Spring Awakening
Well, I think it’s safe to say that spring has finally sprung, and with it comes the joys of longer days, garden prepping, flowers blooming, critters returning home or awakening from their slumber, and baby animal sightings. There’s definitely a buzz in the air.
This month, we start in Two Harbors where Anderson’s Greenhouse, a community staple since 1956, is under new ownership: Scott and Savannah Krech are now at the helm. Back in Grand Marais, Steve Fernlund highlights the many construction projects happening around town this spring and summer, including a new welcome center at the North House Folk School, the addition of Crosby Bakery downtown, and a new city hall in place of the old one. Things are definitely changing.
Speaking of change, Chris Pascone writes about helping nature adapt to change, specifically North Shore watersheds. He interviews Dean Paron, Minnesota DNR stream habitat coordinator. Paron’s team’s climate adaptation plan is going on 10 years of promoting climate resiliency in Arrowhead stream life. And Cheryl Lyn Dybas, alongside photographer Ilya Raskin, brings us a story on spruce grouse on the border of climate change.
While it’s not a new change, Kalli Hawkins talks about the loss of OB care in many remote rural areas, such as Cook County, requiring most expecting mothers and families to adapt by traveling 110 miles to Duluth for some prenatal care and to give birth. And speaking of giving birth, springtime means a new generation of wild critters are emerging. We’ve got a cute photo feature to help your baby fix.
Need to destress? Dana Johnson suggests using meditation as medicine, alongside other healthy practices like yoga and massage therapy. And health columnist Hartley Newell-Acero reminds us of the importance of self-care—for if we don’t take care of ourselves, we can’t properly take care of others.
Check out our events section and you’ll see there’s a lot going on this month. Don’t miss the Spring Craft Revival in Thunder Bay on May 5 (see my Spotlight section for participating artists), the annual Cook County YMCA Dance Recital May 9-11, the Superior Spring Trail Races in Lutsen May 18, Duluth’s Dylan Fest May 21-26, and the Le Grand Du Nord bike races in Grand Marais on May 25—just to name a few.
It’s also Minnesota Fishing Opener on Saturday, May 11. Northern Trails columnist Gord Ellis recommends using a slip bobber when fishing for walleyes, and a fixed float when fishing for trout. And Joe Shead brings us to Loon Lake on the Gunflint Trail in his latest Fishing Hole column.
Spring has finally arrived. Here’s hoping for many sunny, warm, bug-free days this month. —Breana Johnson