Since time began humans have been foragers. Survival depended on connecting to the natural world. Today, when most of our food comes from a grocery store or is eaten in a restaurant, that link has been lost. But not for Tim Clemens. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Tim, a professional forager and founder of Ironwood Foraging about how he’s helping people connect with nature; and not in the middle of the forest or farm country, but near his urban home of Minneapolis.

Key Takeaways: 

•  Foraging is not limited to rural or wilderness areas—urban environments, like the parks and green spaces in Minneapolis, offer surprising edible treasures.
•  Learning to identify wild edibles is key to safe foraging, and local foraging groups or societies can be invaluable resources for beginners.
•  Tim emphasizes the importance of indigenous traditions and thinking long-term, such as planting trees for future generations, in the practice of foraging.
•  Foraging creates a deeper connection to the natural world, making people more mindful stewards of the environment by seeing it not just as scenery, but as a source of sustenance.
•  Foraging is becoming increasingly popular, moving beyond farm-to-table into forest-to-table, and gaining recognition in both local communities and top-tier restaurants.

Notable Quotes:

•  "Foraging has gotten so much more popular, and just like the farm-to-table movement, the next iteration of that is the forest-to-table movement or the prairie-to-table movement."
•  "You need to identify the species you're trying to eat before you eat it. You really should identify something first because there are things that can hurt you."
•  "When you’re foraging, suddenly it's your blueberry patch... it's not just a backdrop for human activity anymore. You’re going to be attached to individual trees...and you're just going to be a better naturalist for that."
•  "For most of the year, I don't buy rice because I harvest my own. There are things I never buy anymore. I don't buy fruit, I don't buy greens, I don't buy mushrooms, and I don't buy nuts."
•  "We have folks who have backgrounds in biology like myself and folks who have backgrounds in graphic design. There's room for all those people and a need for all those people because we need people to balance our budgets, fix our computers, design our graphics."

Resources:

•  Ironwood Foraging Website: https://ironwoodforaging.com/ 
•  Minnesota Mycological Society: https://minnesotamycologicalsociety.org/ 
•  National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation: https://www.nplsf.org/ 

Be sure to tune in to this insightful episode of the Lake Superior Podcast to learn more about the art of foraging and how you can reconnect with the environment through this ancient practice.

You can also learn more about foraging and the interview here: https://www.nplsf.org/foraging-podcast-interview

Connect With Us:

• Website: https://www.nplsf.org/lake-superior-podcast 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalParksOfLakeSuperiorFoundation/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-parks-of-lake-superior-foundation/  

Witnessing the Northern Lights checks a bucket-list for many. The first time you see the sky erupt in waves of pulsing white, green, red, or even blue light makes lifelong memories. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Astrophysics Graduate Student Ogetay Kayali from Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan. Ogetay shares not only why we seem to be experiencing the Northern Lights more frequently, but also how to better take advantage of the experience with our cameras.

Key Takeaways:

•  The northern lights are at their peak due to the solar maximum, a phenomenon that happens every 11 years, increasing the likelihood of bright auroras.
•  The colors in the northern lights, ranging from green to red and purple, are caused by the interaction of solar particles with oxygen and nitrogen in the Earth's atmosphere.
•  With advances in technology, it's easier than ever to capture the auroras on cameras, even smartphones, though understanding camera settings like ISO and exposure can enhance the quality of your photos.
•  Dark skies are critical for viewing the northern lights, and the Lake Superior region offers excellent vantage points for experiencing this natural wonder away from city lights.
•  The best time to see the lights is during winter months with longer nights, and checking the moon's phase can also help—new moons provide the darkest skies for optimal viewing.

Quotes:

•  "We are currently at solar maximum, so we are expecting lots of solar storms that hit the Earth and cause northern lights. That's pretty normal. Every 11 years that happens" – Ogetay Kayali
•  "If you have a camera, first try to learn using it. If you have a mobile camera, go to the darkest place you can and use long exposures to collect more light." – Ogetay Kayali
•  "Take that chance, even when the forecast looks cloudy...you've got to try it." – Ogetay Kayali

Resources:

•  For daily astronomical insights and stunning celestial images, visit NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day (apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html).
•  To learn more about designated dark sky parks and optimal stargazing locations, visit Dark Sky Parks near Lake Superior (https://darksky.org/places/keweenaw-michigan-dark-sky-park/).
•  For more information about NPLSF, visit National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation (nplsf.org)

Don’t miss this captivating episode as Ogatai Kayali, an astrophysics graduate student, explains the science behind the Northern Lights and why we’ve been seeing them more frequently along Lake Superior. Tune in for an in-depth look at the solar cycles, photography tips, and how Lake Superior’s dark skies provide some of the best stargazing opportunities in the world.

Lake Superior is home to an estimated 550 shipwrecks, with approximately half of them still undiscovered. In this episode of the Lake Superior podcast, hosts Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Dan Fountain, author, shipwreck historian, and researcher, about his lifelong passion for exploring Superior's depths and uncovering the stories behind these sunken vessels. He shares the challenges of finding shipwrecks in these vast and deep waters and explains the process of using side scanning sonar to locate them. Dan also recounts his latest discovery, the Arlington, a shipwreck with a unique and tragic story. This episode offers a captivating glimpse into the history hidden beneath Lake Superior’s surface.

