Fall 2010
Do it Yourself
Tags, Trophies & Little White Deer Tales A Shift in North Dakota’s Hunting Tradition
Trailer Maintenance Guide for Winter
Making Tracks from West Fargo to Alaska 2010-2011 Snowmobile Resort Guide
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Fall 2010 3
Publisher
Outdoor Design & Publishing, LLC
Content Manager Sarah McCurdy
Lead Designer Dan Nisbet
Design & Layout Mike Biewer Jamie Farmen
Contributors Eric Brown Lisa Green Chris Haugen Paula Klein Sarah McCurdy Rat McMahon Mat Paulson Karla Tetreault
Photographers Ann Arbor Miller Linda Kaye
Cover Photography Ann Arbor Miller
Advertising Information Lynn Hanson Phone: 701.730.4570
Mail Correspondence Outdoor Design 301 Sheyenne St. West Fargo, ND 58078
info@outdoordesignandliving.com
outdoordesignandliving.com Outdoor Design and Living Guide is published quarterly by Outdoor Design & Publishing, LLC. Total printing is 15,000 copies per issue, and the publication is distributed in two states. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission by Outdoor Design & Publishing, LLC. Outdoor Design & Publishing, LLC assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. Outdoor Design & Publishing, LLC does not necessarily agree with or endorse content of articles or advertising presented. For advertising information, contact Outdoor Design & Publishing, LLC.
Changing with the Season Just when we get used to long days filled with warm sunshine, Mother Nature orchestrates the changing of the leaves from green to a beautiful variety of golds, oranges and reds. As fall came around, Outdoor Design and Living Guide also experienced some changes. We would like to introduce ourselves as the new owners of the publication. We are Todd and Darcy Fuchs, West Fargo business people and owners of Payroll Express, Inc. We are happy to be working with the same high quality team that produced the first seven issues of Outdoor Design and Living Guide and we’re looking forward to working as a group to raise the bar of this publication even higher. You will find many stories focused on the outdoors and a new twist: in the “living guide” department, watch for more indoor stories as the weather becomes cooler. In this issue, read about a shift in North Dakota’s hunting tradition. If you’re in the market to build, read an article from one of our experts about choosing the proper building site. Learn how to create a habitat in your yard so you can enjoy wildlife during our colder seasons and learn how to make a sophisticated version of chicken noodle soup from an area radio personality. We encourage you to tell us what you want to read in these pages. Do you have a recipe you would like to share? Let us know and you could see your name in print. Do you know someone who has a beautiful yard? Or a true outdoor person who we could all learn from? Drop us a line and let us know. You can reach us at info@OutdoorDesignandLiving.com.
We look forward to hearing from you, Todd and Darcy Fuchs Publishers, Outdoor Design and Living Guide
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Living Guide
Fall 2010 6-11
Tags, Trophies, and Little White Deer Tales
12-15 Cold Weather Bird Guide 16-19 Creating a Habitat in Your Yard 20-25 Trailer Maintenance for Winter 22-23 Inspiration Guide
30-33 Making Tracks from West Fargo to Alaska 34-39 2010-2011 Snowmobile Resort Guide 40-41 Rat’s Recipes 42
What’s Happening
26-29 Selecting a Proper Building Site
“Leaf Cover”, available under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license. 2007, Sharon Mollerus
Fall 2010 5
Tags, Trophies and Little White Deer Tales A Shift in North Dakota’s Hunting Tradition By Sarah McCurdy
On
a cool fall day in the late 90s, 14-year-old Jill Kihne and her older brother Jeremy crouched next to a hay bale in a field, just off of Highway 5 near Cavalier, N.D. The straw beneath them crunched under their thick boots and blaze orange topped their layers of clothing. As soon as Jill passed her hunter safety course she trudged out to the middle of that field, anxious to experience
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what her two older brothers had talked about for years. With gun in hand, Jeremy spotted a doe walking right into the line of fire. It would be a perfect kill for a new hunter. “Jill, shoot it!” Jeremy said.
But Jill didn’t pull the trigger. Sensing something was wrong, the deer bolted, leaving behind a missed chance. Tears flooded Jill’s eyes in response to the tone of her brother’s voice and for missing a perfect opportunity. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to shoot the deer – she couldn’t see it. “That’s when we discovered Jill needed glasses,” Jeremy says. Jill took a few years off from what she describes as a “traumatic hunting experience.” She used that time to rest up, get her eyes checked and get contacts. “Now I’m an expert deer spotter,” Jill says. “No one else can see deer like me.” The Kihnes count down the days to North Dakota’s rifle season in November, where blaze orange is always fashionable, but only a certain amount is required. Mom’s monster cookies have become a highlight of the weekend and are often eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Friends and family travel from two to four hours to attend the yearly bonding experience, occasionally with new hunters being brought into the fold. Jill’s boyfriend, Matt Huber of West Fargo, joined the group in 2005. He quickly adapted to the new experience and what the harvest provides. “Everyone likes deer jerky—you make friends fast,” Huber says. Huber has watched as his girlfriend takes deer like a pro. Every year since her first outing, Jill has taken a deer. Her count is up to three – which is also the number of guns she owns and she’s looking to bag deer number four this year. While traveling in a Photos by Ann Arbor Miller
pack with brothers, uncles, friends and her boyfriend, she mentally works herself up to pulling the trigger. “I tell myself they’re going to jump out in front of my car and that I do it for population control, not just to kill something,” Jill says. “I think, ‘they’re eating too much of the crops,’ just so I can keep up with everybody.” The three day weekend is full of highs and lows, ranging from relaxing and nearly falling asleep to the adrenaline that pumps through veins when a deer is spotted. When the tags are filled, the family usually splits up the harvest: one has deer sausage made, others go for jerky or a burger mix and everyone trades so they have a variety for the coming year. “When I was younger it was all about who got the biggest buck,” Jill says. “Now I’m older and I see the whole picture and it’s different. Sometimes that buck is a once in a life time deal.”
