November 2024 Night Sky Calendar

As the dipper-shaped Seven Sisters star cluster rises ever higher in the east this month, temperatures sink lower and lower. Being outdoors at night means packing gloves, a warm coat and even insulated boots, especially if you’re standing around waiting for an aurora to break loose.

This is a great time for planet-watching, with Venus low in the southwestern sky in evening twilight. Saturn appears next, about a third the way up the southern sky as soon as it gets dark. Even Jupiter rises early. When we return to standard time on Nov. 3 the giant planet gleams in the east around 8 p.m. local time.

Mars, which steadily brightens this month, shines from the dim constellation Cancer the Crab and hovers low in the east around 11 p.m. That comes to four bright planets before midnight a veritable cornucopia!

Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, which put on a great show last month, lingers in the evening sky. We’ll see it best early in the month when the moon is absent or small. Be sure to bring binoculars as the comet has dipped to around magnitude 6.5, too dim to discern without optical aid.

This month’s featured constellation is Triangulum the Triangle. It has three stars and three sides – easy enough – and you’ll find it tucked below the constellation Andromeda. The W of Cassiopeia will help point you there. The ancient Greeks saw this stellar triangle as representing either the Nile delta or the island of Sicily, which approximates its shape. Although small, Triangulum is one of the easiest figures to see because it’s compact and simple. Give it a try!

Download the free Stellarium Mobile app for Android and iPhone to help you find and identify the planets, constellations and Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, which is included in its database. Do a Google search then install the app, set it in night mode (red screen) and point your phone skyward. For a free November sky map and calendar go to www.skymaps.com/downloads.html

November 2024 night sky happenings

Events (a.m. indicates the event happens in the morning sky):

Nov. 1 – New Moon. Not visible because it’s near the sun in the daytime sky.

Nov. 1-9 – Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS slowly slides upward from the bell-shaped constellation Ophiuchus into Aquila the Eagle and should still be visible in binoculars from a dark sky before the moon grows too bright. Best viewing time is early evening right after dusk when the comet stands highest in the southwestern sky.

Nov. 3 – Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. local time.

Nov. 4 – Eye-grabbing conjunction of the crescent moon and Venus this evening. Both shine low in the southwestern sky at dusk.

Nov. 5 (a.m.) – Peak of the South Taurid meteor shower from midnight and dawn. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the shower will be active for several mornings before and after, and the moon won’t interfere. About 10 meteors per hour flare at maximum, with fireballs common. Meteors will appear to stream from below the Pleiades cluster in Taurus.

Nov. 8 – First quarter moon. Even though you’ll see a half-moon it’s called first quarter because it’s completed a quarter of its orbit around Earth since new moon phase.

Nov. 10 – Very close conjunction of the waxing gibbous moon and Saturn! They’ll be a little more than a half-moon-diameter apart when closest around 8:30 p.m.CST.

Nov. 15 (p.m.) -16 (a.m.) – Full Beaver Moon. Watch for the moon to rise around sunset, shine all night near the Pleiades star cluster and set around sunrise the next morning. In the early morning hours of Nov. 16 between about 1:30 and 3:30 a.m. CDT, the moon will cross in front of and cover several of the cluster’s brightest stars. You can watch this in a small telescope.

Nov. 16 – Look for brilliant Jupiter below and left of the waning gibbous moon tonight.

Nov. 17 (a.m.) – Peak of the annual Leonid meteor shower in the early morning hours. Unfortunately, the waning gibbous moon will spoil the show.

Nov. 20 – Waning gibbous moon shines a few degrees to the left (east) of Mars late this evening from 11 p.m. local time into the morning hours.

Nov. 22 (a.m.) – Last quarter moon. Rises around 11:30 p.m. and stands approximately due south at sunrise.

Nov. 27 (a.m.) – Waning crescent moon occults (covers up) Virgo’s brightest star Times vary according to location. From Minneapolis the moon will stand just a few degrees above the eastern horizon when its sunlit edge occults Spica at 4:28 a.m. local time. The reappearance is much more dramatic because the star will pop out of the dark edge. That happens at 5:34 a.m. when the moon is much higher up. Full details at http://www.lunaroccultations.com/iota/bstar/1127zc1925.htm. Times shown are in UT (Universal Time). Subtract 5 hours for Eastern Time; 6 for Central; 7 for Mountain and 8 for Pacific.

Bob King is an amateur astronomer, author, and passionate educator. He served as a photographer and photo editor at the Duluth News Tribune for 39 years and taught at the UMD planetarium. Bob’s work had a great impact on Voyageurs National Park. To achieve International Dark Sky Park certification, the park was required to host dark sky education events. Through the Night Sky Explorer webinars, the Conservancy was able to fulfill this component and help secure the certification for Voyageurs National Park. We can’t thank Bob King enough for sharing his talents and knowledge with the Conservancy community to support dark sky preservation.

Recapping our 2024 Field Fellowship program

The Voyageurs Conservancy Field Fellows Program is an essential component of our mission to develop the next generation of environmental leaders and preserve the rich natural resources of Voyageurs National Park. Established to break down the barriers that often limit access to hands-on environmental careers, the program provides students and recent graduates from diverse backgrounds with the opportunity to gain professional experience, engage with pressing conservation issues, and contribute directly to public land stewardship.

In 2024, eight dedicated Field Fellows were selected to participate in the program. Each fellow was tasked with contributing to a specific area of conservation and research, reflecting both their individual career interests and the pressing needs of the park. Over the course of their fellowships, these students not only developed technical skills in environmental science, but they also forged lasting connections with park staff and researchers, creating pathways for future professional opportunities.

The 2024 Field Fellows’ Work and Impact

Each of the 2024 Field Fellows played an integral role in advancing conservation efforts at Voyageurs National Park. Their projects addressed critical needs across diverse ecological areas, from wildlife monitoring to aquatic research. Here is a detailed overview of their work:

• Winter Night Sky Observation: Kendra Kersting worked under the supervision of Mark Miller, focusing on the preservation and appreciation of the park’s natural nightscapes. Her project contributed to astronomical research and visitor education, fostering a deeper connection between the public and the park’s stunning night sky. Through her outreach, Kendra has helped raise awareness of the importance of protecting dark skies as a cultural and natural resource, which has long-term implications for both tourism and conservation efforts.

• Voyageurs Wolf Project: Andria Barrett and Alex Gross were supervised by Tom Gable, contributing to the long-term study of wolf behavior and ecological impacts within the park. Their research has been critical to understanding predator-prey dynamics and informing wildlife management strategies in Voyageurs. The data they gathered is part of an ongoing project that has garnered national attention and will inform both public policy and scientific research for years to come.

• Wildlife & Wetland Ecology: Dawson Stone and Nissa Thomas, supervised by Haley Smith, dedicated their time to wildlife monitoring and wetland restoration. Wetlands are some of the most important ecosystems within the park, providing critical habitat for countless species. Dawson and Nissa’s work helped ensure the health and sustainability of these ecosystems by tracking species populations and implementing restoration projects to preserve biodiversity.

• Aquatic Ecology & Fisheries: Connor Cieminski and Whitney Gouin, supervised by Ryan Maki, focused on aquatic ecosystems, particularly invasive species management and fisheries conservation. With over 655 miles of shoreline and countless waterways, Voyageurs relies on vigilant management of its aquatic resources. Connor and Whitney’s research played a key role in preventing the spread of invasive species and maintaining the delicate balance of native fish populations, which is vital for both ecosystem health and recreational fishing within the park.

• Park Facilities & Maintenance: Conor Bolton, supervised by Chad Nevalainen, worked to support the creation and care of vital park infrastructure such as docks, campsites, trails, and historic structures. The position gave Conor broad experience in the work of ensuring our public lands are accessible and safe for visitors, and experience in the many aspects of caring for our National Park. 

The Importance of the Field Fellows Program

The Field Fellows Program is crucial for several reasons. First, it addresses the lack of paid internship opportunities in the environmental field, which can be a significant barrier for students from underrepresented communities. By offering stipends, professional development, and mentorship, we make it possible for these individuals to gain real-world experience that can launch their careers in conservation.

Second, the program is an invaluable asset to Voyageurs National Park. Each fellow’s work directly contributes to the park’s conservation efforts, helping to preserve Minnesota’s only national park for future generations. Whether through scientific research, habitat restoration, or public education, the fellows’ contributions have immediate and long-lasting impacts on the park’s ecological health and visitor experience.

Leveraging 2024 Experiences for Future Success

The 2024 Field Fellows have already begun to leverage their experiences in meaningful ways. Several fellows have continued their work in environmental science, while others have moved into related fields where their time at Voyageurs has provided them with a strong foundation in research, leadership, and public outreach. For instance, Kendra Kersting has expressed interest in pursuing a career in environmental education, a field where her work on night sky preservation will undoubtedly have a lasting impact. She recently was hired in a permanent position as Lead Park Ranger at Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument in Hagerman Idaho.  