Lake Superior tops the world’s largest freshwater ecosystem as well as the longest deep-draft inland waterway, extending from Duluth, Minnesota, to the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Atlantic Ocean. Roughly 10,000 cargo ships pass through the Soo Locks every year. When it comes to protecting the Great Lakes from invasive species, monitoring the ballast water on these cargo ships is key. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Phyllis Green, former Superintendent at Isle Royale National Park as well as board member of the National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation, about ballast water and what is being done on both US and Canadian shores to protect Lake Superior.

Unseasonably warm weather along Lake Superior from Sault Ste. Marie to Grand Portage has canceled a host of winter events from sled dog and cross-country ski races to snowmobile rides and ice fishing tournaments. But it’s not just tourism that has been effected by mild temperatures. After 65 years of monitoring wolf and moose populations at Isle Royale--the longest predator-prey study in history--scientists had to suspend their 7 week Winter Study because of challenges accessing the island. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Dr. Sarah Hoy, Research Assistant and Professor at Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan. She explains the logistics and challenges of working on this remote archipelago in winter and what the cancelation means to the bank of data collected and predictions for the future.

Craig Blacklock first started taking pictures when he was nine years old, following his father, Les Blacklock, a pioneering nature photographer. By the time he was 15, he had graduated to capturing images on a large format 4x5 camera. Over his career, his award winning photos have been published in books, calendars and exhibits. He has been called the "Ansel Adams of Lake Superior," and in this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Craig from his home in Moose Lake, Minnesota, about his six decades of working on and around Lake Superior and the inspiration for his newest book, “Light Waves.”

Grand Portage National Monument in northern Minnesota sits right in the middle of the Canoe Capital of the World. The National Park has many boats on display, from smaller crafts used for gathering rice and hunting to huge Voyageur canoes used to haul thousands of pounds of furs to Montreal. Every summer visitors come to the park not only to learn more about the fur trade, but to also learn the secrets of how these age-old boats were built. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Grand Portage Ranger Karl Koster about what it takes—from materials to technique—to construct an authentic birch bark canoe.

Christmas Eve, 1913, was a tragic night in Calumet, Michigan. 73 people—59 of them children--were killed when someone falsely yelled, “Fire,” at a crowded Christmas party on the second floor of the Italian Hall setting off a deadly stampede. The disaster occurred five months into a crippling labor strike between Western Federation of Miners Union workers and the Calumet Hecla Mining Company. 

Now, 110 years later, Beth Kirschner has written about the historic labor dispute and what has been called the Italian Hall Massacre in her novel, “Copper Divide.” 

In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Beth, who works as a software engineer, about the 1913 Copper Strike and how the Keweenaw Peninsula’s history inspires her writing.

78 lighthouses circle Lake Superior, 42 of those navigational aids dot the Michigan shoreline. Au Sable Point Light Station in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore ranks one of the most popular. Built in 1874, it stands 86’ tall and the original third-order Fresnel lens could beam a light as far as 17 miles out on Superior. 

Pictured Rocks’ Hannah Bradburn, Visual Information Specialist, and Ranger Emma Olechnowicz often lead tours to the Light Station and in this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, they talk with Walt Lindala and Frida Waara about the history of the Light Station and plans to celebrate the 150th anniversary.

Lake Superior is one of the fastest warming lakes in the world. And when it comes to getting people’s attention about the warming, film is a powerful medium. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with film maker John Shepard about his upcoming documentary, “A Sea Change for Lake Superior.” John shares what his team at the Center for Global Environmental Education at Hamline University is doing to get the world out and ways we can be better stewards to protect our fresh water.

As daylight hours begin to wane, the darkest months of the year are ahead. For many, it means more time to get outside and pay attention to what’s happening through the night in our sky. In this episode of Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with John Mueller at the historic Keweenaw Mountain Lodge in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Named an official International Dark Sky Park, John shares what the Lodge has done to earn that distinction and even more important, what happens to the planet when you keep the night dark.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore stretches along 42 miles of Lake Superior shoreline from Munising to Grand Marais. The year-round park covers roughly 114 square miles and includes 22 back country camp grounds, many circling the 10 inland lakes and 100 miles of trails. It’s rugged and remote. So, what does it take to be Chief Ranger in the heart of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula? In this episode of Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara learn from Joe Hughes about the year-round responsibilities—including the work of the High Angle Rescue Team—covering the woods and waters of the country’s first national lakeshore.

Nearly a million visitors came to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in 2023, contributing over $45 million dollars to the nearby economies. For Alger County--with a population of less than nine thousand people—the park also supports 544 jobs. But hosting that many visitors and generating that much revenue does present unique challenges.  In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Hannah Bradburn, Visual Information Specialist at Pictured Rocks, to explore the park’s delicate balance between conservation and recreation.

Key Takeaways:

•  Visitor Growth: Pictured Rocks sees nearly a million visitors annually, nearly double from a decade ago, showcasing its growing popularity as a travel destination.
•  Invasive Species Management: Efforts to keep zebra mussels and other invasive species out of the park’s waterways are ongoing, with education and prevention playing key roles.
•  Seasonal Operations: The park operates year-round, with winter activities like skiing and ice climbing providing a draw for visitors, while summer months focus on hikes, kayaking, and camping.
•  Local Economic Impact: Visitor spending contributes millions of dollars to nearby communities like Munising and Grand Marais, supporting local businesses and fostering economic growth.
•  Historical and Cultural Preservation: Pictured Rocks plays a significant role in preserving both natural and historical landmarks, such as the Au Sable Light Station, offering visitors a chance to connect with the region’s past.