Little White Deer Tales The Kihnes admit that sometimes the stories from their hunting parties grow and take on lives of their own. “The shot is always further and further away and the deer grows bigger each time the story is told,” Jeremy laughs. But Jeremy’s not free from exaggeration. Jill says he uses the word “monster” about 100 times on any given hunting trip, such as “monster buck” when describing what he saw.
“Really?” Jill ribs him with a smirk. “Was it?” Usually when Jill returns from the trip, her girlfriends have a tough time believing what she was up to. “It’s not all rough and tough and rugged as they portray on TV,” Jill says. “Sometimes you can see the beauty and enjoy the moments that you’re out there - you’re just sitting around waiting for something to happen. Her advice for new hunters is to choose your hunting partners wisely and make sure you get along with them, because it can be highly stressful at times.
Build It and They Will Hunt Twenty years ago, the hunting fraternity in North Dakota belonged to families that passed down the skills and the tradition. But with the rise in North Dakota’s deer, pheasant and duck numbers, more hunters are finding a retreat in the state. In the 70s, the state offered 45,000 deer tags, now more than 110,000 are available. The
Fall 2010 7
“The shot is always further and further away and the deer grows bigger each time the story is told.” – Jeremy Kihne state’s deer population grew gradually in the 70s and 80s and exploded in the late 80s into the mid-90s. As the deer population grew, so did hunters’ opportunities. “I’m surprised how many people I know that are in their mid 20s that didn’t grow up with it in their family, but they want to give hunting a try,” says Doug Leier, North Dakota
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Game and Fish biologist. “They think, ‘I live in the Midwest, I can go out and the populations are plentiful and the opportunities are there.’” Leier says wildlife clubs are great organizations that provide a network of experienced hunters, but the first step that many people take is enrolling in a hunter safety course.
Finding that Path Growing up in Valley City, N.D., Rory Beil had many friends who hunted with their families. He remembers thinking “hunting” was when his high school classmates got out of school on a Friday for deer opener. Call it jealousy or misunderstanding, Beil didn’t appreciate it. But in his mid-30s, an avid bow hunter in Fargo peeked Beil’s interest in hunting. His view widened as he learned about appreciation for nature and spending time outdoors, and he invested in a new past time. Almost all of the hunters he knows grew up in the circle, which left Beil looking from the outside in. Through a series of fortunate events – inheriting a bow from a friend and receiving a rifle at a good price—Beil warmed up to the idea of wearing the title “hunter.” As part of his education to this new world, he enrolled in hunter safety training at 34 with one of his close high school friends who also wanted to get into the sport. It was them learning along with a couple hundred 12-year-olds, but it was worth it.
“I think there is a real like with having an appreciation for nature—I think there is something that contributes to health by spending time outside and hunting does that for me.” His determination is evident in a story he tells about learning to gut and dress a deer. A friend was supposed to teach him how to do these things so he could be independent in the field, but he moved away before the lesson. So Beil sat glued to the television, playing an instructional DVD on the subject a half a dozen times. He took his knowledge into the field and once he got hands on experience, there was no stopping him. “I was oblivious to the joy of hunting,” Beil says. “Now I’m enlightened and I appreciate the role that we play in the biological cycle and managing of some of the animals that run freely in nature.” With seven years of hunting behind him, Beil has a freezer full of venison after each season and an excuse to spend hours outdoors. He looks forward to sharing his passion with his three children, ages four, eight and 10, as soon as they become of age and show interest.
Sportsmen Against Hunger North Dakota Community Action Partnership (NDCAP) developed a win-win situation back in 2004, with the statewide launch of “North Dakota Sportsmen Against Hunger.” The education campaign encourages local community sporting groups to develop a venison donation program, which helps provide a quality protein source to people who are struggling to meet their daily food needs. “One of the hardest things for food pantries to get is meat, they struggle to keep protein on the shelves,” says Ann Pollert, executive director of North Dakota Community Action Partnership.
Pollert says many hunters will buy an extra deer tag and donate the meat, or donations are received from those who enjoy hunting but can’t consume a deer each season. Nearly 30 processors participate, often receiving donations from more than 20 sporting groups to process the meat into onepound packages that go to North Dakota food shelves and other outlets. The donations are kept local, from Minot and Park River, to Valley City and Wahpeton. Along with the meat, NDCAP provides recipes for the ground venison, especially for those who aren’t used to cooking with such lean meat.
In 2009 the Sportsmen Against Hunter program accepted rifle and bow harvested deer. Hunters across the state donated 353 deer throughout the seasons. NDCAP hopes to expand the program across North Dakota and is always looking for clubs and hunters with which to partner. For more information about the program, including a list of participating processors, sponsors and program guidelines visit www.capnd.org, call the NDCAP at 701.232.2452 or 1.800.726.7960.
Resources and Information: Anyone born after 1961 must complete a certified hunter education course and show proof of certification when purchasing or applying for hunting licenses. Official courses offered by other states and Canadian provinces meet these requirements.
