Lakes Area Leisure 2020-21 by Park Rapids Enterprise

e r u s i Le Lakes Area B ack

2020 - 2021

N at ure

Heartwarming adventures. We didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t spend months planning the perfect activities. Or rearrange the car about 12 times to make sure everything fit. But, with the crude oil we transport, we did help create the i t e m s t h a t m a ke t h e s e a s o n s exhilarating. When the energy you invest in life meets the energy we fuel it with, fun happens.

Keep your waters pristine.

Commit to STOP the Spread of Aquatic Hitchhikers • Clean, Drain and Dry Your Gear and Equipment Before Moving Between Lakes • Clean Off Any Mud, Aquatic Plants and Animals • Drain Water....Bilge, Live Well, Bait and Ballast Bags • Use Bottled or Tap Water to Transport Your Bait Schedule Your FREE Boat Decontamination - mndnr.gov/decon

Protecting Hubbard County Lakes Since 1988 www.hubbardcolamn.org

LAKES AREA LEISURE - BACK TO NATURE | 3

A PUBLICATION OF THE PARK RAPIDS ENTERPRISE Visitors to the Heartland Lakes area soon learn it’s the land of 10,000 things to do. To find out the latest local news and upcoming events, turn to the Park Rapids Enterprise, an award-winning newspaper published every Wednesday and Saturday. We offer yearround subscriptions for Minnesotans and out-ofstate visitors. Receive unlimited access to 30-plus newspapers, exclusive deals and events, news archives and e-papers by subscribing to the Enterprise. For more information, call 218-732-3364. Our office is located at 203 Henrietta Ave. N., Park Rapids. You can find us online at www.parkrapidsenterprise. com, Instagram or our Facebook page.

LOONY TUNES Decoding the state bird’s calls

othing symbolizes the beauty of a “signature” northern Minnesota more than yodel. Some the haunting call of the loon, our people have state bird. learned to Few birds use sound to communicate in recognize a specific as many ways as loons do. Scientists have loon by his yodel. categorized common loon calls into four main Wail: The high, haunting wail helps loons types, each conveying a unique message. to figure out where they are relative to each Hoot: A loon gives a hoot – a soft, short other. They call back and forth, using the call – to let other loons know where it is or to location of the sound to move closer together. ask another loon where it is. A parent might Minnesota has more loons (roughly hoot to its chick, or one of a pair to another. 12,000) than any other state except Alaska. Tremolo: The wavering tremolo call – Do your part to protect loons. Minnesota’s sometimes likened to maniacal laughter – loon population is threatened by loss of means a loon is excited or alarmed. Loons also breeding habitat, water contamination and use the tremolo when they fly over a lake to direct human disturbance to shoreline nests. announce their presence to any loons there. Watch loons from at least 200 feet away. It’s Yodel: Only male loons make this loud particularly important to stay away from sound, which starts with three notes and nesting loons. Be a responsible boater – ends with a couple of swinging phrases. They never chase loons and use only non-lead use it to defend their territory. Each male has fishing sinkers and jigs.

Fun facts about loons • Park Rapids calls itself the “Loon Capital of the U.S.A.” • The Minnesota Legislature adopted the common loon as Minnesota’s state bird in 1961. • A loon’s legs are near the rear of its body, enabling it to dive under water with great speed and agility. • The bones of most birds are hollow and light, but loons have solid bones. • The extra weight helps them dive as deep

4 | LAKES AREA LEISURE - BACK TO NATURE

as 250 feet to search for food. They can stay underwater for up to five minutes. • Because their bodies are heavy relative to their wing size, loons need a 100- to 600-foot “runway” in order to take off from a lake. • Loons can fly more than 75 miles per hour. • The red in the loon’s eye helps it to see under water. • Scientists think loons can live for 30 years or more.

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Park Rapids is gateway to outdoor fun

ark Rapids is the ultimate tourist destination with its endless recreational opportunities, lakes and friendly people. Known as the “Gateway to Itasca State Park,” the population swells in the summertime as visitors return to the area for its unique and beautiful natural surroundings, particularly the more than 500 clean, clear lakes that surround the area and invite all types of water sports – from fishing to water skiing. The Park Rapids area also boasts more than 3.5 million forest acres to explore year ‘around. In the fall, visitors enjoy hiking, hunting, canoeing, fishing, biking and enjoying the colorful autumn leaves. Ample snowfall attracts snowmobilers every winter. Ice fishing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, skijoring and many other wintertime activity opportunities abound. In between the outdoor fun, check out of the many shops, restaurants and entertainment as well.

Common butterflies of Minnesota Canadian Tiger Swallowtail

White Admiral

Northern Crescent

Clouded Sulfur

Silvery Blue

Common Wood Nymph

Main street mystery

he parking on Main Avenue has mystified many visitors. A street wide enough to accommodate center and side parking may be more than a curiosity, though. It is said since Park Rapids originally was a logging community, the street was laid out wide enough to allow teamsters to turn their horses around. It also has been said the street was made wide so piles of lumber could be stacked in the center to dry. Both stories may be right. 6 | LAKES AREA LEISURE - BACK TO NATURE

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Admire Minnesotan sculptures on trail

en new sculptures adorn Red Bridge Park and downtown Park Rapids. All will remain in place for one year. All were created by northern Minnesota artists. This marks the third summer of the sculpture trail. This year’s artists are Paul Albright of Akeley, Al Bellevue of Puposky, Tim Cassidy of New York Mills, Barb Christiansen of Ponsford, Mark V. Hall of Kasota, Tim Nelsen of Bemidji, father and son duo James and Ryan Pedersen of Walker and Simon Zornes of Bagley. One sculpture, “Sunrise” by Patrick Shannon of Vergas, will carry over for another year and has Enterprise file photos been relocated from Red Bridge Park to downtown. (Left) Created by Tim Nelsen of Bemidji, "Sprocket" sits in front The City of Park Rapids and Park Rapids Arts and Culture of the Park Rapids Armory. (Right) Barb Christiansen of Ponsford crafted this sculpture by the red bridge. Commission collaborate on the project.

Ojibwe Language Project offers bilingual signage

oozhoo! environment with an awareness of and That’s Ojibwe for “greetings respect for Ojibwe culture,” said committee or welcome.” member Beth Baker-Knuttila. “It is the Visitors may notice signs in Ojibwe hope of the committee that the use of and English. bilingual signage will acknowledge the The Ojibwe Language Project grew out Ojibwe as first inhabitants of our area, of a three-year partnership between the encourage more curiosity about the Ojibwe League of Women Voters Park Rapids Area, culture by local residents and tourists alike, the Park Rapids Public Library and Pine and encourage better relationships between Point community members. Now it’s a part the communities of Park Rapids and Pine of ACTION Park Rapids Lakes Area. Point as well as others on the White The Ojibwe Language Project encouraged Earth Reservation.” local businesses, schools and government entities to display Walker, Detroit Lakes, Grand Marais, Duluth, Kelliher, White bilingual signage. Earth and Red Lake have launched the Ojibwe Language “The goal of the project is to create an inclusive, welcoming Project in their communities.

Songbirds of Minnesota

Red-winged Blackbird

Song Sparrow

Downy Woodpecker

Purple Finch

Chickadee

White Breasted Ruby Nuthatch Hummingbird

Bluebird

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Goldfinch

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Pick wild fruits of the forest

athering wild berries was a necessity in the past. Now it’s a pleasurable recreational activity. In Minnesota, berry picking is allowed in state parks and in state and national forests, and the rangers might even direct you to a good area. Berry production varies from year to year, but different types of edible berries can be

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found all summer long. Wild raspberry, wild strawberry and low bush blueberry are the three shrubs that provide the most commonly harvested berries in Minnesota.

Wild blueberry

According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota has two native blueberries: common lowbush blueberries and velvet-leaf blueberries. Both grow primarily in the northeastern half of the state, but they can be found growing from the furthest northwestern counties all the way to the southeastern corner of the state. This is a low bush, growing from six inches to two feet high. It is found in sandy soil, open woods and clearings. It’s often found surrounded by coniferous trees, such as

jack and red pine. Bell-shaped white or pinkish flowers bloom in late May or early June. Berries begin as white, pale blue or green and mature to round, dark blue berries in July and August.

Wild raspberry

Wild raspberry plants can be found throughout Minnesota. The DNR says wild red raspberries thrive in areas with full to partial sun, including open woodlands, forest edges, roadsides, streambanks, ravines, and untamed prairies and grasslands. They often appear a year or two after an area has been cleared. It is a low, arching, prickly shrub from one to five feet high. Wild raspberries flower during June of their second year and begin producing berries in their third year. Fruit begins ripening in mid-July and continues

through August.

