We have been finding many distinctive mushrooms lately when we walk the dogs through nearby woods in Northern Minnesota. Scroll down for images and descriptions of some of the more interesting mushrooms. I am not an expert, so identifications of these mushrooms are best guesses with help from online resources like iNaturalist. Deer Mushroom (Pluteus …
Tag Archives: trees
Jack Pine
Pinus banksiana Three pines are native to North-Central Minnesota, The Red (Norway) Pine, the Eastern White Pine, and the Jack Pine. Jack Pine is somewhat less desirable than the other two, both commercially and aesthetically. However, it successfully exploits its niche as the northern conifer best able to thrive after wildfires. A single Jack Pine …
Scenes of Fall in Minnesota
Geese heading south Reflections Foggy morning on the lake In the woods
Signs of Fall in August
Already in August there are clear signs of approaching fall in North-Central Minnesota. It may be that leaves are turning early this year because of our dry conditions. Alder and hazel bushes rimming the shores of our lake are starting to yellow. Staghorn sumac along roadsides is starting to turn red. This maple was red …
The Lost 40; A Remnant of Old Growth Forest in Minnesota
Because of a surveying error in 1882, 144 acres of forest in North-Central Minnesota were never leased to a timber company and therefore were spared from logging. Today the area is designated as the Lost 40 SNA (Scientific and Natural Area) and features a hiking trail of about one mile winding through huge red and …
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Mill Creek Canyon, Utah
A benefit to life in Salt Lake City, Utah is the proximity of the city to the Wasatch Mountains. Recently for a hike in the mountains we drove up Mill Creek Canyon to the Upper Big Water Trailhead, just 9 miles east of the 215 Beltway in the city. Subalpine Fir (Abies lasiocarpa) Trees in …
Norwegian Maple
When we moved to Salt Lake City the yard of our new house had two mature Norwegian Maple trees. Norwegian Maples (Acer platanoides) are popular shade trees in the intermountain west because they grow quickly and tolerate alkaline soil and an arid climate. Norwegian Maples are native to Central Europe, and were introduced to the …
Views from the Top
An aspect of downhill skiing that may be underappreciated is the spectacular scenery that can be seen from the ski slopes, particularly in Utah. The following pictures were taken on a beautiful January day skiing at the Canyons area of Park City. Near the top of the Condor chairlift Downhill among the spruce and fir …
Snowy New Year’s Day in Salt Lake City
The western United States has been experiencing drought over the last few years. So, the wet and snowy weather here in Salt Lake City over the past few weeks has been very welcome. Following are some pictures of the snowy city around New Year’s. Slight improvement in drought conditions over the past month can be …
Gloria Falls Trail in Little Cottonwood Canyon
The trailhead for Gloria Falls is just short of the Snowbird and Alta ski resorts as you drive up the Little Cottonwood Canyon from Salt Lake City. Longer trails to White Pine and Red Pine Lakes also start from this site. In mid-October we were rewarded with magnificent views of fall colors in the canyon …
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North MN Outdoors 