North Dakota Game and Fish Department www.gf.nd.gov Wildlife Pursuit TV, Fargo, ND 701.261.4697 www.wildlifepursuit.com North Dakota Outdoors www.nodakoutdoors.com Cass County Wildlife Club Casselton, ND 701.347.4716 www.casscountywildlife.org
Sandhills Archery Club West Fargo, ND 701.277.1442 www.sandhillsarchers.org Fargo Park District: University of the Great Outdoors 701.241.1350 www.fargoparks.com Minnesota Department of Natural Resources www.dnr.state.mn.us Northland Outdoors www.northlandoutdoors.com
“Boom Boom Out Go The Lights�, available under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic license. 2007, Space Ritual
City of Fargo Deer Management Program cityoffargo.com/CityInfo/Deermanagementprogram.aspx ND Concealed Carry Class 10 a.m. Nov. 20 10 a.m. Dec. 11 To sign up, call Tak Windham at 701.720.9958 Wholesale Sports, 4901 13th Ave. S., Fargo, ND First Shots for Ladies Presented by National Shooting Sports Foundation Wholesale Sports, 4901 13th Ave. S., Fargo, ND Call 701.281.7000 for upcoming class information. Big Buck Contest Bring in your white tail buck to be scored, every Monday night in Nov. from 6:30-8:30 Scheels, 1551 45th St. S., Fargo, ND Freight Dock - Gift card prizes for 1st-3rd place. www.ScheelsSports.com Seminars and Events Gander Mountain, 2121 43rd St. S., Fargo, ND www.GanderMountain.com > Seminars and Events
Cold Weather Bird Guide If
you want to attract songbirds to your yard during the colder months, it’s best to put out your feeders early. Many birds find their feeding grounds in early fall. Don’t worry, if you put your feeders out now, many birds will still find them. Hang feeders from a hook in your yard to better avoid the squirrels. Pam Mortenson, owner of Critters Feed and Seed in Moorhead, says no matter where you hang your feeder, there are inventions that can help minimize the squirrels taking from the birds. Mortenson also says a way to attract many birds, including robins, is to create open water for them by using a heated birdbath. Keep this guide handy and use it to identify the birds that are visiting your backyard.
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Finches 1
Pine Siskin 2
Many people think gold finches leave our area during the winter months. They actually stick around, but their signature bright gold coloring, dulls to a brown with a hint of gold. Also watch your yard for purple finches and house finches. They eat nyjer (thistle).
Adults are brown on the upperparts and pale on the under parts, with heavy streaking throughout. They have a short forked tail with yellow patches in their wings and tail, not always visible; otherwise, it appears to be a very small streaked sparrow. They enjoy nyjer (thistle).
Northern Cardinals 3
Blue Jays 5
House Sparrow 6
This mid-sized songbird has a distinctive crest on the head and a mask on the face, which is black in the male and gray in the female. The male is a vibrant red, while the female is a dull red-brown shade. To attract cardinals to your yard, put out shelled peanuts and sunflower seeds.
This colorful bird is one of the few that prefers its peanuts in the shell. They are smart birds that may sit on your deck and ask for more if you run out.
This is a small bird, with feathers mostly different shades of brown and grey.
Chickadees 4 This black and white songbird will stay in our area year round. It eats sunflower seeds and peanuts.
Fall 2010  13
Change the way you think about design.
Common Redpoll 7
Woodpecker 8
These colorful birds don’t usually show up in our area until December, if at all. Their native Canada is their feeding ground, but if the food supply becomes scarce, they cross the border and search for food in our area. They feed on nyjer (thistle) or black oil sunflower seeds. Bird watchers reported many of them in our area in 2008, but hardly any in 2009.
There are many different types of woodpeckers, perhaps the most common in our area are the Downy Woodpecker, which is the smallest woodpecker in North Dakota, and the Hairy Woodpecker, which is medium sized. Both adult males are characterized by red on the top of the head. They are attracted to suet or shelled peanuts.
Resources 1 “Gold Finch”, available under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license. 2008, David Friel
6 “Male House Sparrow”, available under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license. 2008, John Haslam
2
“Pine Siskin”, available under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license. 2008, Ingrid Taylar
“Common Redpoll”, available under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license. 2010, tuchodi
3 “Northern Cardinal”, available under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic . 2007, tlindenbaum
8 “Downy Woodpecker”, available under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic license. 2004, Suzanne Kempke
4 “Carolina Chickadee Front”, available under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic. 2010, Mr. T in DC
9 “Nuthatch”, available under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license. 2009, Tony Hisgett
5 “Blue Jay looking for a hand out!”, available under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic. 2010, Dawn Huczek
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Nuthatches 9 Characterized by large heads, short tails, and powerful bills and feet, they make their territory known by using loud, simple songs. They enjoy peanuts out of the shell and black oil sunflower seeds, in the shell or out.
case studies • blog writing • news releases • copywriting • web videos/testimonials • resumes • cover letters • brochure writing • television/radio commercial script writing • internship program development • and more storycatcher • writer • video producer
Fall 2010 15
Attracting wildlife to backyards is becoming popular nationwide and up here when the temps drop, the snow flies, and everything is frozen solid, we just assume that there are no moving things out there to watch – not true!
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Creating a Habitat in Your Yard By Mat Paulson
W
ith my business and as a volunteer for the National Wildlife Federations Wildlife Habitat Program, I am frequently asked how to attract birds. It is the same for any season, any species, bird, insect, mammal or amphibian. Food, water, shelter, places to raise young are the elements that are needed. Attracting wildlife to backyards is becoming popular nationwide and up here when the temps drop, the snow flies, and everything is frozen solid, we just assume that there are no moving One note before you buy seed, do not things out there to watch – not true! My parents are great examples for buy the prepackaged mixed seed. The winter bird watchers and see dozens bags are most usually filled with fillers of varieties of birds all winter long. that are wasted and make a mess on Their secret isn’t unique and it is plain and simple - they provide food, water, the ground. and shelter. Offer seed in different feeders, at different heights, and at different parts of the yard. Cracked corn scattered on the ground or on a short platform feeder will attract ground feeders like Juncos and Mourning Doves. Suet will bring in the woodpeckers and Nuthatches. Tube feeders with Nyger will supply the Finches and separate feeders filled with Safflower and Black Oil Sunflower seeds will make the Chickadees and Sparrows happy. One note before you buy seed, do not buy the prepackaged mixed seed. The bags are most usually filled with
Fall 2010 17
fillers that are wasted and make a mess on the ground; also, the fresher the better. Bags may sit on shelves for months so why not find a local supplier or feed and seed store and get the best available, it will make a difference. Water is as important as food during the winter months and if you have open water in your yard or on your deck you will have birds. There are many heated birdbaths on the market. And to make sure the birds find the water source, add a water wiggler that will attract them from afar. By now it is much too late to plant but natural shelter is key for creating a Backyard Wildlife Habitat. Thoughtfully placed trees and shrubs will not only provide shelter from the elements but allow birds to stay
With 3 Little Birds Landscaping I enjoy customers that want to attract native wildlife and I show them how easy it is. Our landscapes should provide benefits not only for us but for wildlife as well. Get back to native plants, many of
Water is as important as food during the winter months and if you have open water in your yard or on your deck you will have birds.
safe from predators. While we wait for the ground to green up, we can add some artificial shelter with roosting boxes/ birdhouses or creating a brush pile.