The Voyageurs Wolf Project, in which Andria Barrett and Alex Gross participated, continues to gain national recognition, and their contributions have opened doors to further research opportunities. Fellows like Dawson Stone and Nissa Thomas, who worked on wetland restoration, have been able to apply their hands-on experience to undergraduate studies in ecology and natural resource management, and worked on the restoration team with a past Field Fellow, Harris Kramer, who returned to Voyageurs this summer as a seasonal technician on the wildlife team.

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Funding for this program is generously supported by the Fredrikson & Byron Foundation, Elmer & Eleanor Andersen Foundation, and the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources  (LCCMR).

The Trust Fund is a permanent fund constitutionally established by the citizens of Minnesota to assist in the protection, conservation, preservation, and enhancement of the state’s air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources.

Voyageurs community mourns tragic loss of law enforcement ranger, Kevin Grossheim

Together we join the National Park Service and Voyageurs National Park community in mourning the tragic loss of law enforcement ranger, Kevin Grossheim. Park ranger Kevin Grossheim, 55, of Kabetogama, Minnesota, died on Sunday, October 6, on Namakan Lake. He was a dedicated law enforcement officer, emergency services volunteer, member of the community, and beloved husband and friend. 

According to a National Park Service press release, Ranger Grossheim responded to a distress call from park visitors near Birch Cove Island. After taking a family of three aboard his National Park Service boat, the vessel overturned amid high winds and rough waters. The three family members were able to reach safety, but Ranger Grossheim was unaccounted for. His body was recovered later that afternoon following a search. 

Voyageurs Conservancy would like to extend its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Kevin, especially his wife Jill, Voyageurs National Park staff, the Kabetogama community, and his friends with Lake Kabetogama Volunteer Fire Department and EMS. Our organization would also like to express sincere gratitude to the National Park Service, United States Border Patrol, St. Louis County Sheriff's Office, Kabetogama Fire Department, and civilian bystanders who responded to the incident. 

Kevin was well-known for putting community first. “Kevin was much loved by all and always known to go above and beyond,” said Voyageurs National Park Superintendent Bob DeGross. “He will be greatly missed. Our hearts go out to his wife and their loved ones.”  

Ranger Grossheim was a treasured member of the community and served at Voyageurs National Park for more than 20 years.  He volunteered with the Kabetogama Fire Department in addition to his work at the park. He was a Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC) instructor and experienced boat operator familiar with navigating the park’s lakes. 

Ranger Grossheim began his career as a seasonal ranger at Boston National Historical Park in 1993, and worked seasonally at Curecanti National Recreation Area. In 1995, Grossheim became a permanent park ranger, serving first at Boston National Historical Park and Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore before beginning his 23-year tenure as a commissioned law enforcement park ranger at Voyageurs. 

There are many tributes emerging of Kevin’s heroism over the years, and on the evening of this tragedy, the northern lights illuminated Voyageurs National Park -- a tribute to Kevin from nature itself. Kevin's shining legacy of courage and selfless service will live on in the woods, waters, people, and starry skies of the park he so passionately protected.

In recognition of his life-saving act, the National Park Service will lower the American flag at national parks in Grossheim’s honor. Sunday’s incident is under further NPS investigation.

Memorials, cards, sympathy for Kevin Grossheim’s family can be mailed to:

Kabetogama Area Volunteer Fire Department
9378 Hwy 53, Unit 188
Kabetogama, MN 56669

You can read about Kevin and make a contribution to the Grossheim family on his memorial page

Border Bank has an account set up for monetary memorials as well. 

Border Bank
1414 Hwy 71
International Falls, MN 56649
218-283-5556
Account xxxx6844

Fall Colors in Voyageurs National Park: Minnesota’s Hidden Gem

As the crisp air and vibrant hues of autumn arrive, there’s no better place to experience the magic of fall than Voyageurs National Park. Named one of the top national parks to see fall foliage by Forbes and Outside Magazine, this hidden gem in Minnesota offers breathtaking landscapes far from the crowds. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a paddle enthusiast, or a nature photographer, Voyageurs’ stunning fall colors and mosaic of waterways make it an ideal destination.

Here’s why Voyageurs National Park should be at the top of your fall travel list, along with the best ways to experience the season’s beauty.

Why Voyageurs National Park is a Top Destination for Fall Colors

Located along the northern border Minnesota, Voyageurs National Park is nestled between the southern boreal and northern hardwoods forest types. The vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows of maple, aspen, and birch trees are ablaze and reflect off the park’s five large lakes and 26 interior lakes.

One of the best things about visiting Voyageurs in the fall? Unlike other parks that see large crowds during peak colors, visitors can enjoy the stunning scenery of Minnesota’s national park without the hustle and bustle.

The Best Ways to Experience Fall Colors in Voyageurs National Park

Whether you prefer hiking, boating, or fishing, Voyageurs National Park offers a variety of ways to immerse yourself in the beauty of autumn.

Credit: Halie Saferstein

Hike the Scenic Trails

Voyageurs is home to 15 hiking trails that showcase the park’s fall colors from multiple perspectives. Here are the top five fall hikes you won’t want to miss:

1. Blind Ash Bay Trail

Distance: 2.5 miles (loop)
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 1-3 Hours
Location: Near Ash River Visitor Center
Blind Ash Bay Trail offers spectacular views of fall colors reflected in Kabetogama Lake. The trail winds through diverse landscapes, including forests, wetlands, and rocky outcrops, make it a must-see for fall hikers. Keep an eye out for wildlife like deer and waterfowl.

2. Echo Bay Trail

Distance: 2.5 mile (loop)
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 40-120 Minutes
Location: Near Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center
This loop trail is relatively easy and offers excellent opportunities to experience Voyageurs’ fall splendor. Deciduous and coniferous trees paint the landscape - with golden hues of aspen and birch to the deep greens of pines. Echo Bay is a great spot for birdwatching during fall migration, with many species passing through on their journey south.

3. Kab-Ash Trail

Distance: 27.9 miles (one-way)
Difficulty: Moderate, some areas have thick vegetation can become overgrown quickly.
Duration: 1-5 Days
Location: Near Ash River Visitor Center, Ash River Community, Ash River Trail, Near Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center
As one of the longest trail systems in the park, Kab-Ash Trail offers a more challenging hiking experience with multiple access points, allowing hikers to choose different sections. The trail passes through dense forests and open ridges make it a perfect spot for those seeking solitude in nature.  The Kab-Ash Trail features 2 primitive campsites and is the only trail system featuring a backcountry camping experience that doesn’t require a boat to access.

Kab-Ash Trail, Credit: Tom Gable

4. Beaver Pond Overlook Trail

Distance: 0.4-mile (round-trip)
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 10-30 minutes
Location: Near Ash River Visitor Center
This short, round-trip hike leads to a stunning overlook of a beaver pond, framed by autumn leaves. The trail is relatively easy, making it accessible for hikers of all levels. The pond is often a hotspot for wildlife activity, including beavers, ducks, and even the occasional moose!

5. Locator Lake Trail

Distance: 4 miles (roundtrip)
Difficulty: Strenuous
Duration: 2-5 hours
Location: Kabetogama Lake, only accessible by boat
This 2-mile trail takes you through a mix of forested areas and rocky terrain, leading to the southern shoreline Locator Lake. The hike is moderately difficult, making it ideal for those looking for a bit of a challenge without being too strenuous. For those looking to extend their adventure, Locator Lake is a popular spot for fishing and canoeing, allowing visitors to enjoy the fall colors from the water as well. Park reservations are required to rent a canoe and camp on the interior lakes.

Credit: Todd Maddison

Explore by Boat

One of the most unique features of Voyageurs National Park is that it’s accessed primarily by water. Boating in the fall provides a serene way to take in the park’s beauty. There are trails and visitor centers that are accessible by land, but to fully experience the park’s magnificence you will want to get on the water.

Near the end of September, boaters and paddlers should be aware of cold water temperatures. If you are renting or bringing your own boat, make sure you are familiar with the park’s navigation systems. In addition, park buoys are typically removed in early October, making lake navigation challenging. If you are not comfortable operating a motorized boat, check out the park’s tour boat programs and gateway community guide services to get you on the water!

Credit: Steve Brown

Cast a Line

If you love fishing, fall is the perfect time to visit Voyageurs. Cooler temperatures bring fish closer to the surface, making it an ideal time for anglers. The park holds over fifty-four fish species including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch, and black crappie. Whether you’re fishing from a boat, canoe, or the park’s Rainy Lake Fishing Pier, it’s hard to beat fall fishing!

Visitors fishing within Voyageurs National Park must obtain a State of Minnesota Fishing license. Make sure to visit the park’s website for fishing regulations for large and interior lakes. The Minnesota DNR also offers a free online tool, LakeFinder, that displays detailed information about what types of fish you can find in a particular area, fishing regulations, water access sites, lake maps and more.

Credit: Todd Burlett

Don’t Miss the Night Show: Dark Skies and Northern Lights

The magic of Voyageurs doesn’t end when the sun goes down. As one of the nation’s certified International Dark Sky Parks, Voyageurs offers some of the best stargazing opportunities in the country. With the longer nights of fall, visitors have a chance to witness the expansive Milky Way, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the northern lights.

