Henry Nachtrieb

Itasca State Park Week: Back to Beavers

When we started our Itasca themed week, we shared the story of how beavers were introduced to Minnesota’s first state park. It is only fitting then that we close our week-long celebration of the establishment of Itasca State Park with…


Mounted Monday: What the Taxidermist Took

Hunting and fishing were important to the daily lives of Minnesota’s early residents as a source of food and income. For the most part, pioneers could hunt and fish all they wanted as very little regulation existed that addressed “taking”…


Friday Flora: Something sketchy…

If you have been a regular follower of the Exploring blog, you likely have noticed the black and white color scheme apparent throughout the posts, indicative of the archival materials and the time period we are dealing with. Though the…


Natural Sciences: Instruction

In addition to carrying out explorations and documenting the unique geologic formations of the state for the Minnesota Geologic and Natural History Survey, State Geologist Newton Horace Winchell (pictured at left) also assumed the responsibility of providing initial instruction in…