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Photo By Sue Paulson
these will help birds and other native wildlife survive our rough winters. Plant fruiting trees and shrubs that provide a food source at different times of the year. Native wildflowers will not only attract hummingbirds and butterflies in the summer but will supply seed in the fall for migrating songbirds. Evergreens are a great choice for shelter and the right ones near your foundation will help save heating costs in the winter. Trees properly located provide shelter and places to raise young and will shade your home and thus lowering your cooling costs. Most important, planting native plants will provide food for wildlife; be easier to maintain; help you conserve water; and provide you with a beautiful yard that you can enjoy. The part that I like best is planting natives to reduce your lawn. There are so many benefits to lawn reduction such as less maintenance, lowering emissions from your mower, lowering your water use, more to enjoy, and the wildlife will love you for it. Do you offer food, water, shelter and places to raise young in your yard? If so get certified! The National Wildlife Federation has a wonderful Habitat Program
and it is easy to become certified: www.nwf.org/. If you would like to find out more about gardening for wildlife, join a local organization. Wild Ones is a community of people that advocate and educate for the use of native plants: www.for-wild.org/. Audubon Dakota is a local birding community that does great work with conservation and have many bird outings throughout the year: www.audubon.org/locations/audubon-dakota. Other great local resources are your city, county, and state extension agents. Mat Paulson owns and operates 3 Little Birds Landscaping in Moorhead, Minn., which offers landscape maintenance, design and installation. He specializes in creating backyard habitats and attracting birds and butterflies to urban settings. Contact Mat at 3littlebirdsonline@gmail.com. Resources 1
“Field Sparrow”, available under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0
Generic license. 2009, Kelly.Colgan.Azar 2
“Bird Seeds”, available under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic
license. 2009, thskyt
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Photo thanks to Ultimate Transportation, Wheels, Inc., and McLaughlin’s RV and Marine
Trailer Maintenance for Winter
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By Karla Tetreault
Chris Hehn, service manager of As the first snow falls and your favorite Ultimate Transportation in Fargo warns against this. “People avoid winter activities start taking over the maintenance for the most part because weekends on your calendar, the last thing they’re afraid of spending money, but on your mind is probably the tedious task pretty soon their repair bill will be the of preparing your trailer for the same as the cost of a new trailer.” new season. Despite how daunting and expensive seasonal maintenance sounds, with the help of Hehn, we highlighted some of the most common problems that result from not maintaining your trailer, the cost to fix those problems, and a few steps you can take at home to make your trailer last longer and keep it running smoothly. 20 Outdoor Design
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Maintain, maintain, maintain Hehn calls trailer maintenance the cheapest insurance people can get on their trailer. He repeatedly emphasizes the importance of establishing an annual maintenance program with your trailer, and scheduling it before
the season starts. Hehn warns that once the first snow falls, everyone brings their trailer in to get checked at once, and they all want it done right away. So to avoid the rush, plan ahead.
Saving your paint job Problem: The salt, snow and chemicals on winter roads can quickly erode the finish of your trailer, quickly decreasing its value for re-sale. Cost: Special solvents are needed to clean thoroughly, and professionals have places to dispose of grease and solvents. Price to clean your trailer range from $15-75, depending on its size. At-home fix: After every trip you take with your trailer you should at least wash and rinse off your trailer at home to bet rid of major debris. An even better choice would be to take it to a professional.
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Save your tires Problem: Hehn estimates that 90% of trailers checked at Ultimate Transportation have low tire pressure. Having low pressure in your tires leads to overheating, which eventually leads to their destruction. Cost: New trailer tires generally cost $60-190 per tire. At-home fix: Use a tire pressure gage (specifically one that was purchased at an auto parts store or tire store). Be sure that tire is inflated to tire manufacture’s specifications, which can be found stamped on the inside of the tire.
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Photo Taken in Grand Forks, ND
Photo Taken in South Fargo
Photo Taken in South Fargo
Photo Taken in South Fargo
Want to be part of the Inspiration Guide? Send your photos to info@OutdoorDesignandLiving.com
Photo Courtesy of Deckmasters
Wiring Connections Problem: The complication of bad wiring connections is the biggest issue that Hehn sees in trailers. “A lot of people don’t understand electricity at all”, he states. So if you can’t fix your trailer’s wiring yourself, be sure to bring it to a reputable repair shop or a friend who has the knack for being a handyman. Cost: Replacing ruined wiring connections can cost up to $118 At-home fix: To keep the wires running from your tow-vehicle to your trailer clean and working, put dielectric grease (also called silicon grease) on terminals of trailer plug and metal terminals of vehicle plug.