Voyageurs Conservancy and the National Park Service secured the park’s Dark Sky Park certification in 2020. Our ongoing dedication to protecting dark skies ensures that future generations can continue to enjoy these stellar night shows. Click here learn to where to stargaze in the park and how you appreciate the wonders of the night sky.

Seasonal Tips for Your Fall Voyageurs Trip

While Voyageurs National Park is open year-round, some visitor centers and amenities close or limit operations toward the end of September. Be sure to check the park’s website for seasonal hours before planning your trip.

A limited number of guided tours are offered by the National Park Service or you can hire a local guide for a tour or angling services. Fall can be a short season in Voyageurs as cold weather arrives quickly. Dress in layers, as fall days can be warm, but nights tend to be cool. 

Also, don’t forget your camera! The fall colors in Voyageurs National Park are a photographer’s dream, with opportunities to capture the vibrant hues against the backdrop of pristine lakes and forests. Check out the Minnesota DNR’s Fall Color Finder to for color forecasts and fall-ow along on our social media accounts, @voyageursconservancy, for more fall updates and stunning photos of the park’s autumn beauty.

Whether you’re seeking solitude in nature, looking for a family-friendly adventure, or hoping to catch the perfect shot of fall foliage, Voyageurs National Park is a hidden gem in northern Minnesota.

Connect with Voyageurs Conservancy

Voyageurs Conservancy is committed to enhancing the visitor experience and protecting the park for future generations. Through initiatives like the Love Your Park programming, the Conservancy offers year-round guided hikes, paddles, citizen science projects, and other events that immerse visitors in the natural wonders of Minnesota’s only national park.

We are the official nonprofit partner of Voyageurs National Park. Our work exists because of conservation-minded friends like you. By joining us, you are protecting and enhancing 218,000 acres of untamed wild. Learn more about our impact here. Thank You!

October 2024 Night Sky Calendar

We have high hopes this month for Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS. It’s pronounced choo-cheen-SHAHN and means Purple Mountain in Chinese. The name refers to Purple Mountain Observatory in China where it was originally discovered in January 2023. The ATLAS telescopic survey of the night sky co-discovered the comet.

After a brief morning-sky appearance last month it begins its run in the evening sky starting about an hour after sunset at dusk. Look for the comet starting on Oct. 12-13 very low in the west-southwest sky below the bright orange star Arcturus and to the right of Venus. You should see a small, bright head with a plume-shaped tail about a fist long pointing up and away from the horizon.

Comet T-A will gradually climb higher and higher up the sky each night. Although it will fade, its increasing altitude will make it easier to spot. Bring binoculars to battle haze or light pollution and to see additional details in the comet’s tail. They’ll be especially helpful in digging the comet out of the twilight glow.

Venus still hovers low in the southwestern sky at dusk a half-hour to 45 minutes after sunset. Saturn is comfortably high up in the southern sky as soon as it gets dark and stand due south around 10 p.m. local time at mid-month. Brilliant Jupiter glares from low in the northeast around 10- 11 p.m. followed an hour later by Mars.

Our featured constellation is Andromeda the Princess, daughter of Cassiopeia who nearly lost her life to the sea monster Cetus as punishment for her mother’s vanity. Luckily, Perseus the Hero entered the picture and promised to save her if he could have her hand in marriage. It all worked out with their story written in the stars.

Andromeda is shaped a bit like a narrow funnel. You can find it by using Saturn to point to the Great Square. The star in the upper left corner of the square is actually part of Andromeda and a good place to start to trace out the constellation. The top of Cassiopeia also points to Andromeda and in particular to a puff of faint haze, the Andromeda Galaxy. It’s easily visible in binoculars on moonless nights 2.5 million light-years away.

Download the free Stellarium Mobile app for Android and iPhone to help you find and identify the planets, constellations and Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, which is included in its database. Do a Google search then install the app, set it in night mode (red screen) and point your phone skyward. For a free October sky map and calendar go to www.skymaps.com/downloads.html

Events (a.m. indicates the event happens in the morning sky):

October 2 – New Moon. Observers in parts of South America will see an annular solar eclipse today. An annular or ring eclipse occurs when the moon is more distant from the Earth than average, which its apparent size smaller. When it passes centrally across the sun in an annular eclipse the lunar disk can’t quite cover the entire sun, leaving a ring or annulus of sunlight at mid- eclipse. A partial solar eclipse will be visible in parts of South America, Antarctica, Hawaii and part of the Baja Peninsula. See it livestreamed at timeanddate.com/live/eclipse-solar-2024-october-2 starting at 1:45 p.m. CDT.

October 5 – Thin crescent moon in conjunction with Venus low in the southwestern sky around 30 minutes after local sunset. Use binoculars. The moon will shine about 4 degrees to the lower left of Venus.

October 10 – First quarter moon. While half the moon is illuminated tonight, it’s completed just a quarter of its orbit around the Earth, hence the name.

October 13–31 – Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS should be visible with the naked eye low in the southwestern sky during evening twilight and sport a longish tail, especially when viewed in binoculars. I’ll post updates and photos on my Facebook page at facebook.com/astrobobking The most important thing you’ll need is an unobstructed view to the west-southwest as the comet will hover very low in that direction for a time.

October 14 – Waxing gibbous moon shines to the left of Saturn tonight.

October 17 – Full Hunter’s Moon. Since the moon will be “most” full around 6:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time this morning, it will appear just as full the night before. Two full moons for the price of one!

October 20 – Waning gibbous moon pairs up with the bright planet Jupiter in Taurus tonight.

October 21 (a.m.) – Peak of the annual Orionid meteor shower this morning from 1 a.m. till dawn. On a moonless morning you might see some 15 Orionids per hour shooting out of the top of the constellation, but the moon will cut that number in half.

October 24 (a.m.) – Last quarter moon. Rises around 11:30 p.m. and stands approximately due south at sunrise. The moon will shine to the left of the planet Mars this morning.

October 26 (a.m.) – Waning crescent moon in conjunction with Regulus, Leo’s brightest star. The moon will pass about 3 degrees above (north of) the star.

Magnificent Aurora — A Comprehensive Guide to Nature's Greatest Light Show is now available. To purchase, visit shopatsky.com or if you’d like a signed copy, please contact Bob at duluthaurora@gmail.com

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Bob King is an amateur astronomer, author, and passionate educator. He served as a photographer and photo editor at the Duluth News Tribune for 39 years and taught at the UMD planetarium. Bob’s work had a great impact on Voyageurs National Park. To achieve International Dark Sky Park certification, the park was required to host dark sky education events. Through the Night Sky Explorer webinars, the Conservancy was able to fulfill this component and help secure the certification for Voyageurs National Park. We can’t thank Bob King enough for sharing his talents and knowledge with the Conservancy community to support dark sky preservation.

Voyageurs National Park Announces Fall Hours of Operations

NPS

National Park staff announce fall hours of operation for visitor centers. The park is open year-round.

Rainy Lake Visitor Center
Open through Sept. 30 seven days a week 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Open Oct. 1 through Nov. 1 seven days a week 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Open first three weekends of November (2/3, 9/10, 16/17) 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center
Open through Sept. 29 seven days a week 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed Sept. 30 through beginning of January

Ash River Visitor Center
Open through Sept. 26 seven days a week 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed Sept. 27 through mid-May

Voyageurs National Park staff encourage you to come out and explore the park this fall and enjoy the colors of the Northwoods.

National Park Service and Voyageurs Conservancy Announce Acquisition of 51 Acres on Rainy Lake

The National Park Service and Voyageurs Conservancy work in partnership to acquire and protect land in perpetuity – there are about 40 privately-owned properties located within Voyageurs National Park. Each project is as unique as the habitat saved. We are pleased to announce the permanent acquisition and preservation of 51 acres on Rainy Lake.

This 51-acre parcel, located on Big Island approximately 18 miles east of the Rainy Lake Visitor Center, is accessible solely by water. It features two sandy beaches and serves as a habitat for a diverse range of wildlife, including deer, otters, foxes, and eagles.

The property holds deep personal significance for the Ramsey family. Michael Ramsey, his sister Shelley Paiko, and their family have maintained a connection to this land for over three generations. Their grandfather, Everett Ramsey, purchased the property in 1958, prior to the establishment of Voyageurs National Park, and built a cabin there. This cabin was later rebuilt following a lightning strike, continuing the family's tradition of enjoying the area's natural beauty.

Shelley and Michael Ramsey remarked, “With the sale of our Big Island property to the National Park Service, we are closing a chapter in our family history of three generations. It has been a pleasure working with Bob DeGross, Superintendent of Voyageurs National Park,  Christina Hausman Rhode with Voyageurs Conservancy, and Dan Lewis, National Park Service Realty Specialist along with support staff – they listened to our concerns and helped us transition the property after our stewardship of the cabin property since 1958. This transition will allow park visitors to view the awesome sunrises, listen for the call of the loon, and hear the wind whispering in the pine trees as the Ramsey family has for so many years.”

