asked to engage in small group discussion and compile a list of future changes to which the community and individuals could commit. Rachel Helgeson / RiverTown Multimedia
Science and Nature

Community crowds in for public environmental conversation in River Falls

A bird's eye view of the installed solar panels atop St. Bridget Catholic Church on East Division Street. The sets of panels will provide a $4,000 savings each year, covering about 40% of St. Bridget's electric bill. Photo courtesy of Ben Dusek
Science and Nature

Small ceremony for River Falls St. Bridget's new solar panels

Beneath the bark of an infested ash tree, the tell-tale signs of winding trails called 'galleries' are found after Emerald Ash Borer larvae eat away at the phloem, the part of the tree which transports nutrition from the leaves to the roots. With enough damage from multiple bugs, the tree dies and becomes dangerously brittle. Early tree removal prevents injuries to climbers who cut the tree top-down. Photo courtesy of City of River Falls Urban Forestry
Science and Nature

These Wisconsin municipalities are boring down on the bug that's taking down ash trees

Education

Hastings schools gifted 'amazing gem' in donated land from Tecla Karpen estate

Andrew Johnston assists his dad, Kevin, with collecting seed pods at the eight Conservation Day on the WPA, Saturday, Oct. 12, at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seed farm in Star Prairie. Tom Lindfors / Rivertown Multimedia
Science and Nature

Wild day on the WPA

People line Second Street Friday afternoon in a local event of the international Climate Strike. The worldwide protest, lead mainly by youth, worked to call attention to climate change and encourage action. Rebecca Mariscal / Rivertown Multimedia
Science and Nature

'Enough is enough': Local supporters join Global Climate Strike in Hudson

Science and Nature

Pierce County counting on a Clean Sweep

Jesse Speer, superintendent with Newt Marine, shows a photo of the slurry pipeline that will be used to transport sand from Corps Island to the Prairie Island Indian Community disposal location. Steve Gardiner / RiverTown Multimedia
Science and Nature

Newt Marine will unload sand from Corps Island

The Nebraska Forest Service identified approximately 20 other insect species that look similar to the infamous emerald ash borer. The half-inch-long beetle has a metallic green shell and is only associated with ash trees. File photo
Science and Nature

Pierce County officially bugged by emerald ash borer; Prescott preparing to react

Heidi Madsen tends to her herb garden, where vegetables are also mixed in. Mike Longaecker / RiverTown Multimedia
News

Returning home, sustainably: Hudson grad living off the grid