Quotes:

•  "Pictured Rocks is one of those parks that is best experienced from the water if you're trying to see the cliff - either taking a Pictured Rocks cruise or getting on a kayak tour."
•  “It’s super important for folks who are transferring their boats or their gear from different bodies of water that they clean, drain, and dry their equipment to make sure that Pictured Rocks waterways stay pristine.”
•  "If you're interested in working with the park service, reach out to a park, and there's probably room for your skill at a park, and many of us are more than happy to share our experiences."

Resources:

•  For more information on visiting or working at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (NPS.gov/PIRO). 
•  For more information about NPLSF, visit the National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation website (nplsf.org).

Don’t miss this insightful episode as Hannah Bradburn takes us behind the scenes of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, revealing how this beloved park balances growing visitation with vital conservation efforts. Tune in for an in-depth look at the stewardship behind one of the Great Lakes' most treasured landscapes.

Isle Royale ranks the most remote of the five National Parks on Lake Superior. Only two ways to get there; by boat or sea plane. Whether you go by air or water, weather rules. Guests of this podcast concur, "Lake Superior is always the boss.” In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Isle Royale Sea Planes Chief Pilot Tomas Sowles about the charm and challenge of flying visitors to one of the world's most remote wilderness areas.

When looking for a place to renew, refresh, reset, where do you go? The fresh air and endless horizon of Lake Superior have long created a place for folks to come to heal, contemplate change, and be inspired forward. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast Walt Lindala and Frida Waara meet New York artist Victoria Manganiello and learn about time alone at Rabbit Island, as the Artist in Residence.

Lake Superior’s fur trade dates back to the 16th century and the best place to get an understanding of that rich history is a visit to Minnesota’s Grand Portage National Monument. For most people, the best way to learn is by doing and since 1972, volunteers have been coming together to commemorate the annual Fur Trade Rendezvous with re-enactments and workshops to experience life in the 1790’s. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara learn more about the annual Rendezvous, held the second weekend in August, from Anna Deschampe, Grand Portage’s Chief of Interpretation, and a lifelong Rendezvous participant.

On July 23, 1913, life changed in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and for union workers across the country. It was on that date that roughly 9,000 copper miners walked off the job in the Keweenaw peninsula protesting working conditions and wages. The strike lasted 8 months and in this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Jo Holt, historian at the Keweenaw Historical Park, about what was happening in Calumet 110 years ago and its impact on the labor movement in America.

A walk on the beach is good medicine for the soul, and Lake Superior’s sandy shores make for the perfect place to take a stroll. But every spring and summer, sections of shoreline are not open to the public, and for a very important reason. In this episode of Lake Superior podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Peggy Burkman, biologist at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore about the work she and her team do to help a tiny shorebird, the piping plover.

Join our podcast community! Please share your own stories, comments and podcast episode suggestions: www.nplsf.org/community

Studying the wildlife of the Great Lakes Region is fascinating. The ebb and flow of populations from moose and wolves to plovers and brook trout have kept biologists circling Lake Superior for centuries. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara learn about a mammal rarely seen in our woods but key to maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Jonathan Pauli, Professor of Forest and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Wisconsin Madison has been documenting the Pine Marten and its recovery. He shares more about the homes and habits of this furry critter. 

For over a century, Lake Superior has been a region for sled dogs. First as a reliable way to deliver mail, and more recently as a competitive winter sport. In fact, among the five national parks, four of them team up with local volunteers to host sled dog races. Coming up at the end of January, the John Beargrease race—the oldest and largest event--takes off from Duluth, Minnesota, headed up the shore to Grand Portage. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with veteran musher Blake Freking about the race and his passion for the lifestyle. 

The rock that rings Lake Superior has fascinated visitors for centuries. From the most common Basalt, Granite and Rhyolite to Agates and the popular “Yooperlite” that glows fluorescent under black lite, the shoreline makes a rock hound’s paradise. 

When it comes to “Reading the Rock” and explaining the geologic story, there’s none better than Professor Seth Stein from the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Northwestern University. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast with Walt Lindala and Frida Waara, he shares details about the MId-Continent Rift and how all 5 National Parks on the Lake share evidence of this geo-heritage. 

Sponsored by Cafe Imports, a Minneapolis-based importer of fine, specialty green coffees. Independently owned and operated since 1993, Cafe Imports has been dedicated to decreasing its impact on the earth through renewable energy, carbon neutrality, and by supporting conservational efforts in places where quality coffee is grown and also, where quality coffee is consumed. Where does your coffee come from?

Also sponsored by Über Creative Agency. A boutique marketing and website development agency based in Minneapolis, MN, and servicing clients across the United States. We don't just provide a service, we deliver value.

Out of the 63 National Parks—or even all of the 423 National Park properties--Isle Royale ranks one of the toughest to get to. It takes some planning because you can only arrive by float plane or boat. Since 1958, the 165 foot Ranger III, has been making the 73 mile journey from Houghton, Michigan, to Isle Royale’s Rock Harbor. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara learn more about the job and highlights of the 6 hour journey from Captain Aaron Persenaire.  

Sponsored by Cafe Imports, a Minneapolis-based importer of fine, specialty green coffees. Independently owned and operated since 1993, Cafe Imports has been dedicated to decreasing its impact on the earth through renewable energy, carbon neutrality, and by supporting conservational efforts in places where quality coffee is grown and also, where quality coffee is consumed. Where does your coffee come from?

Also sponsored by Über Creative Agency. A boutique marketing and website development agency based in Minneapolis, MN, and servicing clients across the United States. We don't just provide a service, we deliver value.