As the land moves into the National Park’s hands we reflect on the deep bond that has been nurtured between the Ramsey family and this land. Their dedication to preserving the property's unique natural beauty has paved the way for its continued enjoyment by the public.

Credit: Don Breneman

Superintendent Bob DeGross commented, “Voyageurs National Park is rich with histories of families who have deep connections to these beautiful northern lakes. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Ramsey family and others who have made the profound, yet bittersweet, decision to entrust land to the protection of the National Park Service. This acquisition not only enhances the park's natural beauty but also contributes significantly to conservation efforts, providing opportunities for future generations to enjoy and appreciate the splendor of nature.”

The acquisition of this private land aligns with the highest priorities of Voyageurs National Park and Voyageurs Conservancy, including habitat protection, enhancement of scenic views, and increasing public access and recreational opportunities, while preventing development, hunting, and subdivision.

Voyageurs Conservancy supports priority land protection projects like this with generous support from the National Park Foundation, and the Wallace C. Dayton Voyageurs National Park Legacy Fund − a critical land conservation fund established by his family and named in memory of Wallace Dayton, a well-beloved conservationist and outdoor enthusiast who was one of the early supporters of the establishment of Voyageurs National Park. The National Park Foundation is the official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service, generating private support and building strategic partnerships to protect and enhance America’s national parks for present and future generations.

Credit: Erik Fremstad

Christina Hausman Rhode, executive director of Voyageurs Conservancy, noted, "It's truly momentous to add another 50 acres to the park as we prepare to celebrate 50 years of the park's establishment. A property like this could have easily become a subdivided, developed eyesore along a scenic viewscape of Rainy Lake. I am so grateful to the former owners for their conservation vision, and so glad this is now a place we can all go and enjoy with our families as part of our national park."

Voyageurs National Park Chosen by National Park Trust and National Park Service as 2024 Challenge Cost Share Awardee

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. – Voyageurs National Park has received a $20,000 award from the National Park Trust to power the ongoing Wetland Restoration Project. The National Park Trust, in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS), announced recently that a total of $361,000 was awarded to fund 17 enriching education and outdoor recreation initiatives through the 2024 Challenge Cost Share Program. Each project connects a local community to a nearby national park, national trail, or wild and scenic river, fostering a deeper connection with our natural and cultural heritage. This year’s group of awardees will engage more than 6,500 participants in active, healthy outdoor recreation, conservation, and education initiatives.

Voyageurs National Park received the $20,000 funding to support the continuing Wetland Restoration Project which develops native plant communities and removes the invasive plants threatening our lakes and waterways. The $20,000 award will go towards additional contracted cattail removal services and improving the capability of our NPS-owned cutting machines.

“National Park Trust is thrilled to once again partner with the National Park Service and community partners across the country to connect people of all backgrounds and abilities to national parks while engaging the newest generation of outdoor enthusiasts and stewards,” said Grace Lee, executive director of National Park Trust. “The Challenge Cost Share program is a terrific example of an initiative that leverages public and private funds to invest in communities to create sustainable partnerships that benefit parks and people.”

Wetlands in Voyageurs National Park's large lakes have been degraded over the last several decades by invasive cattails, which reduce biodiversity, decrease habitat for fish and wildlife, and out compete the culturally important plant, wild rice, manoomin. The Voyageurs Wetland Restoration Project was initiated in 2016 to combat invasive cattails and restore ecological function to the park's wetlands. 

Phase 3 of the project began in 2023. The park continues mechanical treatment methods to remove invasive cattails and other vegetation, including use of contracted harvesting machines, park owned-cutting machines, and hand crews in more inaccessible areas. The park’s natural resource team will also be using prescribed fire and reseeding to enhance the project’s outcomes. Wild rice will be collected in the fall, which will be used to seed project areas that have recently been restored.

“The work of this program is only possible by the support of groups like The National Park Trust.  The funding from The Challenge Cost Share Program will certainly improve the outcome of this project and allow us to engage the community in volunteer events, such as the annual harvesting of wild rice,” said Haley Smith, Program Lead and Ecologist.

“Partnering with the National Park Trust allows the National Park Service to reach more people and communities through the Challenge Cost Share Program,” said Lauren S. Imgrund, NPS associate director for Partnerships and Civic Engagement. “We appreciate the work of local partner organizations across the nation, who are using their resources and skills to support conservation, recreation, and education projects that are meaningful and impactful to their communities.”

Voyageurs Conservancy was proud to provide a $10,000 match towards this impactful initiative, ensuring healthy wetland habitat for native fish, moose, turtles, marsh birds, and more for generations to come.

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About Voyageurs National Park Wetland Restoration Program

The Voyageurs Wetland Restoration Project, initiated in 2016, arose from a need to restore the degraded wetlands within Voyageurs National Park. Phases 1 and 2 of the project were initially geared towards developing methodology and designing techniques for restoration in a region where minimal restoration had previously occurred.  Phase 3, which began in 2023, uses the proven techniques that have been developed to improve these waterways and wetlands by decreasing or eliminated hybridized cattails, improving substrate quality for native plants, and reseeding native plants when needed.

About National Park Trust

National Park Trust's mission is to preserve parks today and create park stewards for tomorrow. Since 1983, the Park Trust has acquired many of the missing pieces of our national parks, benefiting 55 national park sites across the country. Our national youth education and family initiatives, including our Buddy Bison, College Ambassador and Military Family Programs, and National Kids to Parks Day, serve tens of thousands of children annually and cultivate future park stewards. We believe our public parks, lands, and waters should be cared for, enjoyed, and preserved by all for current and future generations. Find out more at parktrust.org.

About The National Park Service

More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 430+ national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

September 2024 Night Sky Calendar

Cool down and take it easy. The leaves are changing, night comes early and mosquitos have gone away. For northern hemisphere skywatchers September and October are probably the easiest, most relaxing months of the year to be out under the stars. The Milky Way and Summer Triangle asterism are still high in the sky and look stunning from the countryside. Venus huddles close to the sun low in the west 45 minutes after sundown, while Saturn rises around sunset and beckons from the southeastern sky around 9:30 p.m. local time.

Mars and Jupiter still adorn the morning sky, with Mercury joining the pair at dawn through mid-month. Jupiter nudges into the evening sky, rising in Taurus the Bull around midnight local time on September 1. By month’s end, it will clear the horizon at 10:30.

Highlights of the month include a partial lunar eclipse, Mercury’s best morning-sky appearance of the year, an occultation of the Pleiades star cluster by the moon and of course, the start of fall.

Our featured constellation this month is the brightest part of Pegasus the Flying Horse called the Great Square. It climbs up the eastern sky tilted on one corner, so it looks rather like a baseball diamond. Once you’ve found Saturn you can use it to find the figure. Ball your fist and hold it at arm’s length. Two fists to the planet’s upper left you’ll see two fainter stars nearly in line with Saturn. These define square’s western corners. Two additional stars to the left and parallel to them mark the other corners. We’ll use the Great Square as a stepping stone to help us find other fall constellations in the coming months.

Download the free Stellarium Mobile app for Android and iPhone to help you find and identify the planets and constellations. Do a Google search then install the app, set it in night mode (red screen) and point your phone skyward. For a free September sky map and calendar go to www.skymaps.com/downloads.html

Events (a.m. indicates the event happens in the morning sky):

September 1 (a.m.) – Charming conjunction of the wire-thin lunar crescent and planet Mercury low in the east-northeast sky an hour to 45 minutes before sunrise. The planet glimmers about 4 degrees to the moon’s lower right. Both will fit in the same binocular field of view, so if you can find the moon, you’ll spot the planet, too.

September 1-16 (a.m.) – Best morning appearance of Mercury this year. Look for the little planet during morning twilight low in the eastern sky. It gets brighter and brighter as mid-month approaches though loses altitude somewhat.

September 2 – New Moon

September 5 – Use binoculars to hunt for the thin crescent moon very low in the western sky starting about 20 minutes after sunset. A little more than one binocular field to its right look for the singularly bright planet Venus, which fights against the twilight glow.

September 8 – Saturn at opposition in Aquarius. It lies directly opposite the sun in the sky, rises around sunset and remains visible the whole night. The planet will be closest to the Earth for the year at “just” 804.7 million miles away and shine brightest. Its rings are nearly edgewise to us so they look more like a stick than a band.

September 9 (a.m.) – Mercury and Regulus, the brightest star in Leo the Lion, will park very close together this morning — just one moon-diameter apart. Look for the pair about an hour before sunrise. Should be an amazing sight in binoculars.

September 10-30 – The International Space Station (ISS) makes passes across the evening sky. It looks like a very bright star moving from west to east. For details, see Heavens-Above at heavens-above.com or check out NASA’s Spot the Station site at spotthestation.nasa.gov.

September 10 – First quarter moon. Stands in the southern sky at sunset and sets between 11-11:30 p.m. local time.

September 16 – Nearly full moon shines a short distance to the right of Saturn. The two will be about 5 degrees apart.