Axle Bearings Problem: Low tire pressure leads to damaged wheel bearings and axles, caused by people not knowing how much PSI their trailer can hold. This issue is especially common when owners use their trailers to haul sandbags during flood season, which bends and breaks their trailer frames, axles and rims. Cost: Replacing one hub costs $100-130. Replacing more than one can cost up to $400. At-home fix: Pump wheel-bearing grease into hub. Directions on correct procedures should come with your trailer, and guides for correct maintenance methods are also available online through trailer axle manufactures. Another piece of advice Hehn always gives to his
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customers is to always carry a spare tire along when they’re using their vehicle. One worst-case scenario that repeatedly happens in the winter occurs when people set off on a trip and are driving in the middle of nowhere when their trailer gets a flat tire. In these cases, especially if they happen in the middle of the night, drivers oftentimes have to wait several hours for someone to come help them get a new tire for
their trailer. When it’s below freezing outside, this is never a good start to a vacation, Hehn warns. If you’re hesitant about spending any more money than you need to when maintaining your trailer, Hehn points out that most estimates are free, if you want to bring your trailer into a professional to get it visually checked out. However, he continues to emphasize that trailers should be examined by a professional at least once a year. “Treat them just like you do your car,” Hehn says, “because trailers are used much more severely than people think.” Resources 1
“Rusty Texture”, available under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic
license. 2009, Designm.ag 2
“Another Flat”, available under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic
license. 2009, Mightohm
Selecting a Proper Building Site By Eric Brown
Landscape Architects are often brought into a project’s design process early on to maximize the property’s full potential— sometimes even assisting in the selection of a certain piece of property to develop. Selecting and siting a proper location for a new residence or building may be one of the most important considerations made early in the design process that will influence every other decision thereafter. For example, locating, or ‘siting’ a new home on a residential site will affect views – both inside and outside of the home; the look of the home in the context of the existing neighborhood or area; as well as sun exposure, circulation on the property and other future considerations onsite.
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Views Siting a home for views is the owner’s way to control their surroundings, or at least what they see of their surroundings, and how others see them. Much like an architect introduces new rooms to a guest, peeling back layer by layer from a public realm to that of the private family space, a landscape architect will locate the home on the site to not only introduce the visitor to the property, but also restrict views of the private outdoor spaces. You would not have a midnight dip in your hot tub with a warming beverage and your significant other, with the hot tub located on your front yard boulevard—you see the point. Some spaces, even outdoors, are meant for ‘private’ or ‘invite only’ uses that require proper positioning to be achieved.
• Control Your Surroundings • Create a Private Space
Fall 2010 27
Exposure In our climate, summertime exposure is as important a consideration to the building location as wintertime exposure. With some preliminary conceptual work and historical climatic data, landscape Architects are able to create microclimates that utilize natural light areas if sited in the correct location. Microclimates are small zones where more comfortable conditions arise from aspect or slope. One example is the south or westfacing walls of a building are more likely to be hotter and uncomfortable on a sunny day in the summertime, but more comfortable in the winter. Protected alcoves that capture wintertime sun and block cold winds may extend the use of a comfortable patio space further into the fall and earlier in the spring. Existing (and future) tree canopies, topography, architecture, and adjacent land uses all play a part to how exposure interacts with a site’s uses. The landscape • Create Natural Light architect’s goal would Areas be to maximize and • Create Microclimates utilize these.
Neighborhood Landscape Architects consider neighborhood background information when siting a building, especially the existing neighborhood character, including frontage site lines, setbacks from roads and other houses, and existing tree canopies. Landscape Architects understand an incorrectly sited newer home in an older neighborhood could be devastating to the • Evaluate Existing character and ‘feel’ of the Neighborhood area. They work with Characteristics city zoning codes on • Understand City setback locations. Zoning Codes
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Circulation Circulation considerations affect any building site, however large or small a site may be. Landscape Architects look at the different realms of circulation when selecting a proper building site. Considerations include everything from driveway access—entering and leaving (vehicular circulation), pathways for public and private entrances (pedestrian circulation), and patio and recreational space layout (user and maintenance access). In terms of landscape architecture, circulation is really the study of how the building and site interact with each other, and how the visitor (or owner) interacts with different parts (driveway, sidewalks, patios & landscape pathways) to make up the property. • Consider Traffic Flow Landscape Architects Throughout Space make considerations • Plan For Future for everything Expansion from preventing car headlights from flashing bedroom windows to neighborhood sidewalk and formal ‘front door’ access to the residence. Circulation also plays a part to how current or future planned patio spaces are located and used—an intimate, out-of-the-way table for two, or a thoroughfare from garage to garbage cans— and everything in between.
Planning for the Future Landscape Architects work on masterplans—landscape designs that consider all individual aspects of a property (house, patio, pathways, landscape, etc.) and how they relate to each other for the ‘full picture’. Masterplans may be for a new property, or an existing property that needs a ‘freshening up’ or a new use. Masterplans may be installed over multiple phases and many years. Selecting a proper building site on a property is only the first step to completing the masterplan. Setting up the initial masterplan helps to future-proof for renovations, expansions, and tie multiple phases into one cohesive project, which may be installed • Set Up a over many years, but look Masterplan fully planned out and not • Implement ‘piecemealed’ together. Phases
Eric Brown is a Fargo-based landscape architect. For more information about landscape architecture in Fargo, visit www.LandElements.com. Land Elements is a landscape architecture firm focusing on conceptual design to create a unique sense of place.
Fall 2010 29
Making Tracks from West Fargo to Alaska By Karla Tetreault
There is a small building,
tucked in the corner of West Fargo,
that is a secret...
Photos by Linda Kaye
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Living Guide
to many in the area. About 10 years ago Tom Lykken started experimenting with ways that he, an avid summertime fisherman, could extend his fishing season into a comfortable year-round activity, as the harsh winter weather generally kept him off the ice. Fast-forward a decade, and Lykken is now the president of SnoBear UAG, a company that manufactures and produces the only deluxe motorized fish house of its kind, distributing them throughout North America. The machine consists of a cab that is completely self-contained and uses a patented front ski mechanism and
a patented MaxTrack technology to move it up to 24 mph on the ice. After being driven to a fishing spot, the machine lowers itself 14 inches onto the ice without requiring anyone to leave the comfort of the heated vehicle. The SnoBear can hold up to 10 people, and is heated, providing for a cozy, luxurious version of ice fishing - which is exactly what Lykken was going for. The engineer admits that he wasn’t looking for a profit when he first brainstormed the project. “I wasn’t really intending on bringing to production. I just wanted it for myself,” Lykken says with a chuckle.
