Silver Lamprey | Voyageurs National Park

Mention the word "lamprey" to most Minnesota fisherman and they will tend to think of the invasive sea lamprey that had wreaked havoc with native fish populations in the Great Lakes. However, there is a native lamprey found in Voyageurs National Park: the silver lamprey. Silver lampreys are parasitic fish that commonly feed on the flesh of northern pike, lake sturgeon, and white suckers. Unlike the invasive sea lampreys, the native ones have evolved with and live in balance with other native fish in the Rainy Lake Basin. #WildlifeWednesday(Image Description: A lamprey fish rests on a white surface.)

Happy National Serpent Day! | Voyageurs National Park

Happy National Serpent Day! Did you know that there are three different confirmed species of snakes that call Voyageurs National Park home? Eastern garter snakes, Northern ringneck snakes, and Northern red-bellied snakes can be seen in the warmer months sunning in areas with shelter nearby for a quick escape. Pictured is the Eastern garter snake. #NationalSerpentDay (Image Description: an Eastern garter snake slithers along the forest floor.)

Frogcicles? | Voyageurs National Park

Frogcicles? In the winter, as ice starts to form on Wood Frogs’ skin, their bodies produce glucose. The glucose acts like an antifreeze and is carried through the bloodstream to body tissues. This “antifreeze” prevents cells from completely drying out and shrinking. The heart, lungs and other organs shut down completely until the frog thaws in the springtime. #WildlifeWednesday

Grow taller

From Voyageurs National Park:

Grow taller

"Today I have grown taller from walking with the trees." —James Russell Lowell 

#hike #hiking #trees #forest 






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Voyageurs National Park

From Voyageurs National Park:

"You must be able to touch the living rock, drink the pure waters, scan the great vistas, sleep under the stars, and awaken to the cool dawn wind. Such experiences are the heritage of all people." (Ansel Adams) 

#NationalPark #Minnesota #MN 






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Voyageurs National Park

From Voyageurs National Park:

Always I climbed the wave at morning, 
Shook the sand from my shoes at night, 
That now am caught beneath big buildings, 
Sticken with noise, confused with light…

I should be happy that am happy
Never at all since I came here.
I am too long away from water;
I have a need of water near."

(Edna St. Vincent) 

#NationalPark #Minnesota #MN 




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