September 17 – Full Harvest Moon. Partial lunar eclipse tonight! The Earth’s shadow will take only a small bite, covering just 8 percent of the moon at most. The eclipse begins at 9:12 p.m. CDT and ends at 10:16 p.m. Greatest eclipse — when the maximum amount of the moon will be covered in shadow — occurs at 9:44 p.m. CDT; 10:44 p.m. Eastern; 8:44 p.m. Mountain and 7:44 p.m. Pacific.

September 22 – Autumnal equinox. First day of the fall season begins at 7:44 a.m. CDT. Day and night are approximately equal at 12 hours apiece around the globe. The sun rises due east and sets due west.

September 22 (a.m.) – Waning gibbous moon will cross over and cover up members of the Pleiades star cluster. The number of stars occulted depends on your location. For the Minneapolis region the first occultations occur around 5 a.m. local time. Use binoculars or a small telescope for the best view. For more details go to my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/astrobobking

September 24 (a.m.) – Last quarter moon. Rises around 11:30 p.m. and stands approximately due south at sunrise. It shines to the left of the bright planet Jupiter.

September 25 (a.m.) – Moon shines above the red planet Mars in the constellation Gemini this morning. They’ll be about 4 degrees apart.

September 25 – 30 (a.m.) – Chance to see Comet Tsuchinshan- ATLAS very low in the eastern sky at dawn. You’ll need a location with an unobstructed eastern horizon and pair of binoculars. The comet could be as bright as one of the stars in the Big Dipper, and display a tail. I’ll post more information on my Facebook page.

September 26 (a.m.) – Waning crescent moon appears just below Pollux, the brightest star in Gemini the Twins.

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Bob King is an amateur astronomer, author, and passionate educator. He served as a photographer and photo editor at the Duluth News Tribune for 39 years and taught at the UMD planetarium. Bob’s work had a great impact on Voyageurs National Park. To achieve International Dark Sky Park certification, the park was required to host dark sky education events. Through the Night Sky Explorer webinars, the Conservancy was able to fulfill this component and help secure the certification for Voyageurs National Park. We can’t thank Bob King enough for sharing his talents and knowledge with the Conservancy community to support dark sky preservation.

Member Spotlight: Jackson Schwartz and Rose Carr Schwartz

Q: What aspects of Voyageurs National Park resonate with you the most? Is there a particular feature or activity that holds special significance for you?

Rose: The aspects of Voyageurs National Park that resonate with me the most are its vast waterways and its ability to provide a connection to nature. It offers a sense of freedom and adventure, while also allowing for moments of quiet reflection. There’s a certain type of silence that I’ve found at the park, and it’s the only place I’ve found where I can shut off my busy brain and focus on being present. I love listening to the water lapping up against the rocks, the unique bird sounds, and hearing “fish on!” The water is where we spend our days paddling around, fishing, and observing beaver, deer, and black bears. It’s a rich experience, and I’m so thankful I get to share it now with my nieces and nephews. My hope is that Voyageurs National Park is a resource for not just them but for their kids.

Q: How has your connection to Voyageurs National Park evolved over time? Have there been any pivotal moments or experiences that deepened your appreciation for the park?

Rose: Over the years, my connection to Voyageurs has only deepened. Each visit brings new discoveries and moments of awe. But a pivotal moment for me was when I joined the board of the Voyageurs Conservancy. Being able to contribute to the preservation and stewardship of this incredible place has given my visits a new sense of purpose and meaning.

Jackson: Particularly over the pandemic, I and many others experienced a renewed appreciation and connection to wild places. The feeling of being stuck or limited made the access to Voyageurs so critical to physical and emotional health and well-being. It was during this time that I realized just how much this park means to me, not just as an artist, but as a human being.

Q: What values or principles do you associate with Voyageurs National Park, and how do they align with your personal beliefs or priorities?

Rose: The values and principles of Voyageurs National Park align closely with my own personal beliefs. Spending time in nature, conserving resources, and protecting the environment for future generations are all things that I hold dear. Being a part of the Voyageurs Conservancy allows me to actively work towards these goals and ensure that this beautiful park remains intact for years to come.

Jackson:  Being a steward of wild places and ensuring the species we are sharing the planet with have some room to exist. Access for all people to grand landscapes and ecosystems. Maintaining a spiritual connection to water. These are all values that resonate deeply with me, and I’m grateful to be able to support them through my involvement with Voyageurs National Park and the Voyageurs Conservancy.

Rose Carr Schwartz has served on the board of directors for the Voyageurs Conservancy since 2019 and is an active member of its Spring Thaw event committee. Rose recently spent six years at The Constellation Fund as their Chief Impact Officer developing a strategic grantmaking program to reduce the cycle of poverty in the Twin Cities.  Jackson Schwartz is the owner of Glass House, an event and art space where he practices his craft as a glass artist. Glass House is also where Voyageurs Conservancy hosts its annual Spring Thaw, a landmark fundraising event in the conservation organization's calendar. Rose and Jackson are volunteers, monthly donors, and passionately committed to preserving and promoting the natural beauty of Rainy Lake and Voyageurs National Park.

Sustaining members are the bedrock of Voyageurs. With monthly giving, you expand our ability and resources to carry our work. For just $10 a month, you will restore biodiverse habitat, preserve starry skies, and support the next generation of park stewards.

Become an Evergreen Sustainer at www.voyageurs.org/sustainer

Introducing Moss Kupper: Education Coordinator

Voyageurs Conservancy is thrilled to welcome Moss Kupper to the Voyageurs Conservancy team as an Education Coordinator. Moss has played a pivotal role in increasing access to Minnesota's national parks, working to ensure explorers of all ages and backgrounds can experience this natural wonder.

Moss has always fostered a passionate curiosity about learning and nature. Growing up with Minnesota’s diverse ecosystems, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in cognitive science from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. She was a Research Coordinator at a lab studying brain development and has worked across Minnesota as an Outdoor Recreation Instructor and Naturalist. She also participated in the work-exchange program “WorkAway,” learning how people worldwide steward and connect to their land.

Moss earned a Master’s in Environmental Education from the University of Minnesota, Duluth, completing a thesis titled “The Effects of Nature-Based Learning on Elementary Students’ Sustained Attention.” She spent two years as an Education Field Fellow with the Conservancy, piloting the Voyageurs National Park Mobile Classroom. Since then, she's introduced hundreds of students to Voyageurs, guided foraging excursions for local community members, and connected educators from across the nation to Minnesota's national park.

When not working, Moss enjoys jumping in Lake Superior, playing music, and weeding at her community garden. Please join us in welcoming Moss to the Voyageurs community!

August 2024 Night Sky Calendar

While August can be stubbornly hot, nights are becoming noticeably longer. Instead of waiting until after 10:30 or 11 p.m. for darkness to arrive, the stars are out by 10 or even a bit earlier. This is good news for skywatchers who enjoy a good sleep as much as the next person.

Highlights of the month include several squeaky-close moon-planet conjunctions and one of the richest meteor showers of the year, the Perseids. The moon will be near first quarter phase (half-moon) during the shower’s peak on Sunday night, August 11-12, and have little impact on the number of meteors visible. Under pristine, moonless skies, up to 100 per hour might be seen at maximum; from moderately light polluted suburban sites, expect closer to 30-40 meteors per hour.

Our featured constellation this month is Lyra. Connect the figure’s half- dozen “dots” and you’ll (hopefully) see a lyre, a hand-held string instrument resembling a harp that was popular in ancient Greece. To find it, just look straight up around 10 p.m. local time. Vega, the group’s brightest star, shines almost directly overhead.

Vega — pronounced VEE-guh or VAY-guh — gleams with a pure white radiance. Located just 25 light-years away, it’s the fifth brightest nighttime star. Were this luminary to replace the sun we’d be roasted alive — it’s about 2.5 times its size and 40 times as bright. Five additional fainter stars near Vega outline the lyre. If you happened to see the movie “Contact,” based on Carl Sagan’s novel of the same name, Vega was the source of the alien message sent to Earth.

Venus finally makes its appearance in the evening sky though it remains quite low. You’ll need binoculars for the best view. Saturn’s up in the southeastern sky high enough to see around 11 p.m. local time. Mars and Jupiter draw close together in the morning sky in Taurus the bull.

Download the free Stellarium Mobile app for Android and iPhone to help you find and identify the planets and constellations. Do a Google search then install the app, set it in night mode (red screen) and point your phone skyward. For a free August sky map and calendar go to www.skymaps.com/downloads.html

Events (a.m. indicates the event happens in the early morning sky):

August 4 – New Moon

August 5 – Use binoculars to hunt for the 1.5-day-old moon very low in the western sky starting about 20 minutes after sunset. It includes a pleasant surprise — Venus! The planet will appear less than one degree below the thin crescent. Both will easily fit in the same field of view.

August 11-12 – Height of the annual Perseid meteor shower. Dozens of meteors will be visible from a dark sky especially in the early morning hours of the 12th. You’ll still see a modest number as early as 10 p.m. local time. Face your reclining chair in the darkest direction, then watch and wait. Perseids can appear anywhere in the sky but all point back to the “radiant” located in Perseus in the northeastern sky. The shower is known for its fast meteors and plentiful fireballs. In case of bad weather, the following night will also be good for viewing.