Apparently others who have seen the vehicle for themselves have been equally entranced by the idea. When Lykken started driving his first model of the SnoBear around the lake and to service pumps in the area, he would continually get stopped by curious onlookers and have to spend up to a half hour explaining his novelty equipment. Those who have purchased the machines have been equally impressed. One of the customers who bought a SnoBear came back and has bought two more
ily em eas have th d n a r a r you ge nd you picks in ed arou e p ic o f lo o t se be a them ey will clude a o keep t Th a . e e p id safe. In o r a good iece of dr y le. It is keep a with a p o r e ls h A t e . accessib g gh em to k throu tying th ou brea y if l a neck by viv our sur . re a few ool in y t y e vehicle k , here a r h r u g e o u y h o t r o in h n nic. Do break t lothing bring a ot to pa set of c ate and r temps n n t u le t n s o n r a e e o t h fo c r g c o t e re un is Hau best ca t is imp s and th ally help If you a By Chr n life. I ter day e of the ill actu r w r m o w o u o h s ir r s o a y u g e o ing ped gy brin u were gain th in mak tion yo in savin the trap ice can e c ; c s e g ly Once a n r ip ir a t in a t d r h E e t h po son. ake your clo wards t f key im ing sea yourself don’t m back to remove u fety is o t y o a ice fish o d s y o n e nd pull b if a ic r o e t t u u o ic g y b a e , r n h b t eason ay from at. Tur to grip will you of the s you flo body aw e picks . Who r s ic u s r o e e y u c n o c ll y lo u e ; ro remove ea tal s ing. Us vehicle f you ar tand up lk I s r a trip a to t . u w o o m n y e t o h s c D uddy sy you rea water. . When ? ou have se the b . Once e going t of the u r it home h u , a g t o s u u es. If y o o o r h y t m h t e e lo r r u e c e o k fo h y y o r d diately. br rd ww now First an n imme on you ere you nd kno io them k h t t ie t u r w n f p e le t a t d d r a n n l a a eo of when medica and lothing ll them r spous e frame u wet c ia, seek tion, ca you dr y let you o a im m y p t r in e e t a e s h k t e m s o d set give the s of hyp afety tip ch your ou are on! ice and imple s you rea s when y ymptom e s h ll w t a and fish fe c n e e o o s n t ls e o u h A y o t r . g e y ll . He’s din o ev setup Hopefu are hea gler.com t lines t ou are n h y A t ig a a T e h . r . t A up season ct a call r of FM ere you that the packing arm this to expe founde om wh nd felt w r ou are e a f y h t r t n e e e b is fe h m st augen again w n reme ness ju s greatly on our Chris H up and as he ca in thick hicknes t g y t r n c a ’s lo e focused v R ff s t n a a a N a h g c n t D a e in e a c t h ic it o s nt fis Early eded a Minnes d curre enjoyed area ne ings an nto the r d o e p a s g e ic , h lo h k r t c o p o You can t to che are. De Fargo-M portan season. e c im ly r r is fo a t e I h y it ll es . ns. ew especia area lak n the ic conditio o e d ic e y a p fe t p s for sa y bar ta ways to website A heav couple . a o g e r u a o tly ss as y requen thickne a hole f l il r d o ping t or stop
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since, and a couple more customers already own two machines. “Until you experience the machine and the benefits, that’s one of the hurdles we have to get over,” Lykken explains. “Because once you use it once, you’re ruined.”
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In order to market the product, the company focuses on niche audiences, taking the SnoBear to sportsman shows and broadcasting commercials of the machine on fishing channels on TV, which air in the Northern United States, throughout Canada, and even in Alaska.
However, because of their geographically diverse marketing strategy, there are many Fargoans that don’t even know that a company like SnoBear is sitting in their own backyard. “It’s shocking, actually,” says Carrie Rice, the company’s office manager. The highest concentration of the 90 SnoBears that have been sold in the past three years have been purchased from customers living near Lake of the Woods in northern Minnesota, this area is closely followed by Saskachewa, Canada. But Fargo is on the bottom of the company’s client base. “To be truthful, if we sold one here in Fargo I’d be really happy,” Lykken says.
The Snow List Whether it’s the friendly people or the solid work ethic, most of us live here for a reason and we love it. With that comes a love/hate relationship with cold weather. We’re channeling our inner optimists right now, but won’t go so far as to say “let it snow.” How many of these will you tackle this year? Add your own favorites to the list! Make a snow angels Downhill ski Cross-country ski Go sledding or tubing Build a fort
“Until you experience the machine and the benefits, that’s one of the hurdles we have to get over,” Lykken explains. “Because once you use it once, you’re ruined.”
Start a snowball fight Create a snow sculpture Ice skate Dog sled Play ice hockey Watch it snow Catch a snowflake on your tongue Go for a walk right after a snowfall
Rice and Lykken don’t seem to be deterred by the lack of fame they receive from the F-M community. The novelty of the idea is enough to keep them inspired and passionate about their product. “It’s fun to be a part of something so uncommon,” Rice says, “to say you were there when it was just getting off the ground.” And that’s just the phase the company is currently in. Lykken spent three years creating the design, but the company didn’t started selling any machines until 2008. Since then the idea is rapidly catching on, and customers are not disappointed. “Those who have them love them. They say they’d never go back to sitting on a 5-gallon bucket, fishing inside a popup tent,” Rice says.
Fire up the snow blower Knock down some icicles Snap snowy pictures Build a snowperson Snowmobile Go ice fishing Watch a movie during a blizzard Go snowboarding
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1
2010-11 Snowmobile Resort Guide North Dakota
Twin Oaks Resort Bottineau, ND 1.877.326.4295 http://twinoaksresort.net A diverse resort that accommodates families and groups of all ages and sizes, Twin Oaks Resort also offers unique snowmobiling terrain, nestled next to the Turtle Mountains. Lodging options include hotel rooms, cabin and apartment rentals. 2
3
With over 250 miles of snowmobile trails in the hilly terrain nearby, guests will find plenty to do outdoors. For those spare hours when guests wish to turn in their snowmobile helmets, the resort includes amenities such as an exercise and fitness center, a restaurant and a bar. The Bottineau Winter Park is also nearby if vacationers wish to go downhill skiing or snowboarding for the day.