Juneberry

Commonly known as serviceberry, saskatoon or shadbush, look for juneberries along sandy or gravelly lakeshores, in brushy areas near meadows and streams or next to ditches along gravel roads. In northern Minnesota, find them along the edges of dry open woods and around rocky outcrops. Eight species of juneberries are native to Minnesota, and most counties have at least one type. It’s a shrub or small tree growing six to 20 feet high with white, fivepetaled blossoms. The fruit, which ripens in late June or July, is round and almost black when mature. It resembles blueberries. It can be eaten fresh or used for jams. It also makes a fine beverage. Continued on page 12

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10 fun firefly facts 1. They are beetles.

produce. Some glow blue or green, while others glow orange or yellow.

Fireflies are not flies, but nocturnal members of Lampyridae (which in Greek means “to shine”), a family of winged beetles. There are more than 2,000 species of fireflies, and only some have the ability to light up.

7. They taste disgusting.

Fireflies are poisonous to some animals. When fireflies are attacked, they shed drops of blood. The blood contains chemicals that create the bitter taste and poison. Most animals have learned this and avoid munching on fireflies.

2. Fireflies are just one type of bioluminescent species.

Fireflies are probably one of the more popular of these species, but they’re definitely 8. Fireflies sometimes practice not alone in their ability to light up. Most of cannibalism. their bioluminescent peers live in the ocean so When fireflies are still in the larvae stage, people don’t have as much contact with them. they snack on snails. Usually as they mature, Their light is created by a chemical reaction they move away from meat. Scientists believe during which oxygen combines with calcium, Lightning bugs in a jar-soft focus adult fireflies live off of nectar and pollen. adenosine triphosphate and luciferin with the diffusion through glass, enhanced But others, especially the Photuris fireflies, with Photoshop. help of the enzyme luciferase. When they are enjoy their own kind. Photuris females often larvae, fireflies use their bioluminescence to eat males of other genera. They attract scare off predators. unsuspecting males by mimicking their light pattern.

3. Not all fireflies have the “fire.”

Those who don’t produce light are usually most active during the day, while fireflies that produce light are active at night.

4. Fireflies are energy efficient.

Firefly lights are the most efficient lights in the world. Onehundred percent of the energy created is emitted through the light. In comparison, an incandescent bulb emits 10 percent of its energy as light and a fluorescent bulb emits 90 percent of its energy through light. Fireflies’ efficiency is partly due to luciferin’s heat resistant properties.

5. Light shows are part of mating.

Most of the fireflies flying around are males looking for a mate. Each species has a specific light pattern that they use to communicate with each other. Once a female spots a male she likes, she will respond with the same light pattern. Usually females are perched on plants, waiting for a mate.

6. Not all firefly light looks the same.

Each species has their own specific color of light they

9. They need your help.

There are several reasons why firefly populations are declining, including climate change, light pollution and habitat destruction. When firefly habitats are destroyed for roads or other construction, they don’t migrate to a new spot, they simply disappear. Keeping a firefly journal can help scientists learn more about fireflies. Go to the Museum of Science Firefly Watch website (legacy.mos.org/fireflywatch), which includes a virtual habitat and a link to share observations of fireflies with scientists.

10. Have a firefly party!

The best areas for firefly viewing are near lakes and damp wooded areas. June, July and early August are prime viewing times. Bring a flashlight and go out after dark to a selected location. Wait for 10 or 15 minutes and if no fireflies are seen, select a new location. Sometimes flashing a flashlight will help in getting fireflies to respond with flashes of their own. This firefly information is courtesy of Ecowatch (www.ecowatch.com). Check it out for more firefly facts.

Continued from page 10

Wild strawberry

If you look close to the ground alongside a sunny path in the woods, you might spy the bright, red berries of wild strawberry. Each plant is two to six inches tall and spreads above the ground on “runners.” A plant has three leaflets that look like toothy ovals. The berries are tinier than garden or market strawberries, but taste better. It blooms in late May and into June with a white, five-petaled flower with a yellow center. Berries will ripen in mid-June through most of July. Strawberries are members of the rose family.

Elderberry

The common or American elderberry is a shrub growing from four to 12 feet tall. It’s found in most soils along roadsides, ditches, streams and in fields. It has creamy clusters of tiny, starshaped flowers that become round, purplish-black berries in late summer and early fall. The fruit is used for jelly, pies and wine. 12 | LAKES AREA LEISURE - BACK TO NATURE

Currant

Five varieties of currants are native to Minnesota and are easy to confuse with gooseberries because their leaves are quite similar. This is a low shrub, two to five feet high. It’s found in moist places, cool woods and thickets. The fruit is very sour, round, smooth and ranges in color from pink to dark red. It ripens in late June and July. It can be used for jelly and jam.

How to build a safe campfire

ampfires are a summer tradition in the northwoods. ► Build a small fire and contain it within a fire ring three Gathering around a crackling campfire and listening to feet or less in diameter. the loons calling from the lake is a peaceful way to end ► If no fire ring is available, scoop out a depression in the the day. Whether cooking hotdogs, roasting marshmallows or center of the cleared area and arrange a ring of rocks around it. taking the chill off the night air, these tips will help you build ► Have a bucket of water and a shovel near the campfire in a campfire that burns well and extinguish it safely when you case the fire spreads. are done.

Campfire styles

Building a safe campfire

These are a few of the most popular styles. There are a few important things to consider before The Teepee building a fire. This is the most common type of campfire. It is made by a If wilderness camping, pick a spot at least 10 feet from tents creating a base of kindling (newspaper, bark, or dry brush) and and away from brush and grass. This will keep smoke away from the sleeping area. Also pick a location that is sheltered then leaning logs onto each other over it. The fire is started at the bottom, and as the kindling burns it ignites from the force of the wind so the fire will not be the logs. Eventually the teepee will collapse as blown out. the logs burn and fall into the middle of the Be sure young children are actively supervised fire. More logs may be added as needed. The so they do not get too close to the fire. They teepee fire produces a lot of heat and light, should also practice the move “stop, drop but is fast-burning, so be sure to have a good and roll” used to extinguish clothing supply of wood on hand a safe distance that catches fire. from the fire to add as the fire burns The DNR suggests these steps down. to build a safe campfire: ► Clear the campfire The Log Cabin site down to bare soil and This type of fire may remove any combustible also be referred to as the materials (leaves, sticks, criss-cross or self-feeding etc.) within five feet of the fire. Continued on page 14

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7 scrumptious s’more recipes

othing says “Northwoods dessert” like a s’more eaten around the campfire. No dishes are required, although paper plates to set up the graham crackers topped with chocolate are a nice addition. A wide variety of s’mores can be created by varying the type of cracker, chocolate and filling. Here are seven scrumptious combinations to get started, but many more can be created. Some stores now carry flavored marshmallows as well. Graham crackers can also be replaced with Oreos, rice krispie bars or even crisped waffles to create even more variations. Marshmallows are best roasted over the fire’s embers on a long roasting fork. Turn the roasting fork throughout the roasting process until the marshmallow is puffy and golden brown. Break graham crackers into squares. Put the marshmallow on top of chocolate between two squares cinnamon graham cracker. and enjoy! Peanut Butter Cup It is also helpful to keep a container of wet wipes nearby for Fill a plain graham cracker with a medium peanut butter cup. sticky fingers.

Classic S’more

Fluffernutter

Spread peanut butter on one square of a chocolate Fill a plain graham cracker with squares of milk or dark graham cracker. chocolate to cover surface.

Salted Caramel and Bacon

Strawberry Nutella

Spread Nutella on one square and top with thinly Fill a plain graham cracker with a square chocolate caramel sliced strawberries. and slice of cooked bacon.

Cinnamon Snickers

Grasshopper

Use a chocolate graham cracker and top with a flat square Slice a mini Snicker bar lengthwise and place on half of a chocolate mint.

Continued from page 13 fire. A log cabin format consists of logs stacked in alternating layers like the frame of a log cabin. Larger logs are stacked in a criss-cross fashion at the bottom level, then medium sizedwood, then small wood. Put some twigs and brush on the top for kindling and start the fire from the top down. As the fire burns on top, it will spread down to the next layer, making this a self-feeding fire. The Log Cabin fire is exceptional for cooking since it produces a steady heat and burns for a long time.

The Swedish Torch

This type of fire is ideal for cooking or boiling water with a limited supply of wood. Take a large log and slice it in an “x” shape to create just enough air flow to allow a fire to burn in the center. Shortly after starting the fire, set a pot or kettle on top of the log base. Remove the pot or kettle before the log burns and collapses.