Interested in an Apostle Islands boat tour? Learn more about the types of cruises and what to expect with Vanessa Pierce, Assistant Manager of the Apostle Islands Cruises.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a National Park in Wisconsin. It covers 21 islands and a 12 mile stretch of mainland near Bayfield, Wisconsin. It’s a lot of territory to cover, but thanks to the Apostle Island Cruise ship, visitors can take a narrated sightseeing tour and learn about the 8 historic lighthouses, shipwrecks, sea caves and more. 

Sponsored by Cafe Imports, a Minneapolis-based importer of fine, specialty green coffees. Independently owned and operated since 1993, Cafe Imports has been dedicated to decreasing its impact on the earth through renewable energy, carbon neutrality, and by supporting conservational efforts in places where quality coffee is grown and also, where quality coffee is consumed. Where does your coffee come from?

Also sponsored by Über Creative Agency. A boutique marketing and website development agency based in Minneapolis, MN, and servicing clients across the United States. We don't just provide a service, we deliver value.

For those who have backpacked Isle Royale, you know it’s a rugged place. Imagine carrying a 20 pound camera and wooden tripod around, along with a stash of 4x5 black and white film. In 1967, Tom Haas, a 19 year old college student from Connecticut was on a mission with the National Park Service to photograph the island. Most of his travel was done by kayak and over the course of 20 years he captured 3,000 black and white images.

Now, nearly 5 decades later and with help from his wife Jeannie Thoren, the couple have published a book, “Isle Royale, A Photographer’s Circumnavigation 1967-1987.” In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Tom about his book and the people and places he captured leaving lasting memories at Isle Royale.

Key Takeaways:

•  Tom Haas' passion for Isle Royale shines through in his meticulously captured black and white photographs, showcasing the island's timeless beauty.
•  The book Isle Royale: A Photographer's Circumnavigation, 1967 to 1987 offers a glimpse into the rich history and captivating landscapes of Isle Royale.
•  Tom's unique perspective as a longtime visitor and photographer provides a deep understanding of the island's evolution and the enduring spirit of its inhabitants.
•  The intimate portraits of fishing communities and natural landscapes captured by Tom Haas offer a poignant reflection on the vibrant history of Isle Royale.
•  Through his work, Tom Haas encourages visitors to slow down, immerse themselves in the island's splendor, and embrace the beauty of Isle Royale at a leisurely pace.

Notable Quotes:

•  "You don't have to be in a rush or cover a lot of ground to see a lot." - Tom Haas
•  "Isle Royale is a place where time seems to stand still, allowing visitors to truly connect with nature and history in a unique way." - Tom Haas
•  "Photography is not just about capturing images; it's about building trust, forming connections, and telling stories that resonate with the soul." - Tom Haas
•  "Each photograph in the book reflects a moment frozen in time, preserving the essence of Isle Royale for future generations to cherish." - Tom Haas
•  "The beauty of Isle Royale lies not just in its landscapes, but in the resilient spirit of its inhabitants and the timeless stories woven into its fabric." - Tom Haas

Resources:

•  Tom Haas Photography Website: Tom Haas Photography

Don't miss the opportunity to delve into the enchanting world of Isle Royale through the lens of photographer and author Tom Haas. Listen to the full episode for a profound exploration of the park's history, beauty, and enduring legacy

Grand Portage National Monument has a new Superintendent, Heather Boyd. 

In 2008, Heather started with the National Park Service at Isle Royale. 

As a tribal member with the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, she is the first Anishinaabe to head Grand Portage. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Heather shares with Walt Lindala and Frida Waara how her heart and heritage have lead her back to Minnesota’s north shore. 

Nothing tells a story like film and coming up October 13-16, 2022,  is the 6th annual Fresh Coast Film Festival in Marquette Michigan. 

The 4-day gathering celebrates the outdoor lifestyle, water-rich environment and resilient spirit of the Great Lakes with over 80 films from around the region, as well as the world. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, co-hosts Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Aaron Peterson, filmmaker and Fresh Cost cofounder to learn how to best drink from the Fresh Coast Fire Hose of films. 

Sponsored by Cafe Imports, a Minneapolis-based importer of fine, specialty green coffees. Independently owned and operated since 1993, Cafe Imports has been dedicated to decreasing its impact on the earth through renewable energy, carbon neutrality, and by supporting conservational efforts in places where quality coffee is grown and also, where quality coffee is consumed. Where does your coffee come from?

Also sponsored by Über Creative Agency. A boutique marketing and website development agency based in Minneapolis, MN, and servicing clients across the United States. We don't just provide a service, we deliver value.

Lake Trout are a prized sport fish, but they are also considered a keystone species to the health of Lake Superior—now the only Great Lake where you can still find this critically important fish. Without Lake Trout, the ecological balance of Lake Superior would suffer, and that’s why Fisheries Biologist Shawn Sitar with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has such a passion for the study and preservation of Lake Trout. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Shawn Sitar about the most extensive and expensive egg hunt of his career, hunting for spring spawning Lake Trout 400’ deep off the north shore of Isle Royale. 

Making vacation plans? No matter what the season, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, spanning 43 miles of some of the Lake’s most dramatic shoreline, has plenty to satisfy every adventure appetite, from a boat cruise out of Munising along the cliffs, to a rugged multi-day hike beginning at the Sand Dunes in Grand Marais. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Chief of Interpretation and Education, Susan Reece, shares with Walt Lindala and Frida Waara some planning tips to make the most of your visit. 