August 12 – First quarter moon. Shines in the southern sky at sunset and sets between 11-11:30 p.m. local time.

August 13 – Waxing gibbous moon shines just to the right of Antares, the brightest star in Scorpius the scorpion.

August 14 (a.m.) – Spectacular, close conjunction of Mars and Jupiter in the east at the start of dawn. The two planets will pair up less than one full-moon-diameter apart, equal to just 0.3 degrees. Get your phone cameras ready! If clouds interfere, the they’ll be nearly as close on the mornings before and after.

August 19 – Full Sturgeon Moon, named for the fish caught in large numbers in the Great Lakes this time of year. Check your local moonrise time at timeanddate.com/moon so you can be there to watch its grand appearance at the eastern horizon.

August 20 – Another close conjunction, this time between the waning gibbous moon and Saturn. The two will be less than one full-moon-diameter (0.5 degrees) apart. Best shortly after moonrise through binoculars.

August 26 (a.m.) – Last quarter moon. Rises around midnight and stands approximately due south at sunrise. Bonus! It shines just a short distance below and left of the dipper-shaped Pleiades star cluster. Both will fit in the same binocular field of view for a stunning sight.

August 27 (a.m.) – Crescent moon in conjunction with brilliant Jupiter before dawn in the eastern sky. Mars will also be in the neighborhood, shining red-orange below and left of the moon.

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Bob King is an amateur astronomer, author, and passionate educator. He served as a photographer and photo editor at the Duluth News Tribune for 39 years and taught at the UMD planetarium. Bob’s work had a great impact on Voyageurs National Park. To achieve International Dark Sky Park certification, the park was required to host dark sky education events. Through the Night Sky Explorer webinars, the Conservancy was able to fulfill this component and help secure the certification for Voyageurs National Park. We can’t thank Bob King enough for sharing his talents and knowledge with the Conservancy community to support dark sky preservation.

Voyageurs National Park’s Annual Star Party Hosted on August 9 - 10

Experience the beauty and wonder of the night sky at the annual Star Party, featuring a series of free astronomy events taking place August 9-10 at Voyageurs National Park. 

Join us to explore the cosmos and celebrate the importance of preserving our dark, starry skies. Hosted by Voyageurs Conservancy, the National Park Service, and numerous partners, the Star Party celebrates the continued protection and enjoyment of our incredible night skies. Although light pollution threatens dark skies across the globe, Voyageurs National Park hosts some of the most spectacular dark skies in the region!

This event is free and open to all ages and experiences, from amateur astronomers to first-time stargazers. Conservancy and ranger-led activities will be held at both Rainy Lake Visitor Center on Friday, August 9 and Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center on Saturday, August 10.

Attendees will enjoy special dark sky programs and learn how to view the Perseid Meteor Shower with expert guidance from local astronomers. Delight in campfire stories and s'mores, paddle on Rainy Lake with the Canoemobile, and enjoy space-themed songs under the stars. Once the park goes dark, attendees will enjoy guided telescope sessions and constellation tours under Voyageurs’ star-studded skies. Join us to explore the wonders of the cosmos and discover the magic of the night at Voyageurs National Park!

Star Party Schedule

Friday, August 9 at Rainy Lake Visitor Center
Saturday, August 10 at Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center

The following schedule is the same for both Friday and Saturday with different locations. On Friday, August 9 all activities and programs will be located at Voyageurs National Park’s Rainy Lake Visitor Center. On Saturday, August 10, all activities (except for the night sky boat cruise) will be located at the park’s Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center. 

View a full schedule of 2024 events and the most up-to-date information at voyageurs.org/starparty. Program schedule highlights include:

Canoemobile with Wilderness Inquiry 
7:00 - 11:00 PM 

In partnership with Voyageurs Conservancy and the National Park Service, Wilderness Inquiry is thrilled to bring Canoemobile to the Voyageurs National Park 2024 Star Party for two nights of canoeing on Voyageurs lakes in our 10-person canoes. This event is free for everyone to attend and no prior paddling experience is required. People of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities are encouraged to attend! 

Ben Sunne

S’mores & Stories
7:00 - 9:00 PM

Enjoy a family-friendly time around the campfire with free s’mores and reading children’s books about the stars.

Nocturnal Animals of Voyageurs National Park 
7:15 - 7:45 PM 

For nocturnal animals, the envelope of darkness is just as natural as sunlit days are for us. In order to hunt, mate, or migrate, these species rely on the cyclic rhythms of light and dark. Come learn about the amazing adaptations that these nocturnal animals have developed in order to survive in pitch darkness. These nocturnal animals truly understand that half of the park is after dark!

Singing with the Stars
7:30 - 8:30 PM 

Join volunteers, park rangers, and Voyageurs Conservancy staff for a musical experience under the stars, covering space and night sky themed songs. 

Dancing with the Stars: The Motion of the Aurora Borealis!
7:45 - 8:15 PM 

Join us for a fun, interactive and moving exploration of the Northern Lights! This family friendly program will answer questions like: What are the Northern Lights? How are they moving?  How can I move like Aurora Borealis?  How long has Aurora Borealis been Dancing with the Stars?

Light Pollution Challenges and Solutions, and the Economic Opportunities of Astro-tourism

8:15 - 8:45 PM 

Join Dark Sky Delegate and Starry Skies North chapter president Todd Burlet as he explores light pollution and the economic opportunities it creates for still-dark locales.  Learn about the sources of light pollution, the impact it has on human health and wellness, as well as the health of our plants, animals, and waters. We’ll share simple things you can do as individuals, families, and communities to reduce light pollution while still enjoying quality outdoor lighting.  Learn more about the economic opportunities of Astro-Tourism and how to tap into this growing market, including how to attract visitors during ‘shoulder’ seasons.

How to Watch the Perseid Meteor Shower with Astro Bob 
9:00 - 9:30 PM 

It's almost time for one of the year's richest and most enjoyable meteor showers. In this program we will learn where Perseids come from and when to see them best.

Jesse Gates

Stars Over Voyageurs Lakes- Nighttime Boat Cruise
9:30 - 11:00 PM

View the stars aboard a tour boat in a dark-sky certified national park! The captain will navigate to a quiet spot on the lake to optimize dark sky viewing while a ranger helps visitors identify objects with the naked eye and talks about light pollution and what it means to be a dark sky certified park.  NOTE: Must make reservations and pay at recreation.gov

Telescope Observing Session
9:30 - Midnight

Once it's dark, enjoy telescope sessions and constellation tours under Voyageurs' star-studded skies. View Saturn and its beautiful set of rings through a telescope, enjoy constellation tours of the sky, and take in the wilderness above our heads. You'll even get the chance to view other galaxies through our new and powerful 18"-inch mirror Obsession Telescope.

Gordy Lindgren

A detailed schedule of activities, weather-related updates, and things to know before you attend the 2024 Voyageurs Star Party are available at voyageurs.org/starparty and www.nps.gov/voya. 

All are welcome to attend this free event at Voyageurs National Park. There are no entrance fees at Voyageurs National Park and no additional tickets or sign-up is required to attend the Star Party. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own supplies to this event. Seating is not provided so bring a camp chair or blanket if you wish. Wear layers, bring water, pack bug spray, and keep in mind parking is limited. Eat dinner before you arrive or pack a picnic (and plan to pack your trash out with you) as there will not be food vendors in the park. Be prepared to wait in line to park or walk a short distance from overflow parking.

This Voyageurs Star Party is brought to you by Voyageurs Conservancy, the National Park Service, Starry Skies North, Wilderness Inquiry, and Bell Museum. In December 2020, Voyageurs National Park became officially certified as an International Dark Sky Park. This certification from the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) recognizes Voyageurs for the exceptional quality of its dark skies and its ongoing commitment to preserving darkness and educating the public about the night sky. Voyageurs Conservancy, the official nonprofit partner of Voyageurs National Park, was proud to help secure this certification by funding key light fixture changes and hosting night sky educational programs.

Ben Sunne

Voyageurs Conservancy and Voyageurs National Park host the Dark Sky Classroom - a suite of engaging programs and events to educate youth and the public on the significance of our dark skies. This includes weekly Dark Sky Programs, Dark Sky Virtual Field Trips for elementary students, and the Voyageurs Star Party. Funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). You can support the Voyageurs Star Party and Dark Sky Classroom with a donation at voyageurs.org/give. 

Cattail Removal to Continue in Voyageurs National Park

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, MN: Voyageurs National Park staff and contractors will resume work removing areas of invasive, hybrid cattail in wetlands within Voyageurs National Park from July through October of 2024. Activities include grinding up mats of floating cattails with a specialized cutting machine and removing the debris using a harvesting barge. Debris will be deposited on shore where it will be spread and decay naturally. Some areas of treated wetlands will also be re-seeded with a native aquatic plant mix.

