Life + Culture

Bringing Back the Grandfather Fish

Great Lakes Aquarium's sturgeon restoration project is helping revive an ancient species Article by Sarah Knieff Along the shores of the St. Louis River Estuary in Duluth, something remarkable is happening behind the scenes at Great Lakes Aquarium. Inside a specialized stream-side rearing trailer filled with cold river water, thousands of tiny lake sturgeon eggs are beginning a journey that conservationists hope will help restore one of Minnesota’s most iconic native species. For Executive...

Arts + Culture

Creating Art and Forming Bonds

A place for community, fun, and creativity Article by Sue Baldani | Photography by Lucy Hawthorne “Ceramics is the oldest form of art and technology,” says Ralph Nuara, who co-owns Forma Clay along with Michelle Horovitz. “There's almost something instinctually within all of us to make things.” And making things with clay, he explains, is very physical and engaging. “It's very tactile, very grounding, and feels like you’re connected to the earth.”   Michelle agrees. “It's so intense, it's so...

Arts + Culture

Making Waves in Water Safety

Hudson Valley Swim brings personalized, safety-first instruction to the Twin Cities Article by Sarah Knieff | Photography by Andrew Vick In a state defined by its water – nearly 12,000 lakes across Minnesota – learning to swim isn’t just a seasonal pastime, it’s an essential life skill. That belief sits at the heart of Hudson Valley Swim, where owner Tucker S. is bringing a safety-first, highly personalized approach to swim instruction in St. Louis Park. Originally founded in New York in the...

Life + Culture

Second Chances Start Here

Four Minnesota animal rescues changing lives through compassion, community and countless happy tails Article by Sarah Knieff Every adoption story begins with a second chance, and behind each one is a dedicated team of volunteers, foster families and animal advocates working tirelessly to change lives. Across Minnesota, rescue organizations are doing far more than finding homes for dogs and cats – they're providing medical care, educating communities, supporting pet owners through difficult...