Sponsored by Cafe Imports, a Minneapolis-based importer of fine, specialty green coffees. Independently owned and operated since 1993, Cafe Imports has been dedicated to decreasing its impact on the earth through renewable energy, carbon neutrality, and by supporting conservational efforts in places where quality coffee is grown and also, where quality coffee is consumed. Where does your coffee come from?

Also sponsored by Über Creative Agency. A boutique marketing and website development agency based in Minneapolis, MN, and servicing clients across the United States. We don't just provide a service, we deliver value.

From Native Americans to modern day travelers, Lake Superior has welcomed summer visitors with cool, clear water and wooded escapes. Dave Lorenz, Vice President for Travel Michigan understands the lure of the Lake, especially since Michigan, as a state, has the most Superior shoreline at an estimated 917 miles, and three of the five National Parks on the Big Blue. In this episode of Lake Superior Podcast he shares with Walt Lindala and Frida Waara the importance of public lands along the Lake for visitors to enjoy, as well as the value of travel as the world’s greatest peacemaker. 

Planning on kayaking in Lake Superior? Learn how to prepare for a safe and successful trip with kayaker Carl Hanson.

A Pictured Rocks kayak trip can include wild and rugged shoreline, forested islands and endless stretches of remote sandy beaches, luring newcomers as well as veteran paddlers to adventure. It ranks as one of the planet’s most magical places to sea kayak. Carl Hansen, the man who brought commercial kayaking to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore over three decades ago, is interviewed in this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast. 

Hosts Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Carl about his extensive experience paddling not only his home shore in Munising, Michigan, but all around Lake Superior, including Isle Royale National Park as well as the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. For kayakers aiming to experience a “Superior Summer,” he has some tips on how to prepare and what to expect about a safe and successful trip on Big Blue. 

Sponsored by Cafe Imports, a Minneapolis-based importer of fine, specialty green coffees. Independently owned and operated since 1993, Cafe Imports has been dedicated to decreasing its impact on the earth through renewable energy, carbon neutrality, and by supporting conservational efforts in places where quality coffee is grown and also, where quality coffee is consumed. Where does your coffee come from?

Also sponsored by Über Creative Agency. A boutique marketing and website development agency based in Minneapolis, MN, and servicing clients across the United States. We don't just provide a service, we deliver value.

Since opening the Soo Locks in 1855, lighthouses have been a part of Lake Superior’s most dramatic landscape signaling rocky shoals, cliffs and dangerous passages. Many of those towers are still visible today.  In fact, on the Lake Superior circle tour--which covers 3 states and the province of Ontario Canada--you can see 56 lighthouses or towers; some you can actually tour. The greatest concentration of lighthouses in a National Park is in the Apostle Islands headquartered in Bayfield, Wisconsin. Fred Schlichting has been working as a Park Ranger and Lighthouse Keeper for 11 seasons and while you may not be a Pharaologist (fancy word for lighthouse lover) you will surely enjoy his stories as he shares the history of the Apostle lights with Walt Lindala and Frida Waara in this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast. 

Sponsored by Cafe Imports, a Minneapolis-based importer of fine, specialty green coffees. Independently owned and operated since 1993, Cafe Imports has been dedicated to decreasing its impact on the earth through renewable energy, carbon neutrality, and by supporting conservational efforts in places where quality coffee is grown and also, where quality coffee is consumed. Where does your coffee come from?

Also sponsored by Über Creative Agency. A boutique marketing and website development agency based in Minneapolis, MN, and servicing clients across the United States. We don't just provide a service, we deliver value.

At 31,700 square miles, Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in North America. When measuring surface area, it ranks as the largest freshwater lake on the entire planet.

How has climate change affected that much water? Filmmaker Ian Planchon of Minneapolis, Minnesota, started out making a film about surfing on Lake Superior, but what he found out has become a much bigger story. In this episode of Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara speak with Ian and learn more about his latest film “Freshwater.”

Sponsored by Cafe Imports, a Minneapolis-based importer of fine, specialty green coffees. Independently owned and operated since 1993, Cafe Imports has been dedicated to decreasing its impact on the earth through renewable energy, carbon neutrality, and by supporting conservational efforts in places where quality coffee is grown and also, where quality coffee is consumed. Where does your coffee come from?

The Quincy Mine operated in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula for nearly a century. Today, visitors can learn more about the copper boom and tour the mine in Hancock as one of the 22 Heritage Sites of Keweenaw National Historical Park. In this episode of Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Tom Wright, Quincy Mine Hoist Facilities Manager, about the fascinating industrial geohistory of the area and the crucial role copper played in the development of our country. 

Sponsored by Cafe Imports, a Minneapolis-based importer of fine, specialty green coffees. Independently owned and operated since 1993, Cafe Imports has been dedicated to decreasing its impact on the earth through renewable energy, carbon neutrality, and by supporting conservational efforts in places where quality coffee is grown and also, where quality coffee is consumed. Where does your coffee come from?

People have lived along Lake Superior since the glaciers retreated 10,000 years ago. For the last 500 years, the Anishinaabe have called the region home. Their history is rich with stories of hunting, gathering, fishing, and trading. Tim Cochrane knows many of those stories. He has spent his career with the National Park Service, beginning as a backcountry ranger, adding historian, anthropologist, and ultimately Superintendent to his experience. He has been a faithful steward of Superior’s history for over three decades. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Tim about his work at Grand Portage National Monument and Isle Royale National Park and learn about his latest book, “Making the Carry.”

Brought to you by The National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation.