Forestwood Inn Hotel Walhalla, ND 701.549.2651 www.forestwoodinn.com Tucked in the heart of the Rendezvous Region in Northeastern North Dakota, Forestwood Inn Hotel is near both the Pembina Gorge and Tetreault Woods State Park, which together create 13,000 acres of undeveloped 4
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wildlife. The Pembina Gorge Trail System alone has over 450 miles of state groomed trails, which include warming houses stationed along the trail system. Forestwood Inn Hotel has 30 motel rooms for guests to stay in. Rates range from $50-80 per night. The Hotel also has its own Supper Club, which offers a diverse choice of steak and seafood, as well as cocktails. The hotel’s Tranquil Blue Therapeutic Massage spa is open on weekends.
spotting scope and binoculars. The lodge is located near the Pembina Gorge and Tetreault State Forest, which both offer ample snowmobiling opportunities. Also nearby is downhill skiing at Frost Fire Ski Area and cross-country skiing in Icelandic State Park. And for a relaxing night after a day adventuring outside, Moose Creek Lodge has a year-round outdoor spa. Rates vary from $65-114 per night.
Moose Creek Lodge Langdon, ND 701.256.5066 www.moosecreeklodgend.com A single lodge with ample space for families and groups, Moose Creek Lodge is a one-of-a-kind retreat that will provide a private retreat amidst the Rendezvous Region in Northeastern North Dakota. Overlooking the Tongue River, this refuge has a queen bed, two twin beds and a twin air mattress for sleeping. It also features a fully equipped kitchenette (although catered meals are available upon request), a great room, dining room and bathroom access. Amenities include satellite TV, a stereo including CDs, a
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Breezy Point, MN
Tales of an
Minnesota
by Paula Klein Vol. 5
Can an Indoor Girl “go green”?
Wildwood Resort Grand Rapids, MN 218.328.5858 www.wildwoodresort.net With five winterized cabins, each fully furnished with 3-4 bedrooms and built in either 2004 or 2007, Wildwood Resort is a sure bet for luxury lodging that will keep you warm after a long day of snowmobiling. The resort is connected to over 1,000 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, including the Bushwacker Trail that runs along the south side of Bass Lake, and the Taconite Trail which links trails throughout Northern Minnesota. Lodging rates vary from $199-499 per night, or $5991199 per week. Snowmobile rentals are available in the nearby city of Grand Rapids.
5
Many of us classify people who “go green” as tree huggers. If you know an Indoor Girl, you know that the last thing we will attempt to hug is a tree. Personally, I have fought my fear and frustration with trees for years. Growing up as a princess on the prairie, we lived in many newer developments on the edge of town with newer trees. The leaves that fell in the fall, typically blew away and never affected our yard. Imagine my horror and surprise after my husband and I bought our first home in the heart of a historic neighborhood. The wonderful old trees the realtor raved about quickly became my foliage foes. It started in the spring, with those little seeds that blew like confetti for weeks, filling every crack on the sidewalk and every nook in the flowerbeds. When the wind blew, the mighty trees lost branches and, sometimes, full-sized limbs. The visions of tree limbs crashing through our roof kept me awake during critical beauty sleep. I expected the falling leaves in the fall, as I remembered drawing similar pictures in my first grade art class. But nothing could have prepared me for the monumental explosion of leaf debris that happened. Bag, after bag, after bag of carefully raked leaves and the yard still remained covered. My first true experience with trees did not make me a “tree hugger,” so does that mean an Indoor Girl like me can never “go green”? The website www.urbandictionary.com defines the phrase “go green” as: to adopt an environmentally friendly lifestyle by recycling, buying local, reusing, minimizing driving, etc. “Going green” is not only a trend but a lifestyle and Indoor Girls are all about the latest trends. While we will never be tree huggers, but we can make choices in our everyday Indoor Girl lives and choose to “go green.” Here are a couple of suggestions on how us Indoor Girls can “go green”: Save Water: Make sure you have an up to date showerhead that uses less water per minute. Keep your daily showers short and lukewarm, it will help save your skin too. Turn off the water when you’re shaving - you’ll be kept warm by the remaining steam. Think Twice Before You Toss: Choose a washcloth over throwaway face wipes and invest in a reusable razor – keep the disposable products out of the landfill. If an Indoor Girl can make these sacrifies to our beauty primp and prep routine, then it’s safe to say, anyone can “go green,” not just the “tree huggers.”
Other winter activities at Breezy Point Resort include tubing, a lighted ice skating rink, snow golf, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and downhill skiing (20 minutes away). The resort complex also includes three restaurants, giving guests a vacation from cooking without having to walk far to dine.
Breezy Point Resort Breezy Point, MN 1.800.432.3777 www.breezypointresort.com Located just north of the Brainerd Lakes Area, Breezy Point Resort offers a plethora of lodging options including hotel rooms, deluxe condominiums, vacation homes and unique retreats. The Lakes Area trail system has thousands of miles of trails, with 1,500 miles in Crow Wing County alone. The resort is only 5 miles away from the Paul Bunyan Trail, which connects Brainerd to Bemidji through a 100-mile long groomed trail. The resort offers guests discounts at local snowmobile dealerships.
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Kohl’s Resort Bemidji, MN 218.243.2131 www.kohlsresort.com A family resort burrowed within the Buena Vista State Forest, Kohl’s Resort offers villas and cabins next to 1,000 miles of groomed trails leading to and within Itasca State Park. Accommodations fit 4-12 guests each with a nightly rate of $101-406 in the winter months. The resort includes an indoor pool and sauna, an outdoor hot tub, ice fishing opportunities, a skating rink and downhill skiing at the Buena Vista Ski Resort, only 10 minutes away.