Hybrid cattails have invaded approximately 500-acres of wetlands in Voyageurs, outcompeting important native and diverse plant communities. This long-term project will improve habitat for wildlife, provide enhanced opportunities for fishing, and help restore wetlands to more diverse, natural states. More information on the project can be found at: https://go.nps.gov/voya/wetlands

Initial work will begin treating problematic floating mats in the Gold Portage area of Black Bay. Once completed, efforts will shift to Irwin Bay on Kabetogama Lake. Other locations may be added.

Removal operations will only occur during daylight hours. Noise will be generated by the specialized grinding machine. Treatment areas will be blocked off with booms to avoid floating debris from spreading to other portions of the lakes during contract work. Park visitors are reminded to not attempt to use boats or watercraft in recently treated wetlands to avoid getting stuck or damage motors as these areas are naturally shallow, mucky, and will contain remnant cattail debris. Follow-up removals will be repeated this summer as necessary to remove any debris.

The Voyageurs Wetland Restoration Project is funded by a variety of organizations including the Outdoor Heritage Fund as part of the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment, Minnesota Environment and Natural Resource Trust Fund, The Voyageurs Conservancy, The National Park Foundation, Clean Air Act Settlement Fund, and the National Park Service.

cattail removal to continue in voyageurs national park summer 2024 - Voyageurs National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

Voyageurs National Park Encourages Mindful Boating in Consideration of High Water

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, MN - With high-water levels due to summer rains, boaters are encouraged to watch their speed and limit wake near shorelines, docks, or other developed areas. Operating with a wake causes erosion, and damages docks and other structures. Many docks throughout the park are currently submerged, particularly on Sand Point, Namakan, and Kabetogama Lakes. Boaters should approach campsites, houseboat sites, or destination sites with caution. 

Voyageurs National Park encourages boaters to use caution when traveling the park’s waterways. High-water conditions may cover unmarked hazards that are typically visible during low or regular water periods. Boaters should remember to watch for floating debris and various hazards that may develop at any time without warning. 

By reducing boat wake, we can avoid damaging property and minimize shoreline erosion.

Voyageurs National Park Encourages Mindful Boating in Consideration of High Water - Voyageurs National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

Fishy Business: Red Foxes' Surprising Fishing Techniques

Written by Maeve Rogers, Wolf Predation and Research Technician & Conservancy Volunteer 

Up around Voyageurs National Park, there are three distinctive canid species that call the state’s only national park home; the Gray wolf (Canis lupus), the Coyote (Canis latrans), and the Red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Wolves and coyotes may often steal the spotlight, but have you ever wondered about the cunning nature of the red fox?

The red fox is a fascinating and opportunistic mesocarnivore species that takes advantage of various prey based on their abundance and accessibility. The species’ adaptiveness has made it one of the world's most widely distributed carnivores. These small predators exhibit impressive foraging skills, displaying a remarkable ability to adjust their diet and turn to alternative prey when their primary food sources become scarce. Foxes can thrive in diverse urban and agricultural areas, where they capitalize on human-provided foods. This adaptability extends to their hunting strategies, as fox diets encompass a variety of smaller mammals, fruit, birds, vegetation, and insects. However, recent observations have shown foxes engaging in a rather unexpected behavior - fishing!

In a recent study conducted in 2022 near the Valuengo reservoir in Spain, researchers witnessed a male red fox displaying remarkable fishing skills. Researchers Tobajas and Díaz-Ruiz explored the fishing behavior of red foxes in their one-of-a-kind article “Fishing behavior in the red fox: Opportunistic-caching behavior or surplus killing?”. They observed a fox using cunning tactics to target European carps (Cyprinus carpio) during their vulnerable spawning period within shallow pools of water. This unique, and understudied behavior challenges our previous understanding of foxes as hunters. 

Graphic by Maeve Rogers

This was the first documented observation of a fox hunting multiple fish, and the fox revealed a strategic ambushing approach:

1. The fox aligned itself right along the bank of a nearby shallow pool of water containing carp

2. The fox would seemingly wait for the moment when the carp became distracted by their spawning activities or appeared stuck

3. The fox would then swiftly dive nose-first into the water in attempts to catch a fish

This technique proved highly effective, with an impressive 83% success rate in capturing medium-sized carps. Even more intriguing was the post-capture behavior. The fox stashed the fish away, presumably for later consumption. This behavior has significant ecological implications as it challenged researchers' understanding of foxes' dietary flexibility and their ability to capitalize on seasonally available food sources. The groundbreaking study done by Tobajas and Díaz-Ruiz provides concrete evidence of active fishing behavior in foxes. 

Credit: Voyageurs Wolf Project

Interestingly, wolves on the Pacific coast of North America and Minnesota are the only other type of canid known to fish. Since 2017, the Voyageurs Wolf Project documented multiple wolves across different packs actively ambushing spawning White suckers (Catostomas commersoni) around Voyageurs National Park (Gable et al., 2018, Freund et al., 2023). Similar to foxes, wolves have been observed waiting in ambush along shallow streams of water during the short spawning window. Wolves have also been documented stashing fish, but it is unclear how common this behavior is. However, fishing behavior observed in multiple canid species across continents suggests that this behavior may be more widespread than previously believed.

Graphic by Maeve Rogers

There is very little documentation of fox fishing behavior in North America; however, scat analysis has revealed that fish can be a part of the species diet. In Voyageurs National Park, a trail camera deployed to study wolves in the area captured a red fox traveling with multiple medium-sized fish. The camera was set up by the Voyageurs Wolf Project along the shores of Lake Kabetogama, nearly a mile southeast of the Ellsworth Rock Gardens. The camera recorded at least three observations of the same fox traveling with a fish at this location. All the fish appeared fresh in the videos due to glistening scales and intact carcasses. 

These observations are incredibly interesting, but it cannot be confirmed whether or not the fox actively hunted these fish or scavenged them. Other cameras in the Voyageurs region captured additional instances of foxes traveling with fish carcasses, but no definite documentation of a fox ambushing fish.

Credit: Voyageurs Wolf Project

Graphic by Maeve Rogers

Wild canids' fishing behavior has been poorly documented because it is so rare to observe, primarily due to the limited seasonal availability of fish to these predators. The minimally observed behavior raises questions about the evolutionary adaptations of foxes, such as: 

1. Is this fishing strategy a learned behavior passed down through generations?

2. Can individual foxes develop the skill based on their unique experiences? 

3. How common is this behavior among fox populations?

4. Is the fish-caching behavior common among foxes that have the ability to fish?

Understanding such nuances in animal behavior is crucial for continued conservation efforts and ecosystem management. These unique observations also highlight the complexity of nature and remind us of the continual surprises awaiting discovery within nature. The rare fishing behavior seen in foxes is just an example of how much scientists still don’t know about the natural world, even for species that live  close to humans.

July 2024 Night Sky Calendar

Mid-summer can be the most challenging time of year to be out at night. Not only do we have to wait till late for the sky to get dark but the mosquitos are unrelenting. As always, if you’re prepared and take the right measures — napping earlier in the day and dressing to expose as little skin as possible — you’ll have a great experience under the stars.

In July, all three morning planets — Jupiter, Mars and Saturn — continue to climb higher into a dark sky. At dusk, Mercury briefly slips into view but the twilight glow will make it a challenge to spot. Ditto for Venus, which will finally show its face at month’s end.

The biggest event is a disappearing act called an occultation. On the evening of July 13, the half-moon will cover Virgo’s brightest star Spica for roughly an hour, depending on your location. The suddenness of the star’s disappearance at the dark edge of the moon must be seen to be believed. It happens swiftly for three reasons — the star is little more than a point of light and the moon is moving at 2,170 miles per hour. Also, because the moon has no atmosphere the star doesn’t fade as the moon approaches — it’s there and then it isn’t!

Our featured constellation this month is Draco the Dragon which winds between the two Dippers. The creature’s tail starts just off the bucket of the Big Dipper and loops up and around the Little Dipper, ending at the head, located at the top of the sky. Draco represents the mythological dragon Ladon, who guarded Hera’s (wife of Zeus) golden apple tree.

Download the free Stellarium Mobile app for Android and iPhone to help you find and identify the planets and constellations. Do a Google search then install the app, set it in night mode (red screen) and point your phone skyward. For a free July sky map and calendar go to www.skymaps.com/downloads.htm

Events (a.m. indicates the event happens in the early morning sky):

July 1 (a.m.) – Waning crescent moon appears above the planet Mars at dawn.

July 1-10 – Mercury visible in binoculars very low in the northwestern sky 45 minutes to an hour after sunset.

July 3 (a.m.) – Very thin lunar crescent shines above Jupiter low in the northeastern sky at dawn.

July 5 – New moon

July 7-28 – The International Space Station (ISS) will make one pass each evening through mid-month then two or more evening passes from mid-month through late July. It looks like very bright star moving from west to east across the sky. For specific times for your location get the free Spot the Station app in the App Store (iPhone) or on Google Play (Android).

July 7 – The 2-day-old crescent moon hovers about 3.5 degrees above Mercury very low in the northwestern sky an hour after sunset.