Sponsored by Cafe Imports, a Minneapolis-based importer of fine, specialty green coffees. Independently owned and operated since 1993, Cafe Imports has been dedicated to decreasing its impact on the earth through renewable energy, carbon neutrality, and by supporting conservational efforts in places where quality coffee is grown and also, where quality coffee is consumed. Where does your coffee come from?

While we see trucks and trains moving freight around the country, goods are also traveling by freighter, and some of those ships are 1,000 feet long. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Sam Hankinson, Development Coordinator at the Port of Monroe about the health of Great Lakes shipping and how we can learn more about what’s cruising out on the water.

Key Takeaways:

•  Great Lakes vessels can haul as much cargo in one trip as hundreds of rail cars or thousands of trucks, showcasing their efficiency and importance.
•  The seasonality of Great Lakes shipping includes winter layup for maintenance and upkeep, ensuring the reliability of vessels during the active shipping season.
•  Despite the age of some ships, proper maintenance and care can prolong their lifespan, highlighting the durability of vessels in freshwater environments.
•  The tight-knit maritime community of the Great Lakes region comes together in times of need, exemplified by the prompt and collaborative response to maritime incidents.
•  Resources such as the Marine Traffic app provide real-time vessel tracking, allowing enthusiasts and observers to monitor ship movements and identify passing vessels.

Notable Quotes:

1.  "These vessels are carrying the iron ore that's going into steelmaking… They're doing everything. They're carrying the building blocks of America."
2.  "These ships exist to move cargo, people make their livelihoods on the Great Lakes… when stuff goes wrong and people are in danger, our industry stands up, our community stands up."
3.  "The winter layup period is a very important time… to prepare vessels for the next season and the seasons beyond."
4.  "When you start tracking them, you will get it down to a science of how far away they are, when they're going to show up, and when the next one will be coming by."
5.  "There is nothing wrong with traveling to a place like Duluth, Marquette, or Sault Ste. Marie… just sitting down by the water and waiting for the boats to go by and enjoying it at your own speed."

Resources:

• National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation
• Marine Traffic app

Don't miss out on the captivating insights and stories shared in this episode of the Lake Superior podcast. Tune in to the full episode for a deep dive into the world of shipping on the Great Lakes and discover more enriching content from the podcast series.

George Morrison grew up a member of the Grand Portage Band of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe in a rural fishing village on Lake Superior. The first highway opened from Duluth to the Canadian border at about the same time. As one of 12 children, life was a struggle, but George showed remarkable talent as an artist at an early age. George graduated from Grand Marais High School at the height of the depression. After high school, he went to the Minnesota School of Art, where he earned scholarships, including a Fulbright, which took him to New York City and Paris. His travels introduced him to some of the world's leading painters and sculptors. Their influence led him to become one of the country's leading Abstract Expressionists. 

In the mid-1970s, the lure of Lake Superior pulled him back to his homeland, where he finished his career at Red Rock and died in 2000. 

This spring, the United States Postal Service will release five of his most famous landscape paintings as a commemorative stamp. 

In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt and Frida speak with George's only son, Briand Mesaba Morrison, and Anna Deschampe. Anna is Chief of interpretation at Grand Portage National Monument, so along with Briand, they are the perfect pair to tell the story of the life and art of George Morrison. 

Sponsored by Cafe Imports, a Minneapolis-based importer of fine, specialty green coffees. Independently owned and operated since 1993, Cafe Imports has been dedicated to decreasing its impact on the earth through renewable energy, carbon neutrality, and by supporting conservational efforts in places where quality coffee is grown and also, where quality coffee is consumed. Where does your coffee come from?

On March 20, 1900, life in Michigan’s Copper Country forever changed with the opening of the Calumet Opera House. As one of the first municipal theaters in the country, it attracted some of America’s finest actors and performers including Sarah Bernhardt, Harry Houdini, and John Philip Sousa. Now, as one of the 21 Heritage Sites of the Keweenaw National Historical Park, work is underway to celebrate that history and in this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with musician Penny Menze and Calumet Theatre President Dan Jamison about an upcoming concert on Saturday, March 5, with Nashville’s Gary Hannan and friends.

 Sponsored by Cafe Imports, a Minneapolis-based importer of fine, specialty green coffees. Independently owned and operated since 1993, Cafe Imports has been dedicated to decreasing its impact on the earth through renewable energy, carbon neutrality, and by supporting conservational efforts in places where quality coffee is grown and also, where quality coffee is consumed. Where does your coffee come from?

When it comes to storytelling, few writers in the Great Lakes have logged in as many words about the outdoors as Stephanie Pearson of Duluth, Minnesota. Her career began at Outside Magazine, where she was on the editorial staff for more than 13 years. Her assignments circled the globe, and her work has earned four Lowell Thomas Awards from the Society of American Travel Writers. Her book, "100 Great American Parks," will be published by National Geographic in May 2022. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, she talks with Walt Lindala and Frida Waara about her research on the Apostle Islands for an upcoming story. 

Sponsored by Cafe Imports, a Minneapolis-based importer of fine, specialty green coffees. Independently owned and operated since 1993, Cafe Imports has been dedicated to decreasing its impact on the earth through renewable energy, carbon neutrality, and by supporting conservational efforts in places where quality coffee is grown and also, where quality coffee is consumed. Where does your coffee come from?

Lake Superior ranks as one of the planet's best snowmakers, and communities around the Lake celebrate winter with gusto. 

Snow and terrain make the region the perfect playground for a variety of marathons and festivals, including some of the nation's premier sled dog races: John Beargrease in Duluth, Minnesota; Apostle Islands in Bayfield, Wisconsin; Copper Dog in Calumet, Michigan; Tahquamenon County in Newberry, Michigan; and UP 200 in Marquette, Michigan. 