Manitoba
Brereton Lake Resort Brereton, MB 204.369.5352 www.breretonlakeresort.ca With seven cabins open year-round, each including either a Jacuzzi, hot tub or fireplace, Brereton Lake Resort offers luxury lodging in southeastern Manitoba. The resort is located in the middle of Whiteshell Provincial Park, which has over 1,700 square miles of protected wilderness. Brereton Lake Resort features a full-service restaurant and lounge, a convenience store, gas/propane sales on-site, and snowmobile rentals. Resources 1
“Fairview 2009”, available under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0
Generic license. 2009, Philms 2
“Chad”, available under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic
license. 2010, MotoWebMistress 3
“The Frozen Forest”, available under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0
Generic license. 2010, Magic Foundry 4
“Snowmobile”, available under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0
Generic license. 2010, Timo Newton-Syms 5
“South from below Pikku Totovaara”, available under a Creative
Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license. 2010, Magic Foundry
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Chicken Tortellini Soup When the temperatures dip in to cooler numbers, I crave flavorful soups, stews and different varieties of chili. I have many recipes in my cold weather recipe stash, but one of my favorites has to be this great Chicken Tortellini Soup. It’s a combination of a few different recipes I’ve collected and simmered over the years. Imagine your grandma’s homemade chicken noodle soup with a simple modern twist. It’s been a hit with family and friends and I love to cook up a big batch when I have guests over.
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• Extra Virgin Olive Oil • 3-4 cloves garlic • 1 medium onion (white, or Vidalia for sweeter option) • Rib of celery (optional) • 2 carrots • 3-4 bay leaves • 5 thyme sprigs
• • • • •
Kosher salt Fresh cracked black pepper 64 ounces chicken broth 1 rotisserie chicken Pre-made tortellini (I recommend four cheese) • Grated parmesan • Chopped parsley
Finely chop the garlic, onions, carrots, and celery. If you prefer a more rustic soup, do a rough chop on the vegetables but give them extra cooking time. (Another option is to use a food processor to blend the ingredients). Pull the pre-made rotisserie chicken and put aside chicken in a bowl.
Living Guide
Weather Corner
with Meteorologist Lisa Green of Valley News Live
I grew up in a special part of the county called the “Snowbelt.” If you’ve ever lived downwind from one of the Great Lakes you know exactly what I’m talking about. It is ingrained in us snowbelters to recognize that when the wind turns northwesterly in the wintertime, we’re going to get dumped on. This always brought two very happy thoughts to my mind: “Snow Day!” and “Where’s the sled?” Sadly, the snow days were very few and far between; places that are used to snow are also efficient at getting rid of it. But that didn’t mean I couldn’t build a snow fort as soon as I hopped off the bus. Winter and I don’t really get along, but I have always loved snow. It somehow makes those cold days bearable, even fun. And now that I live in one of the coldest parts of the country, it has become that much more important. If I have to sit in an ice block of a car waiting for it to warm to a temperature where molecules start to move again, I would rather see a
Start with a dash of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add all of the chopped veggies and cook briefly. Add bay leaves, thyme, salt, pepper, chicken, and chicken broth. Cover and cook to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer. Remove bay leaves. Test and add salt and pepper to taste. Add the pre-made tortellini. Cover and let cook for 10 minutes until the tortellini is cooked and has puffed up. Finally use grated Parmesan and chopped parsley to garnish when serving.
winter wonderland out of my frosty windshield. The fact that I’m a meteorologist is both a blessing and a curse in the days marching toward winter. It means I have the inside scoop on what’s to come: Good for planning, bad for peace of mind. This fall, our climate has done a 180º. We’ve flipped from an El Nino to a strong La Nina. It’s not always the case, but La Nina brings with it the threat for more frequent cold snaps in the Upper Midwest. For a region that already boasts it is home to the “Nation’s Icebox,” the idea of a cold snap strikes a cold shiver down the spines of us not-so-
Enjoy!
hardy folk. But here’s the good news for some of us: La Nina tends to increase the likelihood of extreme precipitation events in the winter. According to data from the National Weather Service the statistical likelihood for a major snowstorm in any given
Rat is a personality on the Y94 Morning Playhouse, 93.7FM. You can listen to him weekday mornings from 6 a.m.-9 a.m. In his few moments of spare time, Rat enjoys making home improvements, along with cooking and adapting recipes.
winter season is 50/50. During La Niña winters, the threat is more than doubled. As with anything in weather, there’s no guarantee, but the thought of a White Christmas (with just a touch less wind this time) makes me feel at home. Maybe I’ll buy a sled this year.
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What’s Happening Nov. 20, Dec. 11, Jan. 15
Dec. 9-Dec. 12
Awesome Art Afternoons Children will create a variety of art projects to take home. This program is free thanks to Xcel Energy Foundation. Adult supervision required. Groups of 10+, call 241-8160.
The Blenders Fargo Theatre 314 Broadway Fargo, ND
Location: Robert D. Johnson Building, Fargo Time: 1:00-3:00 pm
7:30 pm (2 p.m. on Sunday) 701-235-4152 Admission: $35.00
Dec. 12
Nov. 23 Xcel Energy Holiday Lights Parade 6:30 p.m. Downtown Fargo/Moorhead
The Christmas Music of Mannheim Steamroller 7 p.m., Fargodome.
Jan. 12 Wizard of Oz – Broadway Show 7:30 p.m., Fargodome
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Jan. 12 at 10:00 am & Jan. 20 at 2:00 pm Scaly Tails It’s all about scales and tails. Get up close and personal with some of the zoos reptiles and you may discover they’re not as creepy as you might think! Red River Zoo 4253 23rd Ave S Fargo, ND 701-277-9240 www.redriverzoo.org
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