Posts by Brookelyn Sams
The History and Significance of Earth Day
Every April, Earth Day invites us to pause and reflect on the natural wonders we rely on, cherish, and have a responsibility to protect. Here in Minnesota, that celebration runs especially deep. With our lakes, forests, prairies, and wildlife woven into our identity, Earth Day feels less like a single date on the calendar and…
Read MoreThe Return of the Loons
Spring in Minnesota doesn’t arrive quietly. It announces itself with melting ice, open water, and a sound that feels like home. The first call of a loon drifting across the lake is more than a birdsong–it’s a promise that winter has finally departed. After long, cold days, little sunlight, and sometimes hazardous journeys on icy…
Read MoreThe Spring Equinox and Nature’s Balance
As winter loosens its grip, the Spring Equinox brings a moment of harmony—when daylight and darkness are equal. For Minnesota, it’s the first true sign that spring is ready to unfold. What is the Spring Equinox? The spring equinox typically occurs around March 19–21, when the Earth’s tilt aligns so that the sun shines…
Read MoreMinnesota’s Monogamous Mates
With Valentine’s Day coming up, love stories are everywhere–even in the wild. Here in Minnesota, several species take “’til death do us part” to heart, pairing up for seasons or even for life. What Does “Monogamous” Really Mean in Nature? For humans, finding your forever partner is an important part of life. Monogamy rules…
Read MoreMinnesota’s Groundhog: Meet the Woodchuck (Marmota monax)
Think groundhogs only predict the weather? Not in Minnesota. Our woodchucks are busy digging tunnels, shaping ecosystems, and living far more interesting lives than any shadow-seeking celebrity. When most people think of Groundhog Day, they picture Punxsutawney Phil popping out of a stump somewhere far from here. However, Minnesota has its own star —…
Read MoreWhat Are Northern Lights?
You don’t need a plane ticket to Iceland to see the aurora. In Minnesota, you just need to look up. The Northern Lights are appearing more than ever in Minnesota—and the science behind them is just as stunning as the view. I’ve personally witnessed the Northern Lights almost four times this past year! Just…
Read MoreThe Chemistry of Candlelight
As the days grow shorter and the nights stretch long, there’s something irresistibly comforting about candlelight. Although candles were created nearly 5000 years ago, they have continued to serve a purpose for us. Whether flickering on a dinner table, lining a cozy living room, or glowing softly in a bedroom, candles seem to pull us…
Read MoreLife Beneath the Snow: The Subnivean Zone Explained
Every day, we enter our homes to escape the cold. The warm air embraces us, and we get a break from the harsh temperatures our state is known for. But beneath the snow, a hidden world thrives–a refuge for small animals called the subnivean zone. Cold-resistant species have cracked the code to winter survival, and…
Read MoreThe Importance of Minnesota’s Bats
They might not be everyone’s favorite creature, but bats are some of nature’s most underrated heroes. Silent, swift, and essential—these little mammals do more good than most people realize. Although I missed it by a few weeks, I still wanted to write a blog post about bats in honor of Bat Week, which takes place…
Read MoreMigratory Birds: Nature’s Frequent Flyers
Look up — the sky is on the move! Honking geese, dancing cranes, and speedy little songbirds are all heading south for the season. It’s nature’s biggest commute, and you’ve got a front-row seat. An Overview of Migration Imagine a life with warm, sunny winters and no TSA lines to get there. Sounds nice, right?…
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