Extinguishing the campfire

When leaving the campsite, make sure the fire is completely out. TakeMeCamping.org states that the best way to extinguish the fire is to first use a bucket to spread water over the fire to extinguish the flames. Next, use a stick to stir the fire bed and then pour more water over the area. Repeat as needed until there is no more “hissing” sound coming from the fire when water is poured over it. Cover the area with dirt. This assures embers are all extinguished and cannot re-ignite. Stay in the area for at least 30 minutes to make sure the fire does not start up again. 14 | LAKES AREA LEISURE - BACK TO NATURE

LAKES AREA LEISURE - BACK TO NATURE | 15

Autumn and winter adventures at Itasca State Park BY CONNIE COX Lead naturalist, Itasca State Park

Enterprise file photo

Snowshoeing among the tall pines at Itasca State Park is a way to get out and enjoy the beauty of nature during the winter months.

hile summer for visiting Itasca State Park, is the most autumn and winter also popular time offer many opportunities to explore the beauty of nature.

• Hunting & Fishing Licenses • Big Game Registration • Bear Bait • Fuel • Groceries • Off Sale Liquor • Fishing Bait & Tackle www.rockcreekgeneralstore.com Located at north entrance of Itasca State Park; Jct. of Hwy. 200 & Co. Rd. 2

Check out the fall colors

Itasca has three waves of autumn colors. A typical season of fall colors starts with the maples, birch and basswood in midSeptember to early October as these trees flash their yellows, orange and deep red colors. The next wave to come is the deep red-brown and orange-gold of oak and aspen in early to mid-October. The season wraps up in

mid-October with the rich gold of tamaracks. Don’t be surprised by an early snowfall that enhances the rich gold colors. Enjoy the fall colors on a trail hike or explore the hiking club route. The blaze of maple trees in early autumn is an inspiring sight. Enjoy the many small lakes along the route that follows the Ozawindib, Cross Over and Deer Park trails. Get off the beaten path for maples along the Red Pine Trail. The Dr. Roberts trail offers a good mix of the three color phases. Enjoy the reflection of the fall colors on the water when

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boating, canoeing or kayaking on the park lakes. Lake Itasca and Mary Lake offer lovely views of fall colors. Bring along your fishing rod! Cool fall weather often means the bite improves.

Hidden gems of autumn

Enjoy spotting wildlife as it prepares for winter. Raccoons, deer and bear feed heavily on acorns and other nuts and fruits. Watch for squirrels and chipmunks collecting pine cones for the winter stores. Watch the young of the year. Trumpeter swan cygnets freely move about the lakes with their parents. You can tell the difference by the drab gray plumage of the young birds. Young loons are seen on park lakes until just before ice cover. Most adults have migrated in September. Amazingly the young instinctively know where to go, migrating to the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic coast along Florida. Once all the leaves are down, your view extends well into the forest. Look at the rolling Continued on page 18

Showy Lady's-slipper - Cypripedium reginae - also known as Pinkand-white Lady's-slipper or the Queen's Lady's-slipper. Beautiful Minnesota State Flower - pink and white on green natural background

Showy lady’s slipper: Our state flower

innesota is the only state to have an orchid as its state flower: the pink and white lady’s slipper. It’s illegal to pick this rare flower that’s typically found in the swamps, bogs and damp woods of northern Minnesota. Lady’s slippers bloom in late June or early July. It takes between four and 16 years before the plant produces a flower. Under the right conditions, lady’s slippers can live for more than 100 years. The pink and white lady’s slipper can grow to a height of 3 feet – the tallest of the state’s 43 species of lady’s slipper.

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Learn to identify poison ivy, sumac

Poison sumac

ontact with poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac can cause red, swollen skin, blisters and severe itching, sometimes within hours. Learning to identify and avoiding these plants is the best treatment. Poison ivy is native to Minnesota, according to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Its range extends from Canada to South America. Western poison ivy has a short, woody stem and three, solid green leaflets. This perennial can grow as an erect shrub or a climbing/ creeping vine. Poison sumac has oval leaflets with smooth edges arranged in groups of 7 to 13. The leaf stems are always red. The bark is gray and smooth. It’s usually found in swampy or boggy areas where it grows as a small tree or tall shrub. All parts of poison ivy and poison oak contain a toxic, oily substance called urushiol (pronounced “you-ROO-shee-ol”). The poison is absorbed by the skin almost immediately,

Poison ivy

although symptoms may appear 12 to 24 hours later. Never burn these plants. Smoke and ash can cause a skin rash. Inhaling the smoke can cause serious health problems. Gently washing your skin with ordinary soap within five to 10 minutes after exposure may help avert a reaction. Wash clothing and any other contaminated objects promptly with detergent or warm, soapy water. Mild cases resolve on their own within a few weeks. Control itching with calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream. Oatmeal baths and cool compresses also might be helpful. Severe or widespread rashes should be seen by a doctor, especially if there’s a fever, blisters are oozing pus and the rash affects your face or genitals. Barrier creams containing 5 percent bentoquatam are the only FDA-approved, skinapplied products proven to protect against or reduce the severity of the rash when applied at least 15 minutes prior to exposure.

Continued from page 16 landscape that is usually concealed by summer vegetation. Riding the bike trail is lovely in fall. The colors are stunning and the bugs are gone for the most part. Fall camping with a cozy campfire, the smell of smoke in the crisp air, listening to the raccoons snuffle like pigs as they eat acorns and watching the amazing star-filled sky! What can be better? Maybe a s’more or two!

Winter wonderland

Itasca State Park offers a variety of winter recreation opportunities. The water runs all year long at the Headwaters of the Mississippi River. The main foot trail to the Headwaters is kept open all winter. Enjoy a walk to the river and watch for otters that might be swimming in and out of the open water. Their long sinuous trails look like bobsled runs on the snow. Birders will like the walk in this area. Rare early winter sightings might include rusty blackbirds and belted kingfishers are attracted to the open water. Snowshoeing is another popular activity in the park. Several trails are marked for snowshoeing including the Dr. Roberts, Brower, Mary Lake, Schoolcraft and LaSalle trails. Schoolcraft trail gives snowshoers a view down Lake Itasca. Schoolcraft Island is the focal point of the view. Snowshoeing is a great way to do some birding. The pines and spruce often attract whitewinged crossbills, pine grosbeaks, brown creepers, red-breasted nuthatches, kinglets and the elusive black-backed woodpecker. Don’t be surprised by ruffed grouse popping out of snow banks where they seek refuge from the cold nights! 18 | LAKES AREA LEISURE - BACK TO NATURE

Myth or Fact? MYTH: The rash is contagious. FACT: Rubbing the rashes won’t spread poison ivy to other parts of your body or to another person. The blisters contain only body fluids. You spread the rash only if urushiol oil has been left on your hands. Urushiol oil is potent – only 1 nanogram (one billionth of a gram) is needed to cause rash. MYTH: You can develop a rash simply by being near the plants. FACT: Direct contact is needed to release urushiol oil. Contact may be between the plant and bare skin or the poison may travel on the fur of a dog, gardening gloves, camping equipment, clothing or other intermediary. MYTH: Don’t worry about dead or dormant plants. FACT: The plants are poisonous year ‘round. Urushiol oil stays active on ANY surface, including dead plants, for up to 5 years.

Trails are groomed with the option for either skate skiing or classic skiing. The park’s south entrance road closes for the winter. The snowmobile trail crosses the road near the south entrance. The main road is groomed for both classic and skate skiing as is a good portion of Wilderness Drive. The south entrance is a good option for beginning skiers. The rolling landscape offers a mid-level classic ski experience on trails including Ozawindib, Crossover, Deer Park, Aiton Heights and DeSoto Trails. The bike trail is converted to a classic ski trail in winter. Work your way up from the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center to the Headwaters of the Mississippi. The round-trip on the trail is 10 miles. Ice fishing on Lake Itasca is another winter option. So is taking a leisurely tour through pine forests and past small lakes by snowmobile. Snowmobile trails wrap around the outside boundary of the park, connecting with a larger network of trails outside the park. Spurs lead snowmobilers to both the Headwaters of the Mississippi River and the Jacob V. Brower Visitor

Winter Lodging

Looking for a winter get-away? Stay in one of the Itasca Suites. Winter is a quiet time at the park, both because of the smaller number of visitors and the winter stillness in the forest. On a quiet day, if it is snowing, you can hear the snowflakes as they fall through the pine needles! Winter fun is right outside your door with access to ski, snowshoe and snowmobile trails starting from the parking lot of the suites. Stay updated on snow depth and trail conditions by checking the Minnesota DNR website for winter trail conditions.

Home of the Famous

Call for a brochure today! 218-252-4570 or 218-652-2465 Reservations available online Akeley City Campground & Park akeleycitycampground.com

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Camp in the Peaceful Beauty of

11th Crow Wing Lake

Ice Cracking Lodge

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Est. 1934

• 28 RV Sites - 30 Amp. & 50 Amp. electric & water • Grassy Tent Sites • Showers & Restrooms • Boat Access • Swimming Beach • Playground

Daily, Weekly, Monthly and Seasonal Rates Just off the Heartland Trail and within walking distance of downtown Akeley. OWNERS - BRIAN AND TANDRA PARSONS

Green Scene Market is the food hub for the Leech Lake area! We offer local & organic produce, a diverse selection of groceries, grab-n-go salads, sandwiches and snacks, catering and an on-site farmers’ market during the summer.