Since 1990, Michigan's central Upper Peninsula has hosted the UP 200 Sled Dog Championship. The trail begins in Marquette and stretches to Grand Marais and back running a bulk of the most remote 230 miles through Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. 

In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Ross Anthony, a member of the Upper Peninsula Sled Dog Association Board of Directors. Ross will also be coordinating the race start and finish. 

The race begins Friday night, February 18, 2022, at 7 pm in downtown Marquette. 

Sponsored by Cafe Imports, a Minneapolis-based importer of fine, specialty green coffees. Independently owned and operated since 1993, Cafe Imports has been dedicated to decreasing its impact on the earth through renewable energy, carbon neutrality, and by supporting conservational efforts in places where quality coffee is grown and also, where quality coffee is consumed. Where does your coffee come from?

Some of Lake Superior's five National Parks are closed for the winter. But Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore has become one of the most visited winter recreation areas in the Great Lakes. Headquartered in Munising, Michigan,  Pictured Rocks is home to trails for snowshoeing, skiing, and snowmobiling. The park also ranks as one of the nation's premier ice climbing venues. Coming up February 9, the 30th annual Michigan Ice Fest—the longest-running ice-climbing event in the country—kicks off in Munising. Bill Thompson, climber, co-owner of Down Wind Sports, and event organizer, has been there from the beginning. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Bill shares why the event has grown from a handful of dedicated climbers to over a thousand participants, attracting some of the world's best climbers and those giving the sport a try for the very first time.

Sponsored by Cafe Imports, a Minneapolis-based importer of fine, specialty green coffees. Independently owned and operated since 1993, Cafe Imports has been dedicated to decreasing its impact on the earth through renewable energy, carbon neutrality, and by supporting conservational efforts in places where quality coffee is grown and also, where quality coffee is consumed. Where does your coffee come from?

We spend much of our daily lives indoors, and for a professional musician yearning for inspiration, the chatter and distraction of life can dull the creative process. For mid-west based Folk Musician David Huckfelt, his Artist-In-Residence stay at Isle Royale National Park made a difference in his songwriting. He shares his experience with Walt Lindala and Frida Waara, underlining the power of landscape and the power of song to fuel energy back into art and message. David is also the Lake Superior Podcast’s theme music composer and artist.

Sponsored by Cafe Imports, a Minneapolis-based importer of fine, specialty green coffees. Independently owned and operated since 1993, Cafe Imports has been dedicated to decreasing its impact on the earth through renewable energy, carbon neutrality, and by supporting conservational efforts in places where quality coffee is grown and also, where quality coffee is consumed. Where does your coffee come from?

Lighthouses have long been key to development and safety around the Great Lakes, guiding ships along nearly 11,000 miles of coastline. From the original 267 lighthouses constructed, more than 200 are still active. According to Lake Superior Magazine Circle Tour, 56 of those lighthouses are still operating on the Big Blue, each rich in history. Rock of Ages Lighthouse, located 22 miles from Minnesota and 4 miles out into western Lake Superior from Windigo Harbor at Isle Royale, ranks one of those legendary lights. Built in 1908—after two ships ran aground on the reef—it was one of Superior's most powerful. At 137 feet tall, the beam could be seen as far as 29 miles out. Since 2008, David Gerth has made it his mission to restore and preserve the Rock of Ages Lighthouse. He not only heads up the Preservation Society, but he's hands-on for the bulk of every summer along with a dedicated team of volunteers to diligently bring this light back to its glory. As Walt Lindala and Frida Waara learn, that job capitalizes "challenging." 

Sponsored by Cafe Imports, a Minneapolis-based importer of fine, specialty green coffees. Independently owned and operated since 1993, Cafe Imports has been dedicated to decreasing its impact on the earth through renewable energy, carbon neutrality, and by supporting conservational efforts in places where quality coffee is grown and also, where quality coffee is consumed. Where does your coffee come from?"

Learn about Michigan’s Isle Royale, the most remote national park in the Midwest, with Park Superintendent Denice Swanke.

Isle Royale's isolation and primitive wilderness have challenged humans for centuries. Ironically, today they have become Isle Royale’s main attractions. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, there’s a whole new wild world to explore when you do arrive.

Snow is falling at Isle Royale and the park has closed for the season, but that doesn’t mean work is done for the year on this remote archipelago.  

After her first full season at the park, Superintendent Denice Swanke shares with Walt Lindala and Frida Waara her plans for 2022, and a look back at what the summer—including a wild fire—brought to the islands.

Sponsored by Cafe Imports, a Minneapolis-based importer of fine, specialty green coffees. Independently owned and operated since 1993, Cafe Imports has been dedicated to decreasing its impact on the earth through renewable energy, carbon neutrality, and by supporting conservational efforts in places where quality coffee is grown and also, where quality coffee is consumed. Where does your coffee come from?"

Lake Superior is a magnet for some, and it's not just the rich iron ore that draws so many to the shores. As Podcast Hosts Walt Lindala and Frida Waara explain, "it's more complicated than that." Walt, a veteran Upper Peninsula broadcaster, grew up in Chassell, MI. This "Copper Country" boy's roots run deep in the mining and Finnish heritage of the Keweenaw. Frida grew up in downstate Michigan near a Finnish community in Wixom. The members always talked with reverence about Lake Superior and shared their dreams of returning. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, you will meet the hosts and learn why they are so connected to the work of the National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation. The preservation of the greatest of the Great Lakes is their shared goal. 

