Outdoors

After increase in litter and damage in Boundary Waters last year, officials stepping up education efforts
After a surge of visitors brought an increase in litter and damage to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness last year, officials are taking steps to head off similar problems this year.
A cool piece of art: Minnesotans flock to Mpls. park in search of frozen cave man sculpture
It was originally a commissioned piece for an ad agency. But once the agency was done with Zug Zug (that’s the cave man’s name), one of the artists decided now was the perfect time for him to go out into the world. Zug Zug gives people “something else to talk about, and also something to explore and look at, besides what's going on with our TVs and phones," Zach Schumack said.
Black women's groups find health and healing on hikes, but sometimes racism, too
A Black sisterhood of hikers in Colorado now has chapters across the U.S. and Canada, and includes other sports. "Being around nature, it's like grounding yourself," a founder says. "That is vital."
Which winter sports are safest to play during COVID-19?
To stay physically active this winter while limiting the risk of coronavirus infections, experts suggest activities you do alone or with members of your household. That could include running, skiing and snowshoeing.
‘You have this feeling of floating’: Skaters delight in perfect lake ice in northern Minn.
Matthew Baxley, co-host of WTIP’s Boundary Waters Podcast, is among the skating fanatics who have been putting in as much ice time as they can before the weather changes. He went out earlier this week with friends, and sent Morning Edition an audio postcard from their day.  
Minnesota ice fishing contests adapt amid pandemic
Because of restrictions on large social gatherings aimed at preventing the coronavirus’ spread, organizers of many ice fishing events are considering whether to cancel their contests — or even make them virtual events.
Emily Harrington is 1st woman to free-climb El Capitan's Golden Gate route in 1 day
She made her way into the record books last week after becoming the first woman to climb the Golden Gate route of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park in a little over 21 hours.
Breaking hues: Most of state past peak for fall colors — but not southeastern Minn.
For those looking to catch a last glimpse of this year’s fall colors, head to the southeastern portion of the state. In an area where the leaves have already fallen? Here’s one bright spot: “(Y)ou actually have much better bird- and wildlife-watching opportunities,” says the DNR’s Rachel Hopper.