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NICE CATCH! LAKES AREA LEISURE - BACK TO NATURE | 19

Shroom hunters swoon over area fungi

BY ROBIN FISH

rfish@parkrapidsenterprise.com

or some members of the Paul Bunyan Mushroom Club – spread out across north central Minnesota – the hunt is all about delicious delicacies just lying around for people to find in the prairies and woods. For others, like club president Gene Kremer, their interest extends beyond edibles to include life forms of alien beauty. “Our area, with its coniferous and deciduous forests, hosts many colorful and interesting species of mushrooms,” said local club member Mary Mitchell. A local latecomer to the mushroom hunting game, Bill Steen says, “My limited knowledge is based on having been lucky enough to discover and identify a few species of fungi that seem to be favored by more experienced mushroomers.” For example, on one of his first forays, Steen found a Maitake (Grifola frondosa), also known as the hen of the woods – a cluster of golden-brown polypore fungus in the shape of a shirt ruffle that usually appears in late summer and early autumn at the base of a tree. When he found one during a guided mushroom hunt, nestled at the base of a dying oak, Steen said, “The experienced club members swooned when they saw it. I was a shroom hero for a few minutes. Taken to a nearby picnic area with a temporary fire, it was cleaned, fried with butter, followed by many ‘experienced’ comments of how great the Maitakes are. We took half of it home and processed it (dried and frozen) for future use.” A few years later, he found another hen of the woods at the base of an oak on his own property. Another remarkable find was a cluster of three giant puffball mushrooms (Calvatia gigantea) in the ditch off a township road. “The hunter is totally surprised that the mushroom universe creates these almost alien” life forms, he said of the head-sized shrooms. He added that his favorite way to process one is “where it (is) halved and sliced like bread, dried in the oven, freeze dried, and used as a thickener like flour or as a base for

Submitted photo

Local mushrooming beginner Bill Steen's first find was a large Maitake. When he found one during a guided mushroom hunt, Steen said, "I was a shroom hero for a few minutes."

homemade cream of mushroom soup. It has a very mild taste.” His third proud discovery was a Laetiporus, or “chicken of the woods,” spotted growing on a tree along the Minnesota River bottom. Also known as the sulfur shelf, he said, “with its bright coloring, it was easy to spot lying off the trail about 30 feet.” Returning the next day, Steen was disappointed to find that someone else had discovered and harvested it. The distinctive yellow polypore is said to taste like chicken. “Rules to follow with no exceptions related to mushrooms,” he said, are as follows: ► Pick mushrooms with an experienced shroomer. ► Don’t eat it unless it is positively identified. ► Sustainable harvesting makes sense; one can return for future growth. “Life could not exist without fungi,” said Mitchell. “It breaks organic matter down and allows the creation of new life. Mushrooms are endlessly fascinating to me. Each one is unique, and there is always so much to see and learn.” Steen advises following the guidelines at pennypost.org. uk/2018/08/ten-simple-rules-fungus-foraging. For more information or to get involved in the club, visit pbmushroom.org.

Submitted photo

(Left) The Maitake (Grifola frondosa), also known as hen of the woods, ram’s head and sheep’s head, is a polypore mushroom often found at the base of an oak tree in late summer to early fall. (Center) Calvatia gigantea, or the giant puffball, is a mushroom that can be found in fields and forests during late summer and fall. Steen said this monster has a mild taste and, when dried, can be used as a thickener or soup base. (Right)Laetiporus, often called chicken-of-the-woods, is an edible mushroom said to taste like chicken.

20 | LAKES AREA LEISURE - BACK TO NATURE

Find diversions in Dorset

orset has become known for its annual Taste of Dorset festival, held the first Sunday in August. Folks walk the boardwalk while nibbling all kinds of tasty cuisine from outdoor vendors. Many travelers bicycle to Dorset by starting on the Heartland Trail in Park Rapids, Nevis, Akeley or Walker.

Explore lake-rich Akeley area

keley boasts many outdoor activities and attractions for tourists. It is located right on the corridor of the Lake Country Scenic Byway, 10 miles west of Walker and five miles east of Nevis. The many resorts around the lake-rich area offer amenities for a vacation to remember. Off-highway vehicles, snowmobilers, ATV riders and hikers can explore Paul Bunyan State Forest’s hundreds of miles of trails. Akeley’s city beach and campground provide easy, public access to 11th Crow Wing Lake for picnicking, fishing and camping. The Heartland Trail – a 49-mile, multiple-use trail open to non-motorized use – meanders through Akeley. It was the first rail-to-trail project in the nation.

Akeley Muni

The

Where Paul Wets His Whistle!

ON SALE - OFF SALE

• Happy Hour Monday-Friday: 11am to Noon & 5pm-7pm • 2 for 1 Saturdays: 11am-Noon FOOD - POOL - DARTS - PULL TABS, E-TABS, FUN! ON SALE/BAR Hours: Monday-Friday: 10am-1am Saturday: 9am-1am; Sunday: Noon-8pm OFF SALE Hours: Monday-Friday: 10am-10pm Saturday: 9am-10pm; Sunday: Noon-6pm

218-652-4084

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Home Style Biscuits & Gravy, Stuffed Hashbrowns, Juicy Burgers, BBQ Ribs, Broasted Chicken, Homemade Desserts & Many More Mouth Watering Selections!

FAMILY FRIENDLY • CATERING AVAILABLE Open Daily - Hours Vary By Season, Give Us A Call.

AT THE JUNCTION OF 34 & 64 AKELEY ,MN • 218-652-2233 LAKES AREA LEISURE - BACK TO NATURE | 21

See the Headwaters area on an ATV

BY RON JENSEN

President, Forest Riders ATV Club

TVing has provided people of all ages with the ability to enjoy the outdoors, appreciate the many lakes, forests and scenery in Minnesota as well as the many utility uses they provide. The Forest Riders ATV Club has 29 members and meets once a month, April through October, one of 74 ATV clubs in Minnesota that publish a bimonthly statewide publication listing activities throughout the state. Our club maintains 125 miles of trail during the ATV season, generally opening on May 1 of each year. Maintenance includes keeping the trails wide enough and maintaining a fairly good surface for riding. Our policies and procedures follow good conservation techniques to prevent erosion and safety. Much of the cost of operating the club is reimbursed through a DNR grant-in-aid, which a small percentage of the gasoline tax goes into funding. We have several workdays throughout the year to ensure adequate signing and maximum safety for riders, remove downed trees, pick up any garbage and look for improvements along the way. Two times a year, our club picks up litter for two miles south of Itasca State Park, you will note that on the highway signs in that area. An important function of Forest Riders Club is the Youth

Submitted photos

(Left) Forest Riders ATV Club members not only enjoy the local trails, but also maintain them – for example, by picking up fallen tree limbs. (Right) ATV club members often ride the trails in groups, sometimes combined with other types of off-road vehicles.

Training Program for ATV Safety Certification. Each year, we typically have about 25 youth take the course, held in the fall. Updated information is available at www.mndnr.gov/safety. Note: ATVs are not allowed to ride in Minnesota state parks. The ATV industry has tremendous growth and, thankfully, these 74 clubs are responding to the need to have trails that are safe to ride and training programs to prevent accidents for the thousands of miles that are ridden each year.

Welcome to scenic lake country

evis lays claim to “home of the world’s largest tiger muskie,” and its trademark statue resides in the city’s Muskie Park. Nevis is also celebrated as the gateway to the Paul Bunyan Forest, where hikers, campers, snowmobilers and ATV riders enjoy more than 40,000 acres of woodland. The Heartland Trail, especially popular with bicyclists, runs through Nevis. 22 | LAKES AREA LEISURE - BACK TO NATURE

NORTHWOODS GROCERY

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BREAKFAST SERVED ALL DAY EVERYDAY

Gas • Live Bait • Tackle • Propane

Check out our daily specials

Groceries featuring Certified Angus Beef

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Open 6am-7pm • 7 days a week

200 Bunyan Trails Dr. (Co. Rd. 2) Downtown NEVIS

218-652-3608

218-652-3605

Thousands of Items

Area Antiques

Aune’s Kauppala Hwy. 34, Snellman Near Smoky Hills State Forest 18 miles West of Park Rapids

Superb Selection of Antiques, Collectables, Primitives, Glassware, Men’s Items, Garden Art, Toys, Books, & More

New items added weekly Stop in and see us!