Sponsored by Cafe Imports, a Minneapolis-based importer of fine, specialty green coffees. Independently owned and operated since 1993, Cafe Imports has been dedicated to decreasing its impact on the earth through renewable energy, carbon neutrality, and by supporting conservational efforts in places where quality coffee is grown and also, where quality coffee is consumed. Where does your coffee come from?"

Our National Parks tell so many stories. Some of those stories are about wild places and the natural landscapes. Other parks reveal stories from the cultural landscape, the people and professions that built communities. John Arnold is the new Historical Architect at Keweenaw Historical Park, headquartered in Calumet, Michigan, the heart of Copper Country. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, John shares more about his job preserving the buildings and industrial sites that help us all have a better understanding of our mining heritage.

This Podcast is brought to you by Cafe Imports, a Minneapolis-based importer of fine, specialty green coffees. Independently owned and operated since 1993, Cafe Imports has been dedicated to decreasing its impact on the earth through renewable energy, carbon neutrality, and by supporting conservational efforts in places where quality coffee is grown and also, where quality coffee is consumed. Where does your coffee come from?

Music. Why is it important? For most--on a personal level--music stirs feelings, memories and sensations. But sharing music is also a way to for people to connect, bond thoughts and emotions when words won’t do. Lake Superior’s waves have been making their own melodies since time began, but the Big Blue also ranks a centuries old magnet luring musicians of all types to the shores to strum and sing. That tradition continues in Lutsen, on Minnesota’s north shore. Coming up July 18-21, 2024, Cook county will host the 3rd annual Lutsong Music Festival. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Lutsong co-founder Scott Schuler about the evolution of this boutique music festival and how a county of just 5,000 people has been able to attract such quality musicians.

Key Takeaways:

• The Lutsong Music Festival is a unique event showcasing Americana music, singer-songwriters, and stringed instruments against the backdrop of Lake Superior.
• The festival offers a mix of genres, from post-punk to jazz, with a focus on intimate performances and a communal campfire experience.
• Community support and partnerships with local businesses contribute to the festival's success, maintaining a grassroots and word-of-mouth approach.
• Special activities like morning hikes with a mycologist, foraging experiences, and a metal sculptor's ceremonial burn add to the festival's charm.
• Scott Schuler emphasizes the importance of maintaining the festival's intimate and magical vibe while considering future growth and venue options.

Notable Quotes:

• "It gets to be an easy sell. Once other people experience and get past it." - Scott Schuler
• "We try to keep that the best that we can. It hasn't changed a whole lot yet, although we doubled the second year what we did the first year." - Scott Schuler
• "A lot going on up here. The food's great. And there's so many other things to do while you're up here." - Scott Schuler

Resources:

• Lutsong Music Festival Website (https://lutsongmusicfestival.com/)

Make sure to check out the Lutsong Music Festival in Lutsen, Minnesota, for a unique Americana music experience against the stunning backdrop of Lake Superior. Listen to the full episode for more insights and stay tuned for engaging content from the Lake Superior podcast.

Everything gets better when you get outside. But how do you make that bridge to the woods and waters for kids in metro areas or folks with mobility challenges?

Wilderness Inquiry has been on a mission since 1978 to do just that: make sure everyone, regardless of their abilities, has access to the outdoors. Whether those experiences are day hikes with elementary-aged children or month-long expeditions, it's Nell Holden's job to put fulfill that mission statement. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, she shares details about expedition planning, the history behind this non-profit's development, and the rewards of spending time in nature.

If you follow Artifact Uprising founder Katie Thurmes, you may know her quote, “We take photos as a return ticket to a moment otherwise gone.” 

For anyone who has left home in search of a story, an experience, a memory, those words have resonance. David Guttenfelder is such a spirit. He is not only an award-winning National Geographic Photographer, but with an estimated 100 countries on his passport, he has also earned the title National Geographic “Explorer." In this episode of Lake Superior Podcast we learn more about this Iowa farm boy’s beginnings and how they have lead him to Wisconsin’s most renowned archipelago, the Apostle Islands.

Sponsored by Café Imports, a Minneapolis-based importer of fine, specialty green coffees.

When it comes to remote “camera traps” for capturing wildlife images, Drew Rush is world renowned. His patience and perseverance to find the perfect plant for his lens make him a true stand out in the field of nature photography. Earlier this season, we learned about this National Geographic award-winner’s travels to Isle Royale in the fall of 2020, to stage cameras through the winter. In May 2021 he returned to the park to retrieve those memory cards. In this episode, Drew shares what his images have to tell about the health of the wolves, moose, and other animals on Lake Superior’s most remote National Park.

We would also like to welcome our new presenting partner, Café Imports, a Minneapolis-based importer of fine, specialty green coffees.

The US is home to 423 National Park sites.  63 of those carry National Park in their name, like Yosemite, Yellowstone and Isle Royale. 

But that’s really just the start. In fact, there are 20 different types of National Park Properties, including Battlefields, Monuments and Memorials, even the White House is part of our National Park properties. 

We are lucky to have 5 National Park sites on Lake Superior and back in 1966, Pictured Rocks, which spans 42 miles of Lake Superior’s southern shore between Munising and Grand Marais in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, became our first National Lakeshore. The park, named for the colorful mineral-stained 200 foot cliffs, also features 6 inland lakes and 111 miles of trails and ranks as a year round favorite for all types of recreation from paddling and hiking to skiing and ice climbing. In this episode we get to learn more about this gem of our Big Blue from Superintendent David Horne.