Outdoors

4,600 miles long and four feet wide

September 7th, 2016

By Ben Haugmo

benhaugmo@yahoo.com

Winding through 4,600 miles of forest and field, alongside river and railway, and over hilltops as well as fences is the North Country National Scenic Trail. Next week, the National Country Trail Association will be celebrating their annual meeting, a chance for volunteers and enthusiasts to come together in shared appreciation of this country-spanning marvel.

North Country Trail veterans and newcomers alike will experience hikes which include river trails…

History, beauty in North Dakota’s NPS sites

August 18th, 2016

North Dakota may lie off the beaten track for National Park Service sites, but beauty and history can still be found at the five sites within the state.

The National Park Services turns 100 on Thursday, Aug. 25, celebrating a century of preservation of history, nature and unique areas within the U.S. North Dakota’s NPS sites are not as big of draws such as the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone National Park, but the New York Times did select Theodore Roosevelt National Park as No. 5 on its…

Beavers: Positively Important

April 20th, 2016

by Nina E. Berg

A handful of Fargo residents have voiced concerns about our Red River beavers and their activity, but what some may view as destruction is actually very beneficial environmentally. Beavers are considered a keystone species, meaning that they are essential for a healthy and balanced ecosystem.

While most Fargo residents seem to enjoy the productive little critters, others are labeling them as "destructive" and "pests". Attaching a negative stigma to such an important animal…

The Conscientious Fisherman

June 26th, 2014

Interested in catching fish this summer? Staying out of trouble with the DNR? Preventing the spread of zebra mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil? Catching and releasing a monster fish? Catching and keeping a monster fish? Helping a caught fish survive? Securing the future wealth of lakes country? Earning the respect of veteran fisherman? Learning about fishing ethics?

Hundreds of thousands of people fish in Minnesota and North Dakota every year, so we want to make it as easy as possible…

Mayville garden festival features art and activities for the whole family

June 6th, 2013

By Lauren Beek

The Rainbow Garden and Sculpture Walk is a beautiful little spot in the North Dakota countryside and is a clear indicator of the strong community that built it.

As soon as you enter the place, a sign proclaims, “The garden is supported and maintained by the people of Mayville-Portland and their friends.” The gardens (seven to be exact) are all cared for and run by volunteers.

Sandy Braaten, president of the Rainbow Garden board, is grateful for all the help.

“In a…