ATTRACTIVE SHOP WITH QUALITY TREASURES

Discounts on Everything! Open Most Days Never on Sunday Mornings

Visit our shop & find a delightful selection of antiques, PLUS the works of 100 area artists & Heritage Custom Framing

ALL UNDER ONE ROOF!

Find us on Facebook Hwy. 34 Downtown Akeley • 612-720-8833 www.abigailsatticantiques.com

SuLaines Antique Mall

For the Treasure Hunter in You 10,000+ sq. ft. of merchandise and 60+ dealers!

218-844-6830

Facebook.com/sulainesantiques

502 3rd St. Downtown Bemidji (218) 759-8931

001417375r1

Abigail’s Antiques & Gifts

Open Year Round Monday-Saturday 10am-5:30pm and Sun. 11am to 5pm 603 E. Hwy. 10 Detroit Lakes

Handwoven Rugs v Boutique Room Clothing v Decorative Items

Memorial Day - Labor Day Wed.-Sat. 10am-5pm, Sun. 1pm-5pm

Open Weekends only: Labor Day - Deer Hunting (Cell)

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(Home)

The Cat’s Pajamas Antiques, COLLECTIBLES & CURIOSITIES

In A Country Setting Occasional Sales & By Appointment

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4 m i l e s N o r t h o f U . S . 10 o n C o . H w y. 137

Dorset Antique Stop

Antiques, Collectibles, Jewelry, Cottage Furniture, Linens, Shabby & Primitive 218-255-0179 • Downtown Dorset Joan Grover, Owner

4 2 67 2 C o u n t y H w y. 137 N ew Yo r k M i l l s , M N FACEBOOK.COM/CATSPJSANTIQUES

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LAKES AREA LEISURE - BACK TO NATURE | 23

Eating on the wild side

Wild Rice Meatballs

1 lb. ground beef BY LORIE SKARPNESS 1 small onion, finely chopped lskarpness@parkrapidsenterprise.com 1/2 cup cooked wild rice orthern Minnesota’s most popular native foods 1/2 tsp. seasoned salt include fish, wild rice, blueberries and mushrooms. 1/2 tsp. garlic salt Here are a few recipes that will bring a taste of 1/3 cup fine dry bread crumbs Minnesota to the table. 1/2 cup evaporated milk

10-¾-oz. can cream of mushroom soup 1/2 soup can water 1/2 soup can dry white wine 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. sage Black pepper to taste

These recipes are from the Native Foods section of North Country Cooking compiled by the Itasca West Combine ground beef, onion, rice, salts, bread crumbs and milk. Shape into 1-inch meatballs. Pl.ace meatballs on cookie Recreation Association. Adobe Stock

After a day of fishing, a crispy coated walleye fillet garnished with broccoli or served with a fresh salad makes a satisfying meal.

Crisp Coated Walleye 2 cups ice water Juice of 1/2 lemon 1/2 tsp. salt 1 lb. walleye or northern fish 1/2 cup cornflake crumbs

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese 2 eggs, slightly beaten 1/3 to 1/2 cup salad oil

In a shallow dish, combine water, lemon juice and salt. Add fillets and let stand 5 minutes. Drain and pat dry. Combine crumbs and cheese. Dip fillets into eggs then into crumb mixture. Repeat and let stand a few minutes for coating to set. Saute fillets in oil 3-4 minutes on each side or until slightly browned and fish flakes easily with a fork. Garnish with lemon wedges and parsley

Wild Rice With Mushrooms 1 lb. fresh mushrooms or 2 small cans 2 Tbsp. chopped onions 2 Tbsp. chopped celery

1/2 cup slivered almonds 1/4 cup butter 1 cup raw wild rice 3 cups chicken stock

Wash rice in cool water until clean. Combine all ingredients except chicken stock in pan and stir fry for 30 minutes. Add stock and put in 2-1/2 quart covered casserole dish and bake at 325 degrees for 1-1/2 hours.

sheets and bake at 375 degrees or until brown. In a saucepan, combine soup, water, wine and spices. Add meatballs and simmer for 30 minutes.

Wild Blueberry Buckle 1/2 cup butter 1/2 cup sugar 1 egg 2 cups flour 2-1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/4 tsp. salt 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk

1 cup wild blueberries Topping: 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup flour 1 tsp. cinnamon 1/4 cup soft butter

Cream together butter and sugar. Add egg and mix well. Stir together dry ingredients and mix all with milk. Gently fold in blueberries. Place mixture in greased 11.5-by-7.5inch pan and sprinkle with topping. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until done.

Stuffed Morels 1 lb. fresh morel mushrooms 4 oz. butter 2 cups white bread crumbs

7 ounces parmesan cheese 2 Tbsp. minced parsley Salt and pepper

Clean morels. Remove stems of large morels and chop with small morels to make 5 ounces. Melt 3 ounces of butter. Stir in chopped morels, bread crumbs and 5 ounces cheese. Mix and add parsley, salt and pepper to taste. Stuff large morels. Stand stuffed morels upright in small glass pots or glasses, sprinkle with remaining cheese and dot with butter. Cover each with foil. Stand the glasses in a roasting pan with boiling water in the bottom. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

TRAP SHOOTING Open to the Public OSAGE SPORTSMANS CLUB

Osage

Range Hours

Hwy 34

*Range Hours for Members Only Mon-Sun. Sun., no shooting before noon!

9:00am - 8:30pm Summer 9:00am - 4:00pm Winter

COST $7.50 Range is open to the public for rifle sight-in, 1 week prior to Deer Opener! For more information go to

www.osagesportsmansclub.com or Find Us on Facebook at

www.facebook.com/OsageSportsmansClub or call Allen Belt 218-732-0978 & Dan Mitchell 218-732-3527

24 | LAKES AREA LEISURE - BACK TO NATURE

Sales & Service Mercruiser Service • Boat & Pontoon Storage Mobile Service

218-732-0798 johnsonsservice.com located in Dorset

001574063r1

County 48 1.3 miles

Every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:00pm - 7:00pm

Trails galore to explore

akes country offers many opportunities to bike, run, walk or inline skate with beautiful scenery.

Heartland Trail

An excellent place for running, biking, inline skating and walking. There are mile markers posted along the trail, which runs from Heartland Park in Park Rapids to Dorset (6.3 miles), Nevis (5.3 miles), Akeley (6.3 miles), Walker (9.4 miles), Wilkinson (12.5 miles) and ends two miles before Cass Lake (7.2 miles). The hilly snowmobile trail alongside the Heartland Trail, with beautiful scenery and wildlife, is a great opportunity for horseback riding, mountain biking, running and walking.

Itasca State Park

A six-mile, paved biking trail connects Douglas Lodge with the Mississippi River headwaters. Wilderness Drive offers a 10-mile, one-way bike route. Rentals are available. Self-guided hiking trails take visitors through the most scenic parts of the park. In the winter, trails are groomed for cross country skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing. The park is located 20 miles north of Park Rapids on Highway 71.

Soaring Eagle

Spring and fall are good times for running on these crosscountry ski trails. The trails are located about 8 miles north of Park Rapids on Highway 71.

Paul Bunyan State Trail

The Paul Bunyan Trail is 115 miles long, extending from Crow Wing State Park to Lake Bemidji State Park. It’s the longest of Minnesota’s state trails and the longest continuously paved rail trail in the country. The trail is open year round to non-motorized use and snowmobile in the winter. In Walker, the route intersects with the Heartland Trail.

The North Country Trail is longest hiking trail in the U.S. – and it passes through Hubbard County.

Nation’s longest scenic trail meanders through Heartland Lakes

he North Country Trail (NCT) wanders 4,600 miles through America’s rugged northern Heartland. Traversing through seven states, the NCT is the longest national scenic trail in the U.S. It’s the only one in Minnesota. The trail path is natural, with roots and snags removed and overhanging limbs trimmed for unimpeded hiking. With the trail open to foot traffic only, hikers, berry pickers, hunters, birdwatchers, geocachers, snowshoers and Hok skiers have miles of trails to explore. Anyone walking this trail is in for a treat as it meanders through forested hills and valleys interspersed with rivers, lakes, and numerous wetlands. Short day hikes or overnight hikes are possible. The Laurentian Lakes Chapter is responsible for maintaining over 72 miles of the NCT. Maps, events and suggested hikes are available at northcountrytrail.org/llc. The Itasca Moraine Chapter, based in the Park RapidsWalker-Hackensack area, is responsible for a 107-mile section. The chapter also hosts year-around hikes. For more information, visit northcountrytrail.org/itm. A “Guide to Hiking the North Country Trail in Minnesota” guidebook is available in bookstores in Park Rapids, Itasca State Park, Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge and online. See northcountrytrail.org for information about the entire trail. LAKES AREA LEISURE - BACK TO NATURE | 25