July 13 – First quarter moon. Tonight, the moon will occult Virgo’s brightest star Spica. It occurs around 10 p.m. in the Midwest and will be visible in binoculars or a small telescope. For specific times of disappearance and reappearance, look up your city at this link: lunar-occultations.com/iota/bstar/0714zc1925.htm. Times are given in Universal Time (UT). To convert to Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), subtract 4 hours; 5 hours for CDT; 6 hours for MDT and 7 hours for PDT. For example: if the star disappears at 2:50 UT, July 14 UT and you live in the Central Time Zone, subtract 5 hours to get 9:50 p.m. CDT, July 13.

July 17 – Waxing gibbous moon shines to the left of Antares, the bright red supergiant star in Scorpius.

July 21 – Full Buck Moon, named for male deer that shed their antlers this time of year and then regrow them in the coming months. Check your local moonrise time at timeanddate.com/moon

July 24 – Waning gibbous moon shines to the right of Saturn.

July 25-31 – See the Chinese space station Tiangong (Heavenly Palace) cross the night sky. Like the ISS it travels from west to east but it’s generally lower above the horizon and not as bright. Go to heavens-above.com, click the blue Change your observing location link and add your location. Then go back to the main page and click the Tiangong link. Click any of the times shown for a map showing its path across the sky.

July 29-30 – Peak of the Delta Aquariid meteor shower. The moon won’t interfere. For northern hemisphere skywatchers about 15 meteors per hour may be visible emanating from the constellation Aquarius in the southern sky. Best viewing will be after midnight.

July 27 (a.m.) – Last quarter moon. Rises around 1 a.m. and stands approximately due south at sunrise.

July 30 (a.m.) – Waning crescent moon, Mars and Jupiter gather in a compact triangle in the eastern sky at the start of dawn.

July 30-31 – Venus may be visible with binoculars 30-35 minutes after sunset very low in the western sky.

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Bob King is an amateur astronomer, author, and passionate educator. He served as a photographer and photo editor at the Duluth News Tribune for 39 years and taught at the UMD planetarium. Bob’s work had a great impact on Voyageurs National Park. To achieve International Dark Sky Park certification, the park was required to host dark sky education events. Through the Night Sky Explorer webinars, the Conservancy was able to fulfill this component and help secure the certification for Voyageurs National Park. We can’t thank Bob King enough for sharing his talents and knowledge with the Conservancy community to support dark sky preservation.

Voyageurs National Park Partners with U.S. Coast Guard to Offer Vessel Safety Inspections, Saturday June 8, 2024

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, MN: Voyageurs National Park’s division of visitor and resource protection will be partnering with the US Coast Guard and US Coast Guard Auxiliary to offer voluntary vessel inspections in the park.

Inspections will be offered at the Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center and boat launch area on Saturday June 8, from 10am to 4pm on a first come first serve basis.  Both recreational (VE) inspections and commercial (UPV) inspections will be offered. These inspections are an outstanding way to ensure your vessel is equipped with all needed safety equipment to have an enjoyable and safe time on the water.  Demand for inspections was high last year so please build a little extra time into your day if you would like to participate in the program.

The NPS thanks the US Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary for their dedication to safe boating and hopes the partnership will continue for years to come as a service to those who enjoy spending time on the water.

Voyageurs National Park Partners with U.S. Coast Guard to Offer Vessel Safety Inspections, Saturday June 8, 2024 - Voyageurs National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

Voyageurs Spring Thaw Event Beneath the Minneapolis Stars Raises $90K for Conservation, Science, and Next-Generation Education Innovations

In a unique gathering beneath the twinkling Minneapolis stars, the Voyageurs community came together for an unforgettable evening in support of conservation, science, and education. Hosted at Glass House on April 25th, the event proved to be a resounding success, raising nearly 90K to fuel impactful initiatives.

The spotlight shone brightly on projects like the Mobile Classroom and our partner, Voyageurs Wolf Project, aimed at understanding and preserving the delicate balance of predator and prey within Voyageurs National Park. Attendees were also treated to insights into the fascinating world of lichens and their role as indicators of environmental health. Hands-on activities and interactive displays throughout the event brought Voyageurs National Park to Minneapolis, engaging both young and old in the magic of discovery.

As the night unfolded, laughter and camaraderie filled the air around the campfire, where stories were shared and connections forged. Signature cocktails by Cantilever Distillery flowed freely, each sip a toast to the wild beauty of Voyageurs and the collective efforts to protect it.

In the end, it wasn't just about the funds raised, though they will make a significant impact in the months to come. It was about coming together as a community, united in our love for Voyageurs and our commitment to its preservation.

With audacious goals and a visionary spirit, we're on a mission to cultivate a future where awareness, knowledge, and action protect and advance Minnesota's only national park for the next 50 years.

Thank you to all who made the Spring Thaw a huge success and those who participated in Minneapolis and from home. We couldn't have done it without our amazing community of park supporters. A special shout out to our special speaker author Douglas Wood, our incredible presenters, sponsors, silent auction contributors, volunteers, and everyone who helped make Spring Thaw an unforgettable experience. Your contributions truly made all the difference.

Together, we can continue to make a difference, one step, one project, and one scoop of Blueberry Maple Hazelnut Crunch ice cream at a time.

If you were unable to join us at the Spring Thaw but still want to show your support for Voyageurs, consider making a donation! Every contribution helps.

June 2024 Night Sky Calendar

Jupiter returns to the fold! For about the first two weeks of June it still cowers in the glare of dawn. But the giant planet’s visibility greatly improves during the last 10 days of the month. Watch for it to rise in Taurus the Bull low in the northeastern sky about an hour before sunrise. It quickly climbs higher and will be much easier to spot in July.

Otherwise, Mars and Saturn provide the morning planetary entertainment. Neither is especially bright but both are readily visible in the east-southeast sky before the start of dawn. Saturn creeps slowly across Aquarius the Water-carrier, while Mars moves from Pisces into Aries.

The puffy band of the Milky Way climbs into the eastern sky around 10:30-11 p.m. local time. That may sound late but from many locations it doesn’t get dark out until then. In June we experience the latest sunsets and longest twilights of the year. The Milky Way is comprised of billions of stars most of which are too far away and faint to see individually — they blend to form a glowing haze. Try scanning the band with binoculars and you’ll see a ton more stars.

Rising along with the Milky Way are the three bright stars of the Summer Triangle asterism. Vega is brightest and highest with Deneb below and to the left of Vega and Altair below and to the right. Country skies and moonless nights are ideal for viewing the Milky Way. Try for a view during the “dark window” from June 1-12 before the moon gets too bright.

Download the free Stellarium Mobile app for Android and iPhone to help you find and identify the planets and constellations. Do a Google search then install the app, set it in night mode (red screen) and point your phone skyward. For a free June sky map and calendar go to skymaps.com/skymaps/tesmn2406.pdf

Blue clouds at night

Late June through early July is also the best time to look for noctilucent or “night-shining” clouds. They appear as wispy, blue-tinted streaks and ripples across the bottom of the northern sky and make their first appearance about 45 minutes to an hour after sunset or before sunrise. Composed of meteor dust, noctilucent clouds hover about 50 miles high and catch sunlight long after lower clouds go dark. Dark skies aren’t necessary to view them, just a wide-open view to the north. Dusks and dawns right around June 21 are the very best times.

Events (a.m. indicates the event happens in the early morning sky):

June 6 – New moon

June 11 – Waxing lunar crescent shines just a few degrees to the upper right of Regulus, brightest star in Leo the Lion.

June 13 – First quarter moon. Stands nearly due south at sunset and sets around 1 a.m. local time.

June 19 – Waxing gibbous moon shines several degrees to the right (west) of Antares, brightest star in Scorpius the Scorpion.

June 20 – Summer solstice! First day of summer begins at 3:50 p.m. CDT. Shortest nights and longest days of the year.

June 21 – Full Strawberry Moon, named for the profusion of the red fruit that ripens this time of year. To watch the moon rise, check your local rising time at timeanddate.com/moon

June 27 (a.m.) – Waning gibbous moon to the right of Saturn between about 2 a.m. and dawn. Even a small telescope will clearly show the rings. Their tilt is slight this season — next March we’ll see them edgewise.

June 28 (a.m.) – Last quarter moon. Rises around 1 a.m. and stands approximately due south at sunrise. The moon passes less than its own diameter due south of Neptune this morning. You’ll need a telescope to see it. The planet will be the only star-like object at that position. Focus on the moon and move your telescope upward (north) two-thirds of a moon-diameter to spot it.

June 29 (a.m.) – Planetary parade! The moon joins Saturn, Mars and Jupiter in a striking line across the southern and eastern sky at dawn.

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Bob King is an amateur astronomer, author, and passionate educator. He served as a photographer and photo editor at the Duluth News Tribune for 39 years and taught at the UMD planetarium. Bob’s work had a great impact on Voyageurs National Park. To achieve International Dark Sky Park certification, the park was required to host dark sky education events. Through the Night Sky Explorer webinars, the Conservancy was able to fulfill this component and help secure the certification for Voyageurs National Park. We can’t thank Bob King enough for sharing his talents and knowledge with the Conservancy community to support dark sky preservation.