|
Photo by Neil Sample
Constance Pagan looks for bugs
Recent Features
New ATV Trail open
The great Aitkin County get together
Wild about flowers
Drumming up dust for diabetes
Ground and pound
In the fast lane
We must remember
|
Wading in the water
By Brittany Raveill | July 27, 2010
Managing Editor
The creepy crawlies and the squishy squirmies of the water were nothing to be afraid of for the kids attending the Big Sandy Water Institute day of bugs, bogs and fishing. Several kids from around the area visited Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge on Wednesday to learn about the tiny creatures living in the water and the difference between a bog and a swamp. They then spent the afternoon casting for northerns.
“The kids were in the water over at Mandy Lake,” explained Jim Carlson, volunteer with the Big Sandy Water Institute. “They were looking for different creatures and bugs that live in the water.”
Throughout the morning, kids scooped up bugs and insects from the water and hauled them to shore. Once on shore they learned how to identify the bugs and also looked at them under the microscope.
“Every day when we have an activity, we try and teach about the water and how to preserve water,” pointed out Jim. “Learning about water ecology is very important, so kids can understand that it is a natural resource that needs to be taken care of.”
“Kids learn very important skills and knowledge not only about water but many of their natural surroundings and environment,” stated Lisa Kruse, director. She further explained, “Each day brings a different learning opportunity as youth learn to become stewards of our environment through a blend of environmental education and recreational programs.”
Big Sandy Water Institute is a…
For the rest of this story and more, pick up this week's Voyageur Press. |
|
Photo by Neil Sample
Ribbon cutting at trail head opening
Recent Features
The great Aitkin County get together
Wild about flowers
Drumming up dust for diabetes
Ground and pound
In the fast lane
We must remember
Fighting like a girl
|
New ATV Trail open
By Katie Fistere | July 20, 2010
Contributing Writer
The Northwoods Regional ATV trail officially opened on July 14. The grand opening started at Jackson’s Hole in Lawler and concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the trail head. This 70 mile loop is designated specifically for ATV use and will undoubtedly draw many recreational ATV riders to the area.
The main purpose of the Northwoods trail is to provide a unique, appealing trail for ATV riders to enjoy. Designated ATV use on trails and increased enforcement and visibility of the new trail system will help discourage inappropriate riding. This trail will be promoted as an ATV destination trail and will hopefully minimize complaints of trespassing and environmental disturbances by ATVs.
Many different groups and individuals worked together to make the Northwoods Regional Trail a reality. The Northwoods Trail Oversight Committee directed the project. The committee is comprised of 19 members who each represent diverse interests. Also involved in the project were the Aitkin and Itasca county boards, MN DNR, Dovetail Partners, and the Aitkin and Itasca county land departments.
Throughout the process of building this trail, the oversight committee kept three goals in mind: community acceptance, environmental sensitivity, and economic viability.
The Northwoods trail has…
For the rest of this story and more, pick up this week's Voyageur Press.
|
|
Photo by Neil Sample
Lexi Campbell with her cow Jackie
Recent Features
Wild about flowers
Drumming up dust for diabetes
Ground and pound
In the fast lane
We must remember
Fighting like a girl
Five star hospital
|
The great Aitkin County get together
By Brittany Raveil | July 13, 2010
Managing Editor
If there is one way to fill the city of Aitkin plumb full of people, it is the annual Aitkin County fair. From July 7 through the 10th, people from across the county flocked into Aitkin to check out the entertainment.
The fair grounds were packed with much to see and do, including rides from Crescent City Amusement, delectable fair food, a rodeo, car races and many exhibits by the area 4-H groups.
By searching the crowd, it was impossible to see a sad face. Smiles were everywhere as people enjoyed the fair. Perhaps the biggest smiles could be witnessed in the livestock sheds as the 4-Hers prepared to show off their hard work. Jasmine Brennen, Cheryl Dittoe and Lexi Campbell, all of the Busy Beaver 4-H club, were eager for their livestock to be judged and their chance to compete at the Minnesota State Fair to be held August 26 through September 6.
It runs in the family
Sisters Jasmine Brennen and Cheryl Dittoe have been participating in 4-H for six years along with other siblings. You might say that it runs in the family.
This year Jasmine showed a dairy cow, and Cheryl showed a rabbit.
“4-H is a lot of fun,” expressed Cheryl.
“It just started as a fun experiment, to try,” added Jasmine.
The girls insisted that they wanted a blue ribbon or a grand for their animals. However, their mom was sure to point out that they would really like a trip to the state fair.
Jasmine and…
For the rest of this story and more, pick up this week's Voyageur Press. |
