Heart of the Continent

11/09/2024

, November 9, 1891, George A. Hormel launched his packinghouse in Austin, operating out of an old creamery. Although he was eventually able to expand his line of products, including the famed SPAM products, initially he specialized in just one: sausage.

Image: The original George A. Hormel and Company packinghouse in Austin, Minnesota, 1891. Hormel Foods.

11/09/2024

Look what visited the HeartoftheContinent tonight

11/08/2024

Colors of an Early November Sunrise reflected in a Calm Lake around Islands, Superior National Forest

11/07/2024

See more of during the event November 9th & 10th


Small ‘pebble’ owls.

11/07/2024

“Ghosts of Autumn I”

I was speaking with my mother in law this morning about how I was struggling with posting anything on here, an how it just didn’t “feel right” given the events over the past couple of days….

“This is when we need it most,” she said.

11/07/2024

Some more great shots from this morning in Sunset Country! Janice Neurinski captured these amazing photos this morning on the shores of Rainy Lake.

It pays to get up early and get outside!!

11/06/2024

Foggy Mornings in the HeartoftheContinent require extra coffee.

11/05/2024

Looking back to a few weeks ago and a fun day of exploring north of the border.

11/04/2024

North House Folk School

The 2024 Arctic Film Festival lineup is here! Join us November 22-24 for over a dozen films that highlight incredible stories of the North: from ice exploration to Jonathan Thunder's art to Lake Superior's changing waters and much, much more.

Find the film list here: https://northhouse.org/events/winterers-gathering-arctic-film-festival-2024 -film-festival

📷 Lars H Ostenfeld, from the film "Into the Ice"

11/04/2024

November skies!

11/02/2024

Friday ride in the Pond

I went for a swim with the surfers at Stoney Point yesterday. It was a blast!

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11/01/2024

We’re creating a new information series here at The Quetico Foundation, “Ask The Biologist”!

Have you ever had a question about Quetico Provincial Park that has left you wondering, but you didn’t know whom to ask? Maybe a question about the wildlife in the park, the variety of trees, or birds? Maybe a question about fish species, water quality, or perhaps something entirely different, such as the impact of forest fires?

We’ve asked Quetico Foundation trustee and Science Chair Brian Jackson, who retired as Quetico Park’s official Biologist in 2022, to offer up his extensive knowledge and experience as the former park Biologist to answer YOUR Quetico questions! Here’s how it will work: just reply to this post with your question or send it as a DM to this account. We’ll review all questions asked and try to answer as many as possible. You’ll see the questions asked and Brian’s answers published in a future post. That’s it!

Here’s one question to get you started:

Q. Quetico has seemingly hundreds of beaver lodges and dams.  What kind of impact do beavers have on the health of the park?

Beavers are often referred to as a keystone species because they are particularly important for how they alter the environment around them and provide habitat for other species.

Beavers were almost trapped to extinction and were at low population levels only 90 years ago. Since then they have made a remarkable recovery to being one of the most commonly observed animals today. A study in Voyageur National Park located just west of Quetico in Minnesota found that there was a 13% increase in water area in that park since the 1940’s due to beaver activity. This has increased biodiversity and habitat for many species such as fish, waterfowl and moose.

Beaver are also the main food source for wolves in the summer when it is very difficult for them to capture the moose and deer they rely on in the winter.

In addition, beaver dams reduce the impact of both drought and floods. Perhaps most importantly for canoeists in Quetico, they can reduce or eliminate portages by providing paddle-able ponds instead of dry creeks.

10/31/2024

Happy Halloween from Glensheen! 🎃🕸️

10/31/2024

10.31 Grand Marais, MN.
The sunsets are great this time of year!

10/30/2024

10/30/2024

Each year Minnesota state lottery proceeds fund over $80 million in projects to protect our Great Outdoors.

Chances are you’ve benefited from one of the Lottery’s projects. Vote YES this November to keep the lottery working for our Great Outdoors.

Remember, not voting is the same as a "no" vote, so vote YES.

10/29/2024

Redhead MTB Park is a city owned park that exists within the boundaries of state lands. While hunting is not encouraged in the park…

10/29/2024

🎃 Spooked by the dark? You’re not alone! Did you know nearly 75% of kids ages 3-12 fear the dark? And for a quarter of adults, that fear lingers into adulthood. But for many, it’s not the dark itself that gives them the chills—it’s the mystery of the unknown and what might be lurking in the dark. 👀

With spooky season upon us, it’s the perfect time to embrace our fears and explore the night! Step outside after dark and discover your community by moonlight (and jack-o’-lantern light!). Listen for rustling leaves, spot little critters like bats and raccoons, and better acquaint yourself with the nighttime world around you. You might just discover that it’s not so scary after all… and in fact, holds a trove of hidden wonders to be explored and celebrated!

This Halloween, let the night reveal its wonders. Take a deep breath, let your eyes adjust, and discover the importance and magic of the night!