Wildflowers of Minnesota

Columbine

Purple Coneflower

Water Lily

Iris Versicolor

Nodding Trillium

Bracted Spiderwort

Downy Yellow Violet

Common Yarrow

Fireweed

Black Eye Susan

Riverside United Methodist Church

Where the Spirit runs deep... 1005 Park Avenue North (Hwy. 71 N.) Park Rapids, MN 56470 Telephone: 218-732-5205 www.riversideumcchurch.com Pastor: Scott Jakel Summer Worship Schedule: 10AM Parking Lot Service Worship Schedule Updated on website & facebook

OUR MISSION IS TO HELP PEOPLE KNOW THE COMPASSIONATE, LOVING, FORGIVING GOD

305 W. 5th St. • Park Rapids • (218)732-5142 Office Hours: M-Th 9am-4pm

stpeterpr.org

Area Churches

St. Mary’s Catholic Church Father Thomas A. Friedl Memorial Day - Labor Day: Sunday Mass 10:00 am

School year Mass: 11:00 am

Hubbard United Methodist Church

12150 Broadway Rd., Park Rapids, MN 56470 (in the community of Hubbard)

Pastor Lauren Hauger SERVICE TIME: 9:00am Sundays

218-732-4046

Website: stmarys-twoinlets-churchandgrotto.com Located at: Two Inlets, MN 55744 Co. Hwy 44

218 -732 - 0224

hubbardumc.org

26 | LAKES AREA LEISURE - BACK TO NATURE

Park Rapids Assembly Of God  Sunday Praise & Worship Service - 10:30 am Sr. Pastor: Tim Wilson  Sunday School 9:30 am  School of Bible (All ages) Wednesdays 7:00 pm 208 Western Ave. S. (Hwy. 34 W.) 732-8818 www.pragmn.org

First English Lutheran-Dorset Pastor Chris Davis

Worship Services - Sunday: 9 am Sunday School & Bible Class: 10:30 am Worship online at www.dorsetlutheran.org (available after regular worship services)

(218) 732-9466

Visit us online for other Worship Service Info, Bible Studies, & Calendar Items. 20252 State Hwy 226 Dorset, MN

www.dorsetlutheran.org

Pastor Jeff Lange Sunday Worship Services:

8:15 & 10:45 am 8:15 & 10:00 am (Summer)

218.732.1404 1505 Park Avenue S Park Rapids Website: faithbridgepr.org Facebook: facebook.com/faithbridgepr

E ASTS I D E C H R I ST I A N C H U R C H

T H I S I S F O R E V E RYO N E You are welcome here wherever you are on your spiritual journey. All of us are on a unique journey; we each face different challenges. But life is better together - sharing both in struggles and the celebrations. You’re welcome here and we’re here for you whenever you are ready.

our vision is to transform our homes, community, and world by pursuing God, building community, and unleashing compassion. one neighborhood at a time.

YO U R FA M I LY Families matter and we’ll do everything we can to support you and encourage your kids. We believe in building into the next generation, as they have the power to change the furure.

JOIN US For current service times, visit us at eastside.com/parkrapids 16623 State 87 Park Rapids, MN 56470

Located 6 miles south of Park Rapids

LAKES AREA LEISURE - BACK TO NATURE | 27

Snapping turtle

Painted turtle

Tap into turtle knowledge

ine different turtle species live in Minnesota, but the snapping turtle and painted turtle are the most common in northern Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reports, “Fossil records show that turtles have been on our planet since the Triassic Period, over 220 million years ago. Although they have persisted through many tumultuous periods of Earth’s history – from glaciations to continental shifts – they are now disappearing from the planet at an alarming rate: Over 45% of turtle species are identified as threatened or endangered worldwide.” In Minnesota, about 44% of turtle species are listed as threatened or “species of special concern.” The snapping turtle is Minnesota’s largest turtle. As an adult, its upper shell (carapace) averages 8-14 inches in length, and its weight ranges from 10-35 lbs. Snapping Turtles occur in virtually all aquatic habitats

throughout the state, but prefer slow-moving, quiet waters with muddy bottoms and dense vegetation. They are common and often abundant in lakes, rivers, and marshes. Their head is large, with large and powerful jaws, and their neck is long. The Snapping Turtle is usually docile in the water but can be aggressive when it is on land, often lunging forward and striking out to “snap” at its foe. Painted turtles are medium-sized, oval turtles. The females grow to 10 inches in length, while the males only grow to 7 inches long. The painted turtle’s carapace ranges from black to dark olive green. The carapace is smooth and shiny. The plastron varies from red to orange with differing amounts of black patterning. The other species in Minnesota are the false map turtle, spiny softshell turtle, wood turtle, Ouachita turtle, northern map turtle and Blanding’s turtle.

Help turtles cross the road The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources offers this advice: ► Leave them alone if they are not in danger. Turtles crossing roads in late‑May and June are often moving to familiar nesting They know where they are going. ► Don’t put yourself or others in danger. Simply pulling off the road and turning on your hazard lights may alert other drivers to slow down. ► If you decide to help the turtle cross the road, turn on your signal, slowly pull off the road, turn on your hazard lights and watch for approaching traffic. ► Pick up the turtle by the back of its shell, NOT by the tail. Picking up a turtle by the tail can damage their spinal cord. ► Snapping turtles can be moved with a snow shovel. Other options include picking them up by their hind legs or having them bite down on a stick and carefully dragging them to safety. ► Move the turtle in the direction it is heading. Do not relocate the turtle to a new area, even if the habitat seems unsuitable. ► Wash your hands after handling a turtle. 28 | LAKES AREA LEISURE - BACK TO NATURE

Ducks of Minnesota

Wood duck

counties, preferring small bodies of water such as wooded potholes. They eat only plant material, favoring wild rice and sago pondweed. A small diving duck with bright yellow eyes, dark body and wings, a brown neck ring and a white ring on the front of its bill. Drakes are mostly black. Hens are dark brown. Fun facts: The ring-necked duck is also known as a ringbill.

Colorful wood ducks nest in hollow trees throughout Minnesota, near wooded river bottoms and potholes, flooded hardwood forests and lakes where nuts, berries, weed seeds, insects, and plants are available. Their willingness to use manmade nest boxes has helped bring wood ducks back from the brink of extinction. Lesser scaup Broad wings and a long square tail. Drakes have a This fast flier can be found near blue-green crested head with white stripes, reddishlarger bodies of water, where they brown breast, buff sides and red eyes. Hens are brown sometimes sit in flocks of more than with white speckled breast, crested head, and white 10,000. They eat aquatic insects, eye ring. wild rice and other vegetation and Sounds: The hen’s “wee-e-e-e-k, wee-e-e-e-k” whistle nest in grassy fields or on floating is commonly heard. mats of vegetation. They are found primarily in northern Fun facts: Wood ducks, also called woodies, have a Minnesota. strong grip and can perch on branches. A bulb-shaped, medium-sized diving duck. Drakes have dark purple heads, white sides and yellow eyes. Mallard Hens have dark brown backs, brown sides, white bellies Popular with both hunters and and a white ring around their bills. birdwatchers, the wide-ranging Fun facts: Historically, tens of thousands of lesser mallard is often seen in rural and and greater scaup have migrated through the Lake urban wetlands, ponds, and lakes of the Woods Pine & Curry Island Important Bird Area, throughout Minnesota. They eat though their population has fallen sedge seeds, grasses, knotweed, in recent years. aquatic plants and insects, corn, grains, snails and wild rice. Canvasback A large paddle duck with a blue patch on the wing. This fast-flying diving duck Drakes have a distinctive glossy green head and white sometimes gathers in large neck collar. Hens are mostly brown. Both sexes look like numbers on north-central Minnesota lakes. They nest in early females in the summer. Sounds: Hens use a loud, long series of quacks. Drakes May and eat sago pondweed, wild celery tubers, wild rice and aquatic insects. have a low-pitched “wheat” call. This large duck has a sloping bill. Drakes have red Fun facts: Mallards swim with their tail held above the water, so they can spring directly into the air eyes, cinnamon-colored heads and brilliant white backs. Females have tan heads, dark brown breasts and cream when threatened. sides and bellies. Blue-winged teal Fun facts: Canvasbacks build floating nests out of This fast-flying paddle duck cattails or bulrushes. travels in flocks and breeds in Bufflehead prairie areas during the spring. The bufflehead is a beautiful Sensitive to cold, they migrate little duck that nests in abandoned south sooner than most ducks in flicker holes in aspen parkland Minnesota. They like to eat aquatic from extreme northwestern insects, weed seeds and plants. Minnesota to Saskatchewan. They A very small duck with a small black bill. Drakes have forage underwater for insects, a white facial crescent, chestnut spots on the breast, and plants, crustaceans, mollusks and fish eggs. pale blue wing patches. Hens are gray-brown with pale This species has a distinctive head shape caused by blue wing patches. a puff of feathers. Drakes have white chest and flanks, Fun facts: Cinnamon teal look nearly identical to their iridescent green and purple face and a large white blue-winged cousins until spring, when both species grow their patch on the head. Hens are brownish with a white patch on the cheek. distinctive breeding plumage. Fun facts: Also known as a spirit duck, the bufflehead Ring-necked duck is very monogamous and migrates punctually. Gathering Ring-necked ducks breed mostly in small groups, one duck acts as a sentry while others in Minnesota’s northwestern dive for food. LAKES AREA LEISURE - BACK TO NATURE | 29

