Year: 2025

A grassy hillside dotted with clumps of tall yellow daisy-like flowers with dark centers. Flowers are called Rudbeckia or Black-Eyed Susan.

In La Crescent, HELP Grant Sparks Community, Habitat Connections

Ann Wessel reports on new native planting and pollinator habitat projects created in La Crescent through state and local funding programs.

A large group of people of all ages sit on benches in an outside grassy area with leafy trees behind them. All are facing the camera in a group photo setting.

Eagle Bluff Marks its 45th Year with Reunion

Outdoor education is key to Eagle Bluff’s success; Clare Mazack reports on the learning center’s 45th year of programming and the staff behind its programs.

Five people holding photo props stand on either side of a rainbow striped banner with the words "dam proud". The banner is hung on the side of a tall pavilion in a park.

Photo Essay | Lanesboro’s First-ever Pride in the Park

Upwards of 200 people gathered to support Lanesboro’s first annual Pride in the Park; Root River Current photographers share the story in a special photo essay.

a photo collage of a screen, a bike, and a train

Speak Up, Speak Out – and Listen

Water quality, e-bikes and a new “talking trail” are all In the News in June. John Gaddo has details on how Root River Current readers can speak up, speak out – and listen!

A large group of students stand and kneel for a group photo in a classroom with a large white screen behind them.

Earning a Different Kind of Varsity Letter

Steve Harris reports on the first ever Fillmore County student to receive a high school letter in volunteering through the United Way.

A group of people sit outside in folding chairs on green grass all facing forward watching a musical performance.

La Crescent Goes Live with Summer Music Series

Greg Lovell reports on how you can take in the music, community and fun at La Crescent Live, a summertime community event.

An older man in a maroon long sleeve shirt and tan pants stand in the middle of a small bridge covered in gravel.

Group Attempts to Make Preston to Forestville Trail a Reality

John Torgrimson reports on renewed efforts to complete the Preston to Forestville Bike Trail and the Preston volunteers leading the project.

A group of people bend and stand over small bushes being planted in a dry grass field. A hill with leafed out green trees is off the the left and back of the photo.

Hundreds of Shrubs to Protect Vesta Creek Streambank

John Weiss joins a crew of volunteers and conservation groups on a planting project to restore Vesta Creek’s floodplain with native and climate-adapted shrubs.

A dark brown snapping turtle lays on the lower bottom half of a skateboard. His tail is on the asphalt and the front end of the skateboard is pointing up.

Root River Diary | How Did the Turtle Cross the Road?

Joyce Roffler finds a unique way to help a snapping turtle across the road.

Four students hold long metal poles with an x-shaped end that is placed on the gravel ground.

Chert Quarry Near Grand Meadow Was Historic Social Center

A historic Grand Meadow-area site was both a quarry and a seasonal crossroads for neighboring Indigenous people. Check out part II of David Phillips’ reporting.