The Chemistry of Candlelight

Image of white pillar candles glowing while lit, dried leaves can be seen next to them

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…

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Life 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…

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The Importance of Minnesota’s Bats

Big group of bats flying in the sky on a cloudy evening

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…

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Mindfulness for the Holidays

There is so much to get excited for at the end of the year. Good food, time with family, gifts, and long chats around a dinner table or by a fireplace are constants for most families in November and December. But that doesn’t mean we don’t get a little catch in our chest every now…

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Migratory Birds: Nature’s Frequent Flyers

Cranes in flight as they migrate.

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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The Science Behind Minnesota’s Autumn Colors

As the days grow shorter and the crisp Minnesota air carries the scent of pine and earth, the forests around our state begin a stunning transformation. Green leaves give way to fiery reds, golden yellows, and deep oranges, turning every trail into a living painting. It might feel like magic—but it’s actually science doing its…

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Thanksgiving at a Lake Resort

A sign that says "thankful" sits on a tablecloth beside a small pumpkin.

As nostalgic and fun as having everyone to your house for a large feast can be, it can get taxing, too! There’s the cooking, the entertaining, not to mention the simple fact of having to make sure your house is ready to host everyone. Enter: a holiday getaway. In 2019, my family left the Twin…

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Five Unique Adventures on Fish Trap Lake

Beach with two yellow kayaks on the sand and view of small yellow slide, docks, and trampoline in the lake

You’ve planned a trip to central Minnesota and are staying on Fish Trap Lake – but what will you do? Relax on the shore, listen to the loons, read…but your legs are antsy, and your soul longs for adventure. Welcome to Fish Trap Lake! Surrounding the dead center of Minnesota is over 1,160 acres of…

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Top 5 Tips To Stay Safe on Your Summer Adventures

kayaking outdoors on fish trap lake

As summer begins to fully round the corner, many plans have already been set, and some already in motion. You can pack as much bug spray, bandaids, and water as you want, and you still may face scenarios you aren’t ready for. But isn’t that part of the adventure? Summer and winter are the two…

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5 Crafts to Welcome Spring

a close up of a woman's hands as she places an element on a collage piece.

Sunlight has already begun to stretch longer, and the world smells fresh again. Soon, flowers will start springing up! But that beauty and light doesn’t need to stay outside your home–let’s look at some crafts you can do to bring spring in! Have you felt it? That rush of energy in the wind? The warmth…

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