Dragonflies:

An aeronautical marvel

Male Autumn meadowhawk

ccording to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, dragonflies and their close relatives called damselflies are ancient insects and prehistoric reminders of the age of the dinosaurs. Enormous dragonflies with a wingspread up to 30 inches across were part of the Paleozoic landscape about 300 million years ago. Even with major changes in the landscape over millions of years, dragonflies have continued to adapt and are found worldwide. There are an estimated 5,500 to 6,500 dragonfly and damselfly species in the world. In Minnesota, there are about 140 total species. Damselflies are generally smaller than dragonflies and have a more slender body. Their eyes are widely separated, and they hold their wings together above their body when at rest. Dragonflies are an aeronautical marvel. They can hover, glide, and pursue prey species like mosquitoes at speeds up to 29 inches per second. They are an aggressive and voracious

Calico Pennant

30 | LAKES AREA LEISURE - BACK TO NATURE

predator that eats midges, mosquitoes, butterflies, moths, and even smaller dragonflies and fish. Although dragonflies are efficient predators, they also serve as prey for birds like purple martins, frogs and larger dragonflies. The nymphs are eaten by frogs, toads, newts and fish. The largest species of dragonflies are the Lake Darner and Arrowhead Spike tail which average 3.1 inches long and the smallest dragonfly in the state is the Elfin Skimmer which is only .8 inches long. Dragonflies and damselflies depend on abundant and diverse types of wetlands, rivers and lakes. Every species has special requirements related to water quality, aquatic vegetation, and natural shoreline vegetation where they may lay eggs, hunt, or rest. They serve as an important part of the food chain and comprise an important part of our natural biological diversity. There are about as many dragonflies and damselflies in Minnesota as there are butterflies, but butterflies are more well known.

American Emerald

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Minnesota’s creatures of the night

ong summer nights are perfect for sitting out on the on a glider plane, the patagium stretches out between their dock or by a campfire listening to the loons calling four legs, allowing them to glide long distances. across the lake. While enjoying the night, you may also Most of the time they glide between 20 and 30 feet, but can see one of Minnesota’s nocturnal creatures. When the sun sets, glide as far as 150 feet. There are two species of flying squirrels in Minnesota. The they emerge to start their activities. southern flying squirrel is about the size of a chipmunk and Bats approximately nine inches long. It weighs about two ounces Some residents put up bat houses to provide habitat for and is found mainly in the southern part of the state. The these small mammals who eat mosquitoes and other insects. northern flying squirrel is about 11 inches long, including its According to the Minnesota Department of Natural wide, flat tail. It weighs about three ounces and is found in the Resources (DNR), while bats are a public health concern, and forests of northern Minnesota. close contact with them should be avoided because they can Flying squirrels live in tree hollows or leaf nests. eat fruit, carry rabies, they are also useful in insect control. nuts, insects and small birds. They will also clean up whatever The most common bat in Minnesota is the little brown is left at bird feeders. During the winter, they sometimes nest myotis. in groups to stay warm and slow their body activity. Three other bats live in some forested areas of the state: the silver-haired bat, the hoary bat – which is the largest bat in the Luna moths Luna moths have bright green wings with a wingspan that state, weighing an ounce or more – and the recently discovered evening bat. These bats are solitary, roost in trees, and migrate can stretch four and a half inches, about the same length as an iPhone. to the south before winter. They are found only in North America. As caterpillars, they Bats navigate by echolocation.Their high-pitched chirps bounce off objects and help bats catch insects and avoid eat the leaves of paper birch, walnut, hickory and sweet gum obstacles. Echolocation was used in the development of sonar trees. After a month of eating leaves, the caterpillar builds a cocoon, emerging as a moth after about three weeks. An and radar. According to Bat Conservation International, one little interesting fact about the luna moth is that the insect doesn’t brown bat can eat 60 medium-sized moths or over 1,000 have a mouth or a digestive system. That’s because it only lives for about a week after leaving the cocoon, and it doesn’t ever mosquito-sized insects in one night. eat. Flying squirrels Bats will try to eat luna moths. In order to protect themselves, While they look similar to squirrels seen during the day, the moths spin the tails of their wingtips in circles to disorient these squirrels are nocturnal, explains the DNR. They do not the bats and get away. Other interesting facts: luna moths are mainly seen in May actually fly, but instead glide from tree to tree. They are able to glide because they have a fold of skin extending from their and late June in Minnesota.The Latin word “luna” means front to hind feet, called a patagium. Much like the membrane moon, and the Roman goddess of the moon is called Luna.

Menahga is gateway to the pines

enahga was platted in 1891 and named for the Ojibwe language word meaning “there are (many) blueberries.” In the heart of Menahga sits the beautiful Spirit Lake, complete with a fishing pier and sugar sand beach. The Menahga Memorial Forest Park and Campground is located along South Highway 71 and covers 40 acres filled with stately pines, beautiful birch and hardwood trees. The park offers camping facilities, with several sites offering electric and water hookups. The park features two sheltered pavilions and other picnic facilities. 32 | LAKES AREA LEISURE - BACK TO NATURE

Grab a paddle, cruise our rivers and lakes

here are great opportunities to paddle for kayak or canoe enthusiasts on our rivers and lakes.

Mississippi River

Meander through the most scenic and remote of the Mississippi River’s 2,552 miles. Depending on water levels, a trip can start at the headwaters of the Mississippi in Itasca State Park or at Gulsvig Landing on State Hwy. 200. The first 40 miles of the river wander entirely within the Mississippi Headwaters State Forest. This infant Mississippi is not an easy river to traverse; planning is recommended for a safe trip. In this remote part of the river, there are some lengthy stretches of rocky riffles that can challenge any paddler in high water and create obstacles when in low water – and three large wetlands where even the

most experienced wilderness traveler could get lost. The river alternates between these straight, fast segments of river within boreal forests of pine and fir and vast open marshlands of bog, fen, cane grass, cattails and wild rice where the channel can completely disappear. Approaching Bemidji, the river’s banks become more defined and farms and homes become visible. Kayaks and boats are available for rent at Itasca State Park. www.dnr.state.mn.us/ watertrails/mississippiriver/ one_more.html.

at 11th Crow Wing Lake and meanders 90 miles to the Mississippi River. Because of its many campsites and undeveloped shores, the river is one of the state’s best “wilderness” routes for family canoeists. Clear waters are rarely interrupted by rapids, and although the river is seldom more than three feet deep, it is nearly always deep enough for canoeing. Dense forests flank much of the river. For its first 20 miles the river cuts through low marshy lands. The river broadens and

the banks increase in height as it flows southward through the Huntersville State Forest. There are 12 public campsites located at convenient intervals along this section of the river. All are scenic and wooded with plenty of room for hiking, bird watching and exploring. Each has fresh water, toilet facilities, picnic tables and fireplaces. Tubing is a popular activity on this part of the river. More information is at www.dnr. s t ate . m n . u s / w ate r t ra i l s / crowwingriver/more.html.

Crow Wing River

Crystal waters, gentle flow, wilderness setting and numerous campsites along forested riverbanks make the Crow Wing River a draw for both residents and visitors. The Crow Wing River starts

Remember to clean, drain, dry

n order to preserve lakes and rivers for future generations to enjoy, Hubbard County operates a comprehensive aquatic invasive species (AIS) program. Boaters and public water users should use AIS best management practices and should expect to see watercraft inspectors at many public accesses across Hubbard County. When out at the boat access, remember to clean, drain and dispose. That means boaters must clean their watercraft of all aquatic plants, mud and prohibited invasive species; drain all water by lowering the motor, removing drain plugs and keeping them out during transport, and dispose of unwanted bait in the trash. To keep live bait, a fisherman can drain the existing bait water and refill the container with bottled or tap water. Remember, that it is the law. Public water users can cut down on the risk of spreading invasive species by simply remembering to clean, drain and dispose. In addition, decontamination is an important step in preventing Continued on page 35

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Forest Riders welcome snowmobilers

BY JERRY GRUDEM

Vice president, Forest Riders Snowmobile Club

ere in Lakes Country as the weather turns colder and lakes begin to freeze, we can no longer canoe, waterski and tour the lakes on our pontoons. So, we turn to navigating the winter snow with snowshoes and cross-country skis. And thanks to JosephArmand Bombardier (Ski-Doo) and Carl Eliason (Motor Toboggan) in the 1920’s to the 1940s, we can ride motorized snow machines, and winter can now be fun instead of work. To have a place to ride, the Forest Riders Snowmobile Club was formed in 1974 and started grooming trails in the Two Inlets State Forest. Over the years, trails have been added, and now the local trail system connects to Park Rapids, Smokey Hills, White Earth State Forest, Paul Bunyan State Forest, Lake George and all through Itasca State Park. Recent visitors have said that these trails are the best marked and groomed trails they have ridden. Currently, the club grooms 276 miles of trails, which would not be possible if not for private property owners. Please respect all signs and stay on designated trails. In addition to grooming and maintaining the Forest

Riders’ trail system, we offer youth snowmobile safety classes to educate and provide certification for new riders, hold monthly club meetings, have club rides and outings, and contribute to the community. So, the Forest Riders and the Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce invite you to spend part of your winter enjoying the sport of snowmobiling in the Park Rapids area.

Nevis snowmobilers ‘love to get out and ride’

BY ROBIN FISH

Enterprise staff reporter

he Nevis Trailblazers Snowmobile Club maintains 107 miles of trails, connecting the Nevis and Akeley areas to snowmobiling opportunities ranging from straight, wide-open routes like the Heartland Trail to tighter, woodland trails, from Huntersville to the Paul Bunyan State Forest. “You’re going to see some wildlife, and there’s lots of lakes and rivers and streams that you can run across,” said Paul Dierkhising, the club’s trail coordinator. “Northern Minnesota has got some of the best trails around. There’s this network in the state that’s 22,000 miles of trails. “We’re a very small part of it. But Nevis, Park Rapids, Walker, Bemidji and the surrounding area offer a great riding experience because there’s so many places to stop. Food and gas is available quite readily everywhere.” Dierkhising noted that people planning a day of snowmobiling tend to look for a place to stop for lunch and fuel. “What’s nice about Nevis is gas and food is, basically, within a block of the 34 | LAKES AREA LEISURE - BACK TO NATURE

trail, going through town,” he said. “We’re kind of lucky that way, where some of the other towns, sometimes, getting to some of that stuff is a little bit trickier.” Snowmobiling is a great winter activity, he said – “a way to get out and enjoy weather” – and it’s only gotten better during the last 20 to 40 years. “Clothing and snowmobiles today are so much more comfortable and warm, and the riding experience is much more reliable; you don’t get beat up,” said Dierkhising. “A lot of people like cross-country skiing, which is good exercise and a way to get outside. We just prefer to have a way to do it with a motor on.” He stressed the social side of snowmobiling as an activity to share with family and friends. “Our club is an older club, with guys who are in their 80s,” he said. “They get together almost every day of the week, meeting at the Tiger Muskie at 9 a.m. They’ll pick a destination anywhere from 50 to 75, 80 miles away, go eat lunch, and make a loop of it. Even at their age, they just love to get out and ride.”

Consider making ice fishing a winter hobby

BY MARK HARMON For the Enterprise

ay breaks. All is quiet. No clouds in the sky. The sun shines bright. The frosty trees shimmer. The crunching of snow under your feet breaks the silence. Breath fogs your sunglasses. Your pathway is clearly marked in the snow. The sound of the auger grinds through the ice. The buzz of your sonar purrs quietly next to your hole. The quiet splash of your lure breaks the water surface, and all is right in the world again. When my family moved to Minnesota in 2009, a friend shared some sage advice: â&#x20AC;&#x153;When you figure out what your winter hobby is up here, you will never want to leave.â&#x20AC;? I am not sure my wife was fully convinced, but I was. Oh, yes, this is my favorite time of year when all of the fall

hobbies, projects and events wrap up. This is the time of year that I can recharge my battery. Most of my winter recreational time is spent in an ice house. I enjoy spending time with my family, friends and others that I introduce to the sport there. It should be noted that when you go ice fishing and you are sheltered from the elements, you can enjoy no bugs, no waves, no wind whilst enjoying a balmy, 70-degree afternoon. Fish have a tendency, being cold-blooded creatures, to cluster up and be more predictable in the winter under the ice. Because of this, I would argue that teaching a newcomer to ice fish is far easier than summer fishing. Similarly, if you have not been ice fishing before, I highly encourage you to team up with a friend or guide and try it. I Continued on page 38

Continued from page 33 the spread of AIS. If trailering a watercraft from a waterbody that is listed on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Infested Waters List, decontamination is a highly recommended protocol. The decontamination process consists of three possible components: hand removal, hot water treatment and highpressure treatment. Organisms that are too small to see, such as young zebra mussels, can be killed by flushing with hot water ranging from 100 to 140 degrees. As a courtesy to the public, the Hubbard County AIS Program operates a free watercraft decontamination station, which is located at 812 Henrietta Ave. S., Park Rapids and is available seven days a week by appointment. Call 218-252-6738 ahead of time to make a decontamination appointment. A typical decontamination is pretty quick, usually about 15 minutes. If you have questions about the Hubbard County AIS Program or have suspicion of a new AIS infestation, call the Hubbard County Environmental Services Department at 732-3890 or stop in at 301 Court Ave., Park Rapids.

Submitted photo

Zebra mussels, now confirmed in Lake Bemidji, are an aquatic invasive species that can cause problems on lakes by attaching to boat motors and boat hulls, docks, lifts, rocks and swimming areas. They can also clog irrigation intakes and other pipes.

LAKES AREA LEISURE - BACK TO NATURE | 35

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21421 County 24 Park Rapids, MN 56470 218-732-4639 • whippoorwillresort.com

FISHING LICENSE

WHIPPOORWILL RESORT Upper Bottle Lake Jim & Jill Dillon

CONTINENTAL/FULL BREAKFAST

Easy Water Access to Big & Little Sand Lake. Pets allowed June, Sept & Oct in cabins 1, 2 & 3. Boat/Pontoon Rentals- Free Delivery within 30 Mile Radius.

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Large pool and hot tub. 42” plasma TV’s, refrigerators and microwaves in all rooms. Family friendly courtyard. Dogs welcome. NO TEL MOTEL AT EMMAVILLE

RED BRIDGE INN Fish Hook River

28021 County Road 4 Park Rapids, MN 56470 218-732-8544 • emmavilleinn.com 118 Washington Ave. N. Park Rapids, MN 56470 218-237-77337 • 855-237-7337

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Includes access to 2 pontoon boats, 2 fishing boats & a paddle boat. We specialize in family reunions, bridal and wedding showers, and small weddings. RIVERSIDE POINT RESORT Fish Hook River Dan and Cheryl Howland

700 Park Ave. North, Park Rapids, MN 56470 218-732-9711 • 1-800-733-9711 riversidepointresort.com

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Clean, comfortable, smoke-free, cable tv and wifi. Close to town, good shopping and restaurants nearby. Pets welcome. Email: riversidepoint@arvig.net. SUPER 8 MOTEL

1020 1st. St. East Park Rapids, MN 56470 218-732-9704 • 1-887-274-3040 parkrapidssuper8.com

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Free high speed internet access, free breakfast including hot Belgian waffles. Email: prmnsuper8@aol.com

LAKES AREA LEISURE - BACK TO NATURE | 37

Continued from page 35 think you will find it to be a very rewarding experience on any of our local lakes in the Park Rapids lakes area. If you are trying out the sport for the first time, you should know that ice fishing villagers can be a little touchy if you are fishing too close to their frosty abode, but there is a really good chance that they set up their fish house close to where the fish are frequently biting. Here are a few etiquette tips to avoid meeting the local grumpy, old men: ► Give people a 50-foot radius from where they are fishing. ► If you see an ice road leading to someone’s fish house, for heaven’s sake, do not drill an ice hole in the road. ► Wave and be neighborly to others. ► Never leave your trash or waste on the lake. ► Always let people know where you are going and what time you plan to return. I personally started ice fishing targeting sunfish and crappies in ice villages. As I improved my skills, my yearning for adventure led me to many species around the area. Today, I like to head to remote places to target trout, walleye, and pike. My arsenal of tools has broadened, but I will inform you that this addiction started with a $15 ice rod and a lure a friend gave to me. Lastly, it is not the fish you catch; it is not the equipment you use; it is the people you spend your time with. Go spend some time in the outdoors with the ones you care about and create some memories of your own. If you happen to see me on the ice, please come over and say, “hi.” I am always happy to share a tip or technique.

Common Minnesota Fish Bluegill Sunfish

Pumpkinseed Sunfish

Black Crappie

Yellow Perch

38 | LAKES AREA LEISURE - BACK TO NATURE

Smallmouth Bass

Muskie

Northern